- Academics
- Quick Links
Anthony Picchioni, Department Chair
Director: Michael Collatrella; Lecturers: Robert
Barner, B. Harold Barkley Jr., Thomas Hartsell, Gay McAlister, Heather McMinn.
The Department of Dispute Resolution and Counseling comprises programs that share a focus on the resolution of problems, from personal conflicts that could benefit from the guidance of professional counselors to interpersonal conflicts that require the intervention of professional mediators. These programs offer the education and tools that allow practitioners to resolve problems. All classes offered through the Department of Dispute Resolution and Counseling are delivered during 10-week terms.
During the spring of 2006, SMU became the first university in the Southwest to offer an interdisciplinary master’s degree in dispute resolution. The degree emphasizes the development of skills vital to the resolution of disputes in business, domestic, education, public policy, church, legal and healthcare settings. The program’s quality and uniqueness stem, in significant measure, from its multidisciplinary approach to conflict management and its commitment to integrating ethics throughout the curriculum. Rooted in the social and behavioral sciences, the faculty and curriculum integrate such diverse fields as psychology, law, sociology, public policy and economics.
The master’s curriculum provides a greater depth of study than the certificate program in Dispute Resolution. It also offers additional specialization of skills and a level of professional scholarship that allow graduates to contribute to as well as practice in the profession. Students are able to practice and refine their resolution skill sets through “field work” in the program’s Mediation Clinic (described in the Service Centers section of this catalog), which provides affordable mediation services to community residents.
Admission Requirements. Applicants must submit the following:
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
2. Official undergraduate transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended.
3. Three letters of recommendation.
4. A 250-word essay explaining why the applicant wants to study DR.
5. A minimum undergraduate G.P.A. of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale). If the G.P.A. is lower than 3.0, the applicant must submit acceptable GRE, LSAT or Miller Analogies scores and interview with the center director or associate director.
6. Students applying to the master’s program after completing the certificate program must demonstrate a 3.5 G.P.A. from the certificate program (and comply with all other admission requirements).
Degree Requirements. The Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution program requires the completion of 42 HDDR credit hours, 18 of which are required and 24 of which are electives. The required courses include HDDR 6301, 6302, 6303, 6304, 6305, 6306, 6107 and 6210. The 24 elective credit hours may be chosen from the diverse pool of HDDR courses.
SMU’s 21-credit-hour Dispute Resolution Graduate Certificate Program offers classroom instruction in the practical application of principles and techniques under the guidance of a master instructor. Through interdisciplinary study, students learn formal conflict management skills in negotiation, mediation, domestic relations and dispute resolution to achieve improved relationships among individuals and organizations.
Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge that is applicable in both social and psychological environments. They learn the art of negotiation, problem solving, mediation, arbitration, systems design and many other applications of dispute resolution. The program incorporates active role-playing from varied aspects of human relationships in order to engage students in class participation and also provides the skill and training necessary to become adept at the art of conflict resolution.
Completion of the Mediation and Dispute Resolution course (HDDR 6303) satisfies the Texas statutory requirement for being a court-connected mediator. Some courses are also approved for continuing education unit credits. SMU provides the necessary documentation upon request.
Admission Requirements. Before enrolling in the Dispute Resolution Graduate Certificate Program, all students must provide the following:
1. A completed application.
2. Proof of the completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
3. Undergraduate transcript.
Certificate Requirements. The Certificate in Dispute Resolution requires completion of 21 graduate credit hours, nine hours of which are required and 12 of which are electives chosen from the entire pool of HDDR courses. The required courses are HDDR 6301, 6302 and 6303. The electives principally offer focused study in sub-specialties of dispute resolution and include descriptive readings, observations, simulated exercises and discussion.
Professional Seminar Series
Designed for professionals interested in refining their conflict management and communication skills without the commitment of a full certification program, these two- to six-day seminars are available for credit or noncredit and target very specific issues in the conflict resolution, negotiation and counseling fields. Customized programs can also be designed for corporations interested in providing in-house training for employees.
Mediation Clinic
Mediation Services are available to parties involved in a dispute. Dispute Resolution Program alumni and current students who have completed at least 200 training hours serve as volunteer mediators.
Parties may use SMU Mediation Services either before or after a lawsuit is filed. Parties may contact SMU directly to arrange a mediation, or, if a lawsuit has been filed, a judge may order mediation and appoint SMU Mediation Services. Parties have an equal say in the mediation process and the settlement terms. The mediator has no authority to impose a settlement, and there is no determination of guilt or innocence in this process. Both sides are able to exchange information, express expectations and propose solutions for reaching a resolution.
The mediator facilitates this process by helping the parties communicate clearly and appropriately. Most mediated settlements are completed in one meeting, saving time and expense. Legal or other representation is permitted in the mediation but is not required. An agreement reached in mediation can be binding to both parties. If no agreement is reached, the lawsuit continues or is filed. However, the mediation process is strictly confidential and settlement discussions cannot be used as evidence in any future court proceeding. Both parties pay a minimal fee.
Contact information
Department of Dispute Resolution and Counseling
Dispute Resolution, Master’s Degree and Graduate Certificate
5228 Tennyson Pkwy, Suite 118
Plano TX 75024
972-473-3435
www.smu.edu/resolution
Counseling, Master’s Degree
5228 Tennyson Pkwy, Suite 234
Plano TX 75024
972-473- 3402
www.smu.edu/mastercounseling
Dispute Resolution Professional Seminar Series
5228 Tennyson Pkwy, Suite 118
Plano TX 75024
972-473-3435
www.smu.edu/education/disputeresolution/professionalseminars.asp
Counseling,
Professional Workshops
5228 Tennyson Pkwy, Suite 234
Plano TX 75024
972-473- 3402
www.smu.edu/education/counseling/workshops/
Mediation Clinic
5228 Tennyson Pkwy, Suite 118
Plano TX 75024
972-473- 3486
www.smu.edu/MediationClinic
HDDR 6107/6108/6109. Practicum I/II/III. Supervised experience in the Mediation Clinic with required observations, co-mediation and mediation of court-annexed referrals. Fifteen credit hours must be completed prior to signing up for practicum II and III. Students complete a minimum of two mediations.
HDDR 6121. Independent Study.
HDDR 6122/6123/6124. Professional Seminar I/II/III.
HDDR 6210. Research Methods. Focuses on providing students with a fundamental understanding of research methods, enabling them to be discerning consumers of literature in the dispute resolution field. Sound research design, inference from data to conclusions and the assumptions underlying various methods. Empowers students to judge for themselves the value, validity and reliability of studies they read.
HDDR 6222. Independent Study
HDDR 6302. Negotiation and Dispute Resolution. Theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential to being an effective negotiator. Successful strategies for negotiation and ample opportunity to practice skills in simulation exercises. A systematic approach to mastering the fundamentals of making favorable agreements that minimize conflict and maximize results. Includes specific benefits: (1) learning how to maximize the potential of making an agreement on your terms, (2) learning how to avoid making an unfavorable agreement, (3) identifying strengths and weaknesses in personal negotiating style, (4) improving your ability to make good choices in negotiation strategy and (5) understanding the role of relationships in making good agreements.
HDDR 6303. Mediation and Dispute Resolution. Mediation is a process that employs a neutral third party, the mediator, to help disputing parties make decisions that concern the future of the dispute. An overview of the theoretical and practical aspects of the mediation process. Includes a step-by-step process for conducting mediations and the opportunity to practice fundamental dispute resolution skills, such as listening, reframing, summarizing, problem-solving and creating a safe, non-threatening environment. Allows students to use lectures, discussions, video simulations, interactive exercises and role plays to gain a functional knowledge of the power and practice of mediation. Satisfies the 40-hour statutory requirement for serving as a mediator in Texas court-connected programs.
HDDR 6304. Arbitration and Dispute Resolution. An introduction to arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism. Fundamental theoretical, legal and practical aspects of the discipline. Compares and contrasts arbitration to other forms of dispute resolution. Relies on labor arbitration and the resolution of disputes in the workplace as a centerpiece of instruction. However, the theory, principles and techniques of labor arbitration are equally applicable to commercial or international arbitration. Successful students achieve a solid foundation in arbitration that rounds-out their exposure to ADR and better prepares them for a career in the discipline.
HDDR 6305. Foundations of American Legal Systems. The structure and procedures of the U.S. court system with a particular emphasis on how methods of alternative dispute resolution augment, coordinate and sometimes clash with the goals of traditional litigation. Legal concepts and terminology essential to successfully working within the field of dispute resolution and basic legal skills. Includes legal reasoning, interpretation of case law, statutes and administrative codes. A primer on research materials and tools used by judges and lawyers to evaluate the merits of a legal dispute.
HDDR 6306. Ethics in Dispute Resolution. Asks students to examine the boundaries of their own moral compasses as they study ethical guidelines and principles applicable to third-party neutrals in alternative dispute resolution. Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to demonstrate knowledge and application of the fundamental ethical principles for third-party neutrals and specific guidelines, codes and standards of conduct that apply. They also know how to recognize ethical issues and resolve tough ethical dilemmas.
HDDR 6311. Techniques and Skills in Mediation. The basic theoretical and process foundations of mediation, with particular emphasis on skills and techniques needed to be an effective dispute resolution professional. Includes an extensive series of exercises, role plays and discussions designed to provide individualized, constructive feedback. Satisfies the 40-hour Texas state requirement to be a court-annexed mediator.
HDDR 6312. Advanced Negotiation. The dynamics, constraints and skills needed in the negotiation process. Studies the theories of negotiation through current literature and specific techniques that are taught through simulated exercises. Participants develop the skills needed to negotiate effectively for their vital interest and learn how to choose among a range of procedural options. Draws course content from fields of law, psychology, business and communication.
HDDR 6313. Advanced Mediation. A continuation of the basic mediation course focusing on the most prominent dispute resolution processes. Assumes an understanding of the mediation process and provides in-depth examination of important issues in mediation practice such as convening, multi-party mediation, mediator bias, mediator ethics and mediator qualifications. Highly interactive. Moves far beyond introductory lectures and simple role plays. Participants must have successfully completed a basic mediation course and typically have some mediation experience.
HDDR 6314. Advanced Arbitration. Builds on the theoretical, legal and practical aspects studied and conflict situations in a complex and in-depth way and to demonstrate communication competence in conflict situations.
HDDR 6346. Organizational Consulting Skills. Students apply dispute resolution skills as either external consultants or internal consultants and business partners. The basic core elements of organizational consulting, including establishing trust with clients, establishing expectations of the consulting problems, planning a consulting intervention and managing a consulting intervention.
HDDR 6347. Systems Design in Dispute Resolution. Executives in the new millennium are facing an ever-increasing number of organizational disputes in the form of customer complaints, employee grievances, charges of discrimination, contractual disagreements, lawsuits and unhealthy competition within and between work groups. Organizations are inclined to handle these conflicts on a case-by-case basis or use adversarial approaches that often escalate the situation and result in expensive solutions later on. In this course, students learn how to use an effective dispute resolution system that can offer a constructive approach for managing a wide range of organizational conflicts. These systems provide an integrative and comprehensive way to minimize conflict and resolve disputes when they arise.
HDDR 6348. Team Building Theory and Practice. An introduction to two important specialized applications of dispute resolution skills: facilitating work teams in the identification and resolution of critical work and relationship issues and coaching managers to resolve performance problems. Facilitation skills for identifying team issues, expediting team problem-solving and addressing performance challenges within and across work teams. Prepares participants to understand the roles, responsibilities and interpersonal competencies that are critical to success in executive coaching.
HDDR 6349. Advanced Executive Coaching. Organizational systems theory as a framework for guiding students through advanced techniques for executive coaching. How to adapt coaching diagnosis and intervention to the three different coaching requirements: transitional coaching, developmental coaching and remedial coaching. Helps students perform a baseline assessment of their core competencies as coaches and engage in additional opportunities to practice and strengthen their executive coaching skills.
HDDR 6350. Advanced Team Building. An examination of the dynamics of group conflict and an introduction to advanced facilitation techniques for guiding teams through difficult decisions, conflict and the resolution of problems. Also an introduction to more complex contextual issues, such as the role of senior stakeholders and organizational system constraints, which can shape the outcomes of team facilitation projects.
HDDR 6351. Workplace Conflict. An introduction to the sources and causes of conflict within business organizations and an explanation of some of the implementation issues, such as working with multiple and often-polarized senior stakeholders, that must be addressed when implementing mediation and conflict resolution services within business settings. Uses exercises and case studies to help students assess workplace conflicts and to determine the most effective processes for applying dispute resolution support to business clients.
HDDR 6352. Selected Organizational Topics. Variable course content with topics of interest as related to the organizational concentration of dispute resolution.
HDDR 6360. Counseling and Interviewing. The necessary skills for effective interviewing with emphasis placed on methods of inquiry and fact finding. The function of alternate dispute resolution professionals and the professional skills they use during the critical processes of interviewing and counseling. A substantive focus on preventive law and client-centered planning. Draws from fields of communication and psychology as well as law. Emphasizes learning through simulation exercises, case studies and discussions.
HDDR 6361. Cross Cultural and Gender Negotiation. The relationship of identity, gender, culture and ethnicity to conflict dynamics in the negotiation process. A comparison of individual- and collective-oriented cultures. The use of body language and physical spacing in negotiation. The use of language, narratives and metaphors and how the concept of apology and forgiveness is a culture- and gender-dependent issue. Focuses on increasing the student’s sensitivity and awareness of these issues and enabling them to practice skills that make them more effective conflict resolvers.
HDDR 6362. Education and Dispute Resolution. The uses of dispute resolution techniques from kindergarten to college. Attention to multi-party disputes between students, faculty, administrators and the educational community. Teaches skills for diagnosis, management and resolution through a combination of didactic and role simulations.
HDDR 6363. Health Care and Dispute Resolution. A survey of situations and issues in which conflict commonly develops in the health care field, with its unique culture and systems. Focuses on quality review standards, malpractice and bio-ethical disputes.
HDDR 6364. International Conflict Management. The provocative topic of international relations and dispute resolution. The world is rapidly changing, and these changes are expanding the application of negotiation and mediation as well as other dispute resolution mechanisms in international settings. Probes national and international human rights in the coming global and politically realigned world.
HDDR 6365. Public Policy and Dispute Resolution. An intensive study of the application of dispute resolution techniques to environmental disputes and the wider areas of public policy. Includes complex multi-party litigation, multi-stakeholder/citizen groups participation, adversarial negotiations with governmental entities, reparation of settlement documents and the still-new field of negotiated rule making.
HDDR 6366. Religion and Dispute Resolution. When the usually peaceful ambiance of a church becomes embroiled in conflict and controversy involving parishioners, constituent groups, employees, governing bodies or even outside organizations, conflict resolution and mediation become the focus. Emphasis on equipping students in skills for mediating interpersonal and group conflict in churches, employing a transformational model of mediation placed within the context of family systems theory. Uses an active and practical focus, emphasizing hands-on skills training and real-life role-plays based on the types of conflict typically found in churches. Focuses primarily on the church setting, although the skills learned are directly transferable to other settings. Satisfies the Texas requirement for basic mediation training.
HDDR 6367. Selected Topics in Social Service Dispute Resolution. Variable course content with topics of interest as related to the social service concentration of dispute resolution.
HDDR 6370. Assessment and Interview Skills for Executive Coaching. This course serves as the foundation for the three-course executive coaching series and certification program in executive coaching. Students obtain a basic introduction to coaching, including its purpose and, applications, and how coaching differs from counseling or mediation. Students learn how to make certain that all parties (the coachee, coachee’s manager, and sponsoring organization) share the same expectations of the coaching process. Students also learn how to conduct in-depth assessment interviews with their coachees, and with other organizational stakeholders. The course also introduces students to the use of degree tools, and shows them how to integrate 360-degreeo and interview data into a consolidated assessment report. Finally, students learn how to develop a coaching contract and conduct an initial post-contracting interview.
HDDR 6371. Transitional & Developmental Coaching. This course provides students with an introduction to two unique applications of executive coaching: transitional coaching and developmental coaching. Transitional coaching is designed to help leaders make rapid, successful transitions to totally new work cultures and settings. Students learn the unique skills required of transitional coaches, and the challenges that they are likely to face within transitional coaching assignments. Students also learn how to contract for such assignments, and how to adapt coaching interventions to the short-term requirements of this coaching specialty. Finally, students are introduced to tools and techniques they can use to help leaders quickly adapt to new work environments. Developmental coaching focuses on preparing leaders to take on broader organizational assignments. Students explores the unique challenges faced by developmental coaches, and by those who coach ‘fast-track’ or high-potential leaders (HIPOs). Students also learn how to integrate development coaching into the sponsoring organization’s internal development efforts. Finally, they discover how the coaching goal setting process and supporting coaching interventions can be adapted to improve the success of developmental coaching assignments.
HDDR 6372. Performance Coaching. Performance coaching is focused on helping managers turn around performance issues that are related to ineffective leadership styles and behaviors. Students are introduced to the most common performance coaching challenges, that are likely to be encountered in performance coaching. They also explore how to meet and address resistance to coaching. Students learn the intricacies of client contracting, with particular attention to establishing clear and detailed expectations for performance improvement. They develop techniques for working with managers, coaches, their managers, and other organizational stakeholders to identify clear performance metrics for gauging the effectiveness of the coaching process. Students are also shown how to adapt coaching interventions to this most difficult of coaching areas. Finally, students engage in structured practice in conducting performance coaching interventions.
The Master of Science in Counseling program prepares students for the counseling profession, which involves the application of the developmental and social sciences in assisting children and adults with psychological growth and social adjustment problems. Counselors and therapists work in schools, community agencies, churches, hospitals, industry and private practice.
Students acquire knowledge in the disciplines that underlie counseling–including education, psychology, human development, sociology, learning and social change. They develop the basic skills in therapy and assessment and become familiar with the legal and clinical considerations confronting practitioners. Repeated practice and role-playing with feedback and strategic modification are critical to mastery of the skills and are, consequently, an essential part of the program. Successful graduates are able to pursue state licensure as marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed professional counselors (LPC) and/or certification as school counselors.
LMFT courses (These 45 credit hours plus nine additional elective hours meet or exceed state requirements for LMFT)
HDCN 6300. Introduction to Counseling
HDCN 6304. Counseling Diverse Communities
HDCN 6310. Family Systems
HDCN 6311. Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy
HDCN 6312. Family Therapy
HDCN 6313. Family of Origin
HDCN 6314. Sexual Counseling/Therapy
HDCN 6320. Life Span Development
HDCN 6330. Psychopathology: Adult
HDCN 6340. Assessment
HDCN 6349. Research Design and Statistics
HDCN 6381. Ethics & Mental Health
HDCN 6395. Supervised Clinical Practicum I
HDCN 6398. Internship I
HDCN 6399. Internship II
LPC courses (These 36 credit hours plus 18 additional elective hours meet or exceed the state requirements for LPC)
HDCN 6300. Introduction to Counseling
HDCN 6301. Counseling Theory
HDCN 6302. Counseling Methods: Individual
HDCN 6303. Counseling Methods: Group
HDCN 6304. Counseling Diverse Communities
HDCN 6320. Life Span Development
HDCN 6321. Lifestyle & Career Development
HDCN 6330. Psychopathology: Adult
HDCN 6340. Assessment
HDCN 6349. Research Design and Statistics
HDCN 6381. Ethics and Mental Health
HDCN 6395. Supervised Clinical Practicum I
School Counseling courses (These 45 credit hours plus nine additional elective credit hours meet or exceed the state requirements for School Counseling)
HDCN 6300. Introduction to Counseling
HDCN 6301. Counseling Theory
HDCN 6302. Counseling Methods: Individual
HDCN 6303. Counseling Methods: Groups
HDCN 6304. Counseling Diverse Communities
HDCN 6320. Life Span Development
HDCN 6321. Lifestyle and Career Development
HDCN 6330. Psychopathology: Adult
HDCN 6340. Assessment
HDCN 6349. Research Design and Statistics
HDCN 6381. Ethics and Mental Health
HDCN 6395. Supervised Clinical Practicum I
HDCN 6398. Internship I
HDCN 6399. Internship IIEither:
HDCN 6308. Counseling: Elementary School or
HDCN 6309. Counseling: Secondary School
Electives
HDCN 6307. Geriatric Counseling
HDCN 6322. Societal Trends & Special Student Needs
HDCN 6323. Adolescent Development
HDCN 6324. Child Development
HDCN 6331. Psychopathology: Child and Adolescent
HDCN 6341. Assessment: Cognitive
HDCN 6342. Cognitive, Career and Educational Assessment
HDCN 6343. Play Therapy
HDCN 6344. Art Therapy
HDCN 6345. Music Therapy
HDCN 6346. Career Assessment
HDCN 6350. Introduction to Neuroscience
HDCN 6351. Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse
HDCN 6360. Advanced Educational Psychology
HDCN 6370. Crisis Intervention
HDCN 6371. Counseling: Disabilities
HDCN 6372. Gender Issues
HDCN 6382. Psychology of Conflict
HDCN 6383. Negotiation & Dispute Resolution
HDCN 6384. Mediation & Dispute Resolution
HDCN 6385. Advanced General Psychology
HDCN 6386. Family Law
HDCN 6387. Family Mediation
HDCN 6391. Selected Topics: Counseling
HDCN 6392. Selected Topics: Marriage & Family
HDCN 6393. Selected Topics: School Counseling
Admission Requirements. Program applicants must submit the following.
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
2. Official undergraduate transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended.
3. Three letters of recommendation.
4. A 250-word essay explaining why the applicant wants to study counseling.
5. A minimum undergraduate G.P.A. of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). If the G.P.A. is lower than 3.0, the applicant must submit acceptable GRE, LSAT or Miller Analogies scores.
6. Students applying to the master’s program must attend a short personal interview.
Degree Requirements. The Master of Science in Counseling degree requires the completion of 54 credit hours (18 courses), written and oral comprehensive exams and a practicum/internship. The LMFT curriculum includes 12 required courses, a practicum and two internships and three elective courses for a total of 54 credit hours. The LPC curriculum includes 11 required courses, one practicum and six elective courses totaling 54 credit hours. The School Counseling track includes 12 required courses, one practicum and two internships and three electives, totaling 54 credit hours. A full-time student can complete the program in two years. Classes are delivered during 10-week terms. For specific degree requirements and course descriptions, visit the Web site: www.smu.edu/mastercounseling.
HDCN 6300 Introduction to Counseling. An overview of the counseling profession. Examines the conceptual framework of counseling along with historical, theoretical and legal-ethical issues. Focuses on how the novice counselor approaches situations, uses skills and develops a unique human-to-human relationship with clients. Includes spirituality, philosophy, diversity and post-modernism. Considers research and emerging trends.
HDCN 6301 Counseling Theory. An advanced study of the major theories in the field of counseling, as well as an exploration of the historical perspectives and philosophies upon which they are based. Classical psychoanalysis, individual psychology, analytical theory, person-centered therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, gestalt therapy and existential therapy. A special emphasis on the axiom, “know thyself.”
HDCN 6302 Counseling Methods (Individual). The major methods used in counseling individuals with a focus on their effectiveness and applicability to different individual needs. Covers in detail the relationship between specific theories and their counseling applications. Uses case study approaches combined with counseling practices to demonstrate developing strategies working with individuals. Emphasizes adjusting counseling for various individuals to reflect their diverse backgrounds and varying ages. Helps students develop their own approach to individual counseling.
HDCN 6303 Counseling Methods: Group. The dynamics and major approaches to group counseling with emphases on starting a counseling group, leading groups effectively and evaluating results. Stresses understanding of group processes, leadership and membership. Considers special populations including minorities, intellectually or physically challenged, women, perpetrators or abuse victims, as well as those with chronic or life threatening diseases. Covers support and self-help groups along with the ethical issues unique to group settings. Also covers program planning and development in agencies, schools, higher education and private practice.
HDCN 6304 Counseling in Diverse Communities. The basic constructs of race and ethnicity with respect to how these constructs impact an individual’s relationship to social, cultural, historical and educational environments. Helps each student develop counseling skills and strategies reflecting the needs of specific ethnic, racial and minority populations.
HDCN 6307 Geriatric Counseling. This course is an introduction to the field of gerontology and the treatment modalities and approaches to counseling older adults. It examines the current research knowledge related to gerontology and the aging process. Included is an in-depth study of the special health needs, chronic illnesses, physiological aspects and related services as applied to gerontology. Sociological implications and the approaches to counseling the elderly in institutional settings and dealing with crisis situations, leisure, relocation, retirement, housing and death and dying.
HDCN 6308 Counseling: Elementary School. The role of the elementary school counselor as determined by the developmental guidance plan in Texas. Counseling, consulting, coordinating, guidance responsibilities and other issues. The variety of ways a counselor functions within a school. Integration of skills learned in other courses.
HDCN 6309 Counseling: Secondary School. The role of the secondary school counselor as determined by the developmental guidance plan in Texas. Counseling, consulting, coordinating, guidance responsibilities and other issues. The variety of ways a counselor functions within a school. Integration of skills learned in other courses.
HDCN 6310 Family Systems. A study of systems theory as it relates to family function and dysfunction. The theoretical underpinnings of family intervention and the development of the skills and tools necessary to impact the dysfunctional family in a therapeutic setting. A “how to” course with the expectation that each student will develop the basic skills needed to orchestrate a family session. The influence of culture, race, sex and gender within families. The student will continue to work on understanding his or her own personal family system in order to bring as much congruence as possible into the therapy room.
HDCN 6311 Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy. The principles and techniques of effective therapy with couples. Explores various models with a focus on applicability to different client needs in a variety of settings. Intertwines relevant topical issues with class assignments, class discussions and role-plays. Bases evaluation on several factors, including strengths and deficits in intrapersonal and interpersonal counseling skills as demonstrated in role-play and/or written assignments. A special emphasis on the axiom, “know thyself.”
HDCN 6312 Family Therapy. An overview of the field of family therapy with specific focus on the precursors of the family therapy movement, the major models of family intervention, counseling skills and theoretical techniques and application of counseling principles to the family setting. Various theories of family structure and process, guiding principles and strategies for assessing and other techniques for engaging and connecting with families.
HDCN 6313 Family of Origin. An in-depth study of the principles of Bowen systems theory, as well as related issues in family systems therapy. Strong emphasis on theory, on viewing the family as an emotional unit, on understanding the individual client as a continuing presence in his or her family of origin and on strategies for applying this knowledge in a clinical setting. Equal attention to the dynamics of each student’s own family of origin/extended family with the opportunity to explore, study and comprehend that family of origin during at least three generations. The student’s differentiation of self within current relationships and other contexts such as the workplace, etc., will be a primary focus of this course.
HDCN 6314 Sexual Counseling/Therapy. A study of sexual problems and sexual disorders. Focuses on sexual experiences as a part of life experiences and the development of the skills and tools necessary to strengthen positive relational and sexual functioning in a therapeutic setting. A “how to” course, with the expectation being that each student will develop the basic skills needed to orchestrate sexual counseling sessions. The student will continue to work on understanding his or her own sexual attitudes and beliefs in order to bring as much congruence as possible into the therapy room. An examination of personal values clarification, sex education, cultural messages, gender role development and relational patterns throughout the course.
HDCN 6320 Life Span Development. Physical, cognitive, communicative/linguistic and social/emotional development throughout the life span. Addresses these topics within the context of the major theories of development with a focus on age level and cultural and socio-economic diversity. Students learn appropriate developmental practices useful in interventions across the life span.
HDCN 6321 Lifestyle and Career Development. The interrelationship between culture and related life factors with the world of work. Career counseling, occupational development theories, educational planning, labor market information resources and the use of technology as a tool in career counseling cases.
HDCN 6322 Societal Trends & Special Student Needs. Designed as a course for school counselors with an emphasis on those student populations that arrive at school with differences that impact learning. Includes the wide spectrum of students in special education, in ESOL and bilingual programs and in gifted and talented programs. Attention to cultural patterns that influence the contemporary schoolchild: technology, poverty, music, stress, substance abuse, sexual diversity, demographics and immigration, etc.
HDCN 6323 Adolescent Counseling. The cognitive, physical and psychosocial development of the adolescent. An emphasis on normal development, but special issues will also be investigated, as will the influence of cultural factors. Includes substance abuse dynamics, gang related activities, sexual relationships and legal and ethical issues. Explores both individual and group counseling techniques.
HDCN 6324 Child Counseling. A study of the physical, cognitive, emotional, moral, social, linguistic and personality development of the child. Covers the period from conception to adolescence. Emphasizes research, psychological principles, cultural issues and the difference between abnormal and healthy development. Includes school adjustment, peer acceptance, parental child-rearing patterns and family dynamics.
HDCN 6330 Psychopathology: Adult. An integrative approach including the biological, psychological, social, cultural, familial and political forces that currently define abnormal behavior. More specifically, the history, theories, research, DSM IV-TR diagnostic categories and psychopharmacological treatments. Anxiety, dissociation, mood, eating, substance abuse, sleep, sexual, psychotic, childhood, adolescent, cognitive, personality, impulse control, somatoform and adjustment disorders. Emphasizes critical thinking, using clinical examples and case studies.
HDCN 6331 Psychopathology: Child and Adolescent. Abnormal behavior in children and adolescents. Uses an integrative approach including the biological, psychological, social, cultural, familial and political forces that currently define abnormal behavior. Covers the history, theories, research, DSM IV-TR diagnostic categories and psychopharmacological treatments.
HDCN 6340 Assessment. The basic appraisal concepts, various instruments, procedures, methods and interview techniques used for developmental, behavioral, cognitive, learning and personality assessment. Emphasis on understanding, criticizing and using the assessment report to develop a counseling approach. Uses case studies to demonstrate this process.
HDCN 6341 Assessment: Cognitive. An examination of the various approaches to cognitive testing. Reviews procedures, methods and the use of different testing instruments and ethical consideration in terms of research and practice. Includes case studies as an integral part of the class.
HDCN 6342 Cognitive, Career and Educational Assessment. Basic appraisal and assessment concepts applicable to the school setting. Reviews procedures, methods, the use of various testing instruments and ethical consideration in terms of research and practice. Includes case studies as an integral part of this examination of cognitive assessment, educational assessment and career guidance and development.
HDCN 6343 Play Therapy. Stresses the premise that helping children recognize and accept the feelings they are experiencing is a foundation to their learning healthy ways of coping with anxiety and stress. Because play is the method children use to master the confusing problems in their world, this course focuses on helping counselors select play therapy materials, create the proper therapeutic atmosphere and develop the skills necessary to interact with children in a play-therapy setting. Examines a variety of play therapy philosophies and theories.
HDCN 6344 Art Therapy. The philosophy, history, theory and practice of therapeutic intervention using art. Introduces the fundamental elements of art therapy through discussion, reading, demonstration and hands-on-technique. Emphasizes the use of the creative process of communicating through art.
HDCN 6345 Music Therapy. In many ways, music is a healing agent, and never more so than in the therapeutic setting. An overview of the practical considerations (improvisation, song writing, musical play, singing and listening skills, etc.) in the field of music therapy. Emphasis on the theoretical and historical aspects of the discipline as well as the principles of music therapy. A review of the application of music therapy with specific physical and emotional disorders and difficulties.
HDCN 6346 Career Assessment. The relationship between theory and practice in career counseling settings. A specialized study of educational and psychological assessment techniques, along with such issues as work values, career interests, work skills, work environment, developmental states in career theory and decision making. Provides students with an understanding of the complexity of career counseling and the skills for facilitating successful career development in schools, rehabilitation and community settings.
HDCN 6349 Research Design and Statistics. Basic experimental, quasi- and non-experimental research designs and methods, with an emphasis on developing a critical approach to examining the research literature in counseling. A basic introduction to the application of statistics in research. Includes statistical inference, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, multiple regression, factor analyses and non-parametric statistics.
HDCN 6350 Introduction to Neuroscience. A foundation in issues pertaining to the central nervous system structure and function and the relationship of brain and behavior. Particular emphasis on memory, learning, sleep, language, perception and cognition. The roles of neural, hormonal and immunological mechanisms in behavior. A specific emphasis on brain damage, mental illness and neurological disease.
HDCN 6351 Psychopharmacology & Substance Abuse. The psychological and behavioral effects of drugs, with a focus on substance abuse. Covers historical factors, developmental issues, family system patterns, addiction theory and societal trends that are a part of substance abuse. Case studies, role-playing and the development of counseling strategies.
HDCN 6360 Advanced Educational Psychology. An advanced study of the psychological constructs surrounding instruction and learning in the classroom. Includes concepts and principles, such as personality theory, motivation, cognition and a variety of developmental issues. A central focus on knowing how to create healthy relationships. Examines the dynamics of such issues as family systems, classroom discipline, hope, anger, sexuality, gender, change, collegiality and parental interaction.
HDCN 6370 Crisis Intervention. Theories, strategies and skills and an overall introduction to clinical crisis intervention. Models for assessing and responding to crises. Medical and psychological traumas, post traumatic stress disorder and professional burnout. Theoretical and ethical implications. Special emphasis on disaster psychology, natural disasters, terrorism, school violence and suicidology.
HDCN 6371 Counseling: Disabilities. Theories of counseling as they are applied to rehabilitation in the context of persons with disabilities. A survey of the history, philosophy, goals, objectives, ethics and the most useful techniques. An integration of theory with practice. Concepts of individual counseling and group counseling paradigms. Cultural, class and gender components.
HDCN 6372 Gender Issues. The use of gender as a means of understanding ways in which men and women differ. Examines a feminist theory perspective of gender in terms of the gendered meanings attached to social phenomena, as a social system of power relations embedded in others and as identities. A focus on special problems that women face and interventions for their solutions. Includes issues such as abuse, aging, depression, divorce, eating disorders, poverty, teenage pregnancy and single parenthood.
HDCN 6381 Ethics and Mental Health. Fundamental ethical principles and their application to legal and related professional issues in the field of counseling. Ethical codes, standards of conduct and the law. Professional organization guidelines from APA, ASCA and the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.
HDCN 6382 Psychology of Conflict. Cross-listed with HDDR 6319. What happens when one party in a conflict wants something that another party resists doing or giving? Conflict can arise in groups and between individuals in many different settings. A focus on the psychological context of negotiation, the personal and social influences on the parties in negotiation and the impact of these conditions and behaviors on the outcome.
HDCN 6383 Negotiation & Dispute Resolution. Cross-listed with HDDR 6302. Theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential to being an effective negotiator. Successful strategies for negotiation and an opportunity to practice skills in simulation exercises. A systematic approach to mastering the fundamentals of making favorable agreements that minimize conflict and maximize results. Includes specific benefits: (1) learning how to maximize the potential of making an agreement on your terms, (2) learning how to avoid making an unfavorable agreement, (3) identifying strengths and weaknesses in your personal negotiating style (4) improving your ability to make good choices in negotiation strategy and (5) understanding the role of relationships in making good agreements.
HDCN 6384 Mediation & Dispute Resolution. Cross-listed with HDDR 6303. Mediation is a process that employs a neutral third party, the mediator, to help disputing parties make decisions that concern the future of the dispute. An overview of the theoretical and practical aspects of the mediation process. Includes a step-by-step process for conducting mediations and the opportunity to practice fundamental dispute resolution skills, such as listening, reframing, summarizing, problem-solving and creating a safe, non-threatening environment. Allows students to use lectures, discussions, video simulations, interactive exercises and role plays to gain a functional knowledge of the power and practice of mediation. Satisfies the 40-hour statutory requirement for serving as a mediator in Texas court-connected programs.
HDCN 6385 Advanced General Psychology. An overview of the wide spectrum of the field of psychology. Designed for students who are entering the counseling program with a limited background in psychological studies. Includes topics such as perception, motivation, personality development, memory, therapy and learning theory. A student must receive permission from his or her adviser and the chair of the department to take this course.
HDCN 6386 Family Law. Cross-listed with HDDR 6332. No area of law touches our lives more than family law. It is also an area rife with conflict and presents more opportunities for third-party neutrals than just about any other kind of dispute. Designed with a non-legal audience in mind, this course provides a solid foundation for students who wish to learn more about alternative dispute resolution and its role in resolving family disputes. Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to demonstrate knowledge and application of legal terminology and principles, the Texas Family Code, other sources of family law, family dynamics and child development. Students also are able to recognize common family law issues while gaining an understanding of alternative dispute resolution from a family law perspective.
HDCN 6387 Family Mediation. Cross-listed with HDDR 6331. With a divorce rate of 50 percent for first marriages and a higher rate for subsequent marriages, domestic relations (family) issues abound and present interesting and challenging opportunities for third-party neutrals. This course provides students with the basic skills and knowledge to help families resolve their disputes. Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to demonstrate knowledge and application of the fundamental legal concepts governing common domestic relations issues, the fundamentals of mediating domestic relations cases, the terminology relating to domestic relations law and the ethical obligations of a mediator in a domestic relations case. This course fulfills the requirements of §154.052. (b) of the Texas ADR Act for qualification to mediate parent-child relationship issues.
HDCN 6391 Selected Topics: Counseling. Various topics in counseling for advanced study. Students may choose a specific interest area in which they wish to pursue additional expertise. Students must get permission of both a cooperating professor and the chair of the department prior to enrollment. Course may be repeated.
HDCN 6392 Selected Topics: Marriage and Family. Various topics in marriage and family therapy for advanced study. Students may choose a specific interest area in which they wish to pursue additional expertise. Students must get permission of both a cooperating professor and the chair of the department prior to enrollment. Course may be repeated.
HDCN 6393 Selected Topics: School Counseling. Various topics in school psychology for advanced study. Students may choose a specific interest area in which they wish to pursue additional expertise. Students must get permission of both a cooperating professor and the chair of the department prior to enrollment. Course may be repeated.
HDCN 6395 Supervised Clinical Practicum. Advanced counseling methods and techniques that are used in individual and group counseling settings under close supervision. A minimum of 300 clock hours with at least 100 clock hours of direct client contact must be documented for the LPC track; hours may vary for LMFT candidates and School Counselor candidates. Audio or video tapes of counselor-client interactions must be submitted to the departmental practicum director. Emphasizes developing a flexible personal theory of counseling useful in a wide range of counseling settings.
HDCN 6398 Internship in Counseling I. Advanced methods and techniques in individual and group counseling settings under close supervision. To fulfill the requirements of each course, supervised internship hours must be documented including supervised hours of direct contact with clients; number of hours will vary according to LPC, LMFT and School Counseling requirements. Audio or video tapes of counselor-client interactions must be submitted to the departmental internship director. Direct supervision is given in the placement settings by qualified supervisors.
HDCN 6399 Internship in Counseling II. Advanced methods and techniques in individual and group counseling settings under close supervision. To fulfill the requirements of each course, supervised internship hours must be documented including supervised hours of direct contact with clients; number of hours will vary according to LPC, LMFT and School Counseling requirements. Audio or video tapes of counselor-client interactions must be submitted to the departmental internship director. Direct supervision is given in the placement settings by qualified supervisors.
© Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas | Legal Disclosures | A-Z Site Index | Contact SMU
Share