Course Descriptions
Please use the following key to determine requirement satisfaction for each
course.
M = required for LMFT
C = required for LPC
S = required for School Counseling
E = Elective
Note: Available courses from any track may be taken as electives as long as any pre-requisites have been met
HDCN 6300.Introduction
to Counseling
This course provides an overview of the counseling profession. The
conceptual framework of counseling is examined along with historical,
theoretical, and legal-ethical issues. Discussion focuses on how the novice
counselor approaches situations, uses skills, and develops a unique
human-to-human relationship with clients. Topics such as spirituality,
philosophy, diversity, and post-modernism are woven into these discussions.
Research and emerging trends also are considered. MCS
HDCN 6301. Counseling
Theory
This course is 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. Theories to be addressed include 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 will be placed on the axiom, “know
thyself.”
CS
HDCN 6302. Counseling
Methods: Individual
The major methods used in
counseling individuals are examined with a focus on their effectiveness and
applicability to different individual needs. The relationship between specific
theories and their counseling applications are examined in detail. Case study
approaches are combined with counseling practices to demonstrate developing
strategies working with individuals. Adjusting counseling for various
individuals to reflect their diverse backgrounds and varying ages is
emphasized. Students develop their own approach to individual counseling. CS
HDCN 6303. Counseling
Methods: Group
Examine the dynamics and major
approaches to group counseling with emphases on starting a counseling group,
leading groups effectively, and evaluating results. Understanding of group
processes, leadership, and membership is stressed. Special populations
including minorities, intellectually or physically challenged, women,
perpetrators or abuse victims, as well as those with chronic or life threatening
diseases are considered. Support and self-help groups are covered along with
the ethical issues unique to group settings. Program planning and development
in agencies, schools, higher education, and private practice are covered.
CS
HDCN 6304. Counseling in Diverse Communities
The basic constructs of race and ethnicity are analyzed with
respect to how these constructs impact an individual’s relationship to social,
cultural, historical, and educational environments. Each student will develop
counseling skills and strategies reflecting the needs of specific ethnic,
racial, and minority populations. MCS
HDCN 6305. Advanced Counseling Methods: Individual
Prerequisite: HDCN 6302 Counseling Methods: Individual.
This course is a continuation of the first Counseling Methods: Individual class
with an emphasis on practicing counseling skills. The major methods and
techniques used in counseling individuals are examined with a focus on
applicability to different client needs in a variety of settings. The
relationship between specific theories and their counseling applications will
continue to be assessed. Evaluation will be based on several factors, including
strengths and deficits in intrapersonal and interpersonal counseling skills as
demonstrated in role-play and/or written assignments. Adjusting counseling for
various individuals to reflect their diverse backgrounds, cultures, ages, etc.
is emphasized, as well as students developing their own personal approach to
individual counseling. Personal growth continues to be a focus.
E
HDCN 6306. Advanced Counseling Methods: Group
Prerequisite: HDCN 6303 Counseling Methods: Group. The focus of
this advanced course will build on the foundational skills learned in HDCN 6303
and expand and enhance techniques applicable to different types of groups in a
variety of settings. This course is intense and demanding with a lot of learning
in a short amount of time. E
HDCN 6307. Geriatric
Counseling
This course is an introduction to the field of gerontology and
the treatment modalities and approaches to counseling older adults. Current
research knowledge related to gerontology and the aging process will be
examined. An in-depth study of the special health needs, chronic illnesses,
physiological aspects, and related services as applied to gerontology is
presented. Sociological implications will also be examined, as will approaches
to counseling the elderly in institutional settings. Other topics to be included
are crisis situations, leisure, relocation, retirement, housing, and death and
dying. E
HDCN 6308. Counseling: Elementary
School
In this course, the focus will be on the role of the elementary
school counselor as determined by the developmental guidance plan in the State
of Texas. Such issues as counseling, consulting, coordinating, and guidance
responsibilities will be addressed, as well as others. The variety of ways as to
how a counselor functions within a school will be presented, and integration of
skills learned in other courses will also be studied. S
HDCN 6309. Counseling: Secondary School
In this course, the focus will be on the role of the secondary school
counselor as determined by the developmental guidance plan in the State of
Texas. Such issues as counseling, consulting, coordinating, and guidance
responsibilities will be addressed, as well as others. The variety of ways as to
how a counselor functions within a school will be presented, and integration of
skills learned in other courses will also be studied. S
HDCN 6310. Family Systems
This course is designed as a study of systems theory as it relates to family
function and dysfunction. The focus will be on the theoretical underpinnings of
family intervention and the development of the skills and tools necessary to
impact the dysfunctional family in a therapeutic setting. This is a "how to"
course with the expectation that each student will develop the basic skills
needed to orchestrate a family session. It will also address 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. M
HDCN 6311. Marriage
and Family Therapy
This course will address the principals and techniques of effective therapy
with couples. Various models will be explored with a focus on applicability to
different client needs in a variety of settings. Relevant topical issues will be
intertwined with class assignments, class discussions, and role-plays.
Evaluation will be based 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 will continue to be placed on the
axiom, “know thyself.” M
HDCN 6312. Family Therapy
This course is designed as 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. In addition to the
various theories of family structure and process, guiding principles and
strategies for assessing will be presented, as will other techniques for
engaging and connecting with families. M
HDCN 6313. Family
of Origin
This course is designed as an in-depth study of the principles of Bowen
systems theory, as well as related issues in family systems therapy. Strong
emphasis will be placed 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 will be given 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 over 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. M
HDCN 6314. Sexual Counseling
- Therapy
This course is designed as a study of sexual problems and sexual disorders.
The focus will be 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. This is 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. Thus, personal values
clarification, sex education, cultural messages, gender role development, and
relational patterns will be examined throughout the course. M
HDCN 6320. Life
Span Development
Physical, cognitive, communicative/linguistic, and
social/emotional development through the life span are examined. These topics
are addressed within the context of the major theories of development with a
focus on age level, cultural, and socio-economic diversity. Students learn
appropriate developmental practices useful in interventions across the life
span. MCS
HDCN 6321. Lifestyle
and Career Development
This course will address 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 will be presented. CS
HDCN 6322. Societal
Trends & Special Student Needs
Designed as a course for school counselors, the curriculum emphasizes those
student populations who arrive at school with differences that impact learning.
Included in this study will be the wide spectrum of students in Special
Education, in ESOL and Bilingual programs, and in Gifted and Talented programs.
Particular attention will also be given to cultural patterns that influence the
contemporary schoolchild: technology, poverty, music, stress, substance abuse,
sexual diversity, demographics and immigration, etc. S
HDCN 6323. Adolescent
Counseling
The cognitive, physical, and psychosocial development of the adolescent is
the focal point of this course. Normal development will be emphasized, but
special issues will also be investigated, as will the influence of cultural
factors. Topics will include substance abuse dynamics, gang related activities,
sexual relationships, and legal and ethical issues. Both individual and group
counseling techniques will be explored. E
HDCN 6324. Child Counseling
This course is a study of the physical, cognitive, emotional, moral, social,
linguistic, and personality development of the child. Covering the period from
conception to adolescence, emphasis will be on research, psychological
principles, cultural issues, and the difference between abnormal and healthy
development. Other issues explored include school adjustment, peer acceptance,
parental child-rearing patterns, and family dynamics. E
HDCN 6330. Psychopathology:
Adult
Psychopathology is examined using 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
are covered. Anxiety, dissociation, mood, eating, substance abuse, sleep,
sexual, psychotic, childhood, adolescent, cognitive, personality, impulse
control, somatoform, and adjustment disorders are examined. Critical thinking,
using clinical examples and case studies, is emphasized. MCS
HDCN 6331. Psychopathology: Child
and Adolescent
Abnormal behavior in children and adolescents is examined. Psychopathology
is presented using an integrative approach including the biological,
psychological, social, cultural, familial, and political forces that currently
define abnormal behavior. The history, theories, research, DSM IV-TR diagnostic
categories, and psychopharmacological treatments are covered. E
HDCN 6340. Assessment
The basic appraisal concepts, various instruments, procedures, methods, and
interview techniques used for developmental, behavioral, cognitive, learning,
and personality assessment are covered. Emphasis is placed on understanding,
criticizing, and using the assessment report to develop a counseling approach.
Case studies are used to demonstrate this process MCS
HDCN 6341.
Assessment: Cognitive
This course is designed to examine the various approaches to cognitive
testing. Procedures, methods, and the use of different testing instruments will
be reviewed, as will ethical consideration in terms of research and practice.
Case studies are an integral part of this class. E
HDCN 6342. Cognitive, Career and Educational Assessment
This course will address basic appraisal and assessment concepts applicable
to the school setting. Procedures, methods, and the use of various testing
instruments will be reviewed, as will ethical consideration in terms of research
and practice. Case studies are an integral part of this examination of cognitive
assessment, educational assessment, and career guidance and development.
S
HDCN 6343. Play
Therapy
The nature of this course is centralized around 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. Play is the
method children use to master the confusing problems in their world, so this
course will focus 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. A variety of play therapy philosophies
and theories will also be examined. E
HDCN 6344. Art
Therapy
This course introduces the philosophy, history, theory, and practice of
therapeutic intervention utilizing art. The fundamental elements of art therapy
will be processed through discussion, reading, demonstration, and
hands-on-technique. The emphasis will be on the use of the creative process of
communicating through art. E
HDCN 6345. Music Therapy
In many ways, music is a healing agent, and never more so than in the
therapeutic setting. This course will provide students with an overview of the
practical considerations (improvisation, song writing, musical play, singing,
and listening skills, etc.) in the field of music therapy. An emphasis on the
theoretical and historical aspects of the discipline as well as the principles
of music therapy will be studied. Additionally, students will review the
application of music therapy with specific physical and emotional disorders and
difficulties. E
HDCN 6346. Career Assessment
This course is designed to help students see the relationship between theory
and practice in career counseling settings. A specialized study of educational
and psychological assessment techniques is a major part of the course, along
with such issues as work values, career interests, work skills, work
environment, developmental states in career theory, and decision making. Upon
completion of this course students should have an understanding of the
complexity of career counseling and have developed skills for facilitating
successful career development in schools, rehabilitation, and community
settings. E
HDCN 6349. Research
Design and Statistics
Basic experimental, quasi- and non-experimental research designs and methods
are examined 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 is offered. Topics covered include statistical inference,
hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, multiple
regression, factor analyses, and non-parametric statistics. MCS
HDCN 6350. Introduction to Neuroscience
Developing a foundation in issues pertaining to the central nervous system
structure and function and the relationship of brain and behavior will be the
general objective of this course. Particular emphasis is placed on memory,
learning, sleep, language, perception and cognition. The roles of neural,
hormonal, and immunological mechanisms in behavior will also be examined. A
specific emphasis is given to brain damage, mental illness, and neurological
disease. E
HDCN 6351. Psychopharmacology
and Substance Abuse
The psychological and behavioral effects of drugs are examined with a focus
on substance abuse. This course will cover 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 will also be a major part of this study. E
HDCN 6352.
Psychology of Addictions
The origins and trends of addictive behavior will
be covered including substances, gambling, internet, relationship addiction, and
others. Understanding the origins of addictions, treatment options, and
barriers to treatment will be explored. Students will also learn about
addiction co-morbidity with mental health issues as well as addictive patterns
in minority and culturally diverse communities. E
HDCN 6353.
Treatment Management
This course prepares the counseling student in the areas of substance abuse
assessment, case management, documentation, legal concerns, practice management,
and treatment options in order to become an alcohol and drug abuse counselor in
the state of Texas. E
HDCN 6360. Advanced
Educational Psychology
This course is an advanced study of the psychological constructs surrounding
instruction and learning in the classroom. Concepts and principles to be
addressed include personality theory, motivation, cognition, and a variety of
developmental issues. Knowing how to create healthy relationships will be a
central focus of the course. The dynamics of such issues as family systems,
class discipline, hope, anger, sexuality, gender, change, collegiality, parental
interaction, etc. will also be examined. E
HDCN 6370. Crisis
Intervention
This course presents theories, strategies, and skills and an overall
introduction to clinical crisis intervention. Models for assessing and
responding to crises are presented. Topics such as medical and psychological
traumas, post traumatic stress disorder and professional burnout will be part of
the curriculum. Theoretical and ethical implications will be ad-dressed. Special
emphasis is given to disaster psychology, natural disasters, terrorism, school
violence, and suicidology. E
HDCN 6371. Counseling: Disabilities
This course offers students
the opportunity to learn about the 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
will be emphasized. A goal of this course is to integrate theory with
practice. Concepts of individual counseling and group counseling paradigms will
be introduced, as will cultural, class, and gender components. E
HDCN 6372. Gender
Issues
This course will focus on the use of gender as a means of understanding ways
in which men and women differ. A Feminist theory perspective of gender will be
examined 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 which women face and interventions for their solutions will
be addressed. Some of the issues included are: Abuse, Aging, Depression,
Divorce, Eating Disorders, Poverty, Teenage Pregnancy, and Single Parenthood. E
HDCN 6381. Ethics
and Mental Health
This course presents fundamental ethical principals and their application to
legal and related professional issues in the field of counseling. Ethical codes,
standards of conduct, and the law will be reviewed. Professional organization
guidelines from APA, ASCA, and the Texas State Board of Examiners of
Professional Counselors will be examined. MCS
HDCN 6382. Psychology of
Conflict
Cross-listed with HDDR 6319. E
HDCN 6383. Negotiation & Dispute
Resolution
Cross-listed with HDDR 6302. E
HDCN 6384. Mediation & Dispute Resolution
Cross-listed with HDDR 6303. E
HDCN 6385. Advanced
General Psychology
This course is an overview of the wide spectrum of the field of
psychology. It is designed for those students who are entering the counseling
program with a limited background in psychological studies. Topics such as
perception, motivation, personality development, memory, therapy, and learning
theory are but a few to be presented. This is a required course during the first
term for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology or a
minor in psychology. For those students, must be taken in conjunction with
Introduction to Counseling if taking two courses in the first term. E
HDCN 6386. Family Law
Cross-listed with HDDR 6332. E
HDCN 6387. Family
Mediation
Cross-listed with HDDR 6331. E
HDCN 6391. Selected Topics: Counseling
Various topics in counseling are selected for advanced study. Students may
choose a specific interest area in which he or she wishes 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. E
HDCN 6392. Selected
Topics: Marriage and Family
Various topics in marriage and family therapy are selected for advanced
study. Students may choose a specific interest area in which he or she wishes 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. E
HDCN 6393. Selected Topics: School Counseling
Various topics in school psychology are selected for advanced study.
Students may choose a specific interest area in which he or she wishes 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. E
HDCN 6395/6396. Supervised Clinical Practicum
Advanced counseling methods and techniques 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. Emphasis is placed on developing a flexible
personal theory of counseling useful in a wide range of counseling settings. MCS
HDCN 6398.
Internship in Counseling I
Advanced methods and techniques are refined 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. MS
HDCN 6399.
Internship in Counseling II
Advanced methods and techniques are refined 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. MS