Counseling Psychology Course Descriptions
Courses offered specifically for Education students are
listed separately; some courses are cross-referenced with
Education.
200. Psychology of Interpersonal Communications
The theory and process of interpersonal communication, with
laboratory training in effective listening, sending and
confrontation, group discussion techniques, problem solving,
and conflict resolution. These skills are fundamental for
more advanced counseling and therapeutic techniques and
have a wide application wherever effective communication
is desired. (3 units)
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211. Human Sexuality
Introduction to the physiological and psychosocial role
development of human sexuality, along with sexual response
and various forms of sexual expression. Laws and ethics
regarding sexual expression; sexual dysfunctions and treatment
based on the work of Masters, Johnson, and Kaplan. (3 units)
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212. Psychology of Relationships
Study of the dynamics of interpersonal relationships in
the family, couples, and educational and work environments.
Includes traditional and nontraditional relationships. (3
units)
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215. The Psychology of Childhood
Theoretical foundation of child development explored. Focus
on principles of growth and psychosocial adjustment within
the family, school, and community. Treatment of emotionally
and socially maladjusted children examined with emphasis
on the systems approach in both families and classrooms.
(3 units)
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216. Psychology of Human Development
A developmental approach to the human life cycle from childhood
through adulthood, with focus on significant transitions
and passages. Includes coping with change in the personal,
social, and transpersonal domains and how it has an impact
on human growth and development. (3 units)
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217. Short-Term Approaches to Therapy
A critical examination and evaluation of theories that lend
themselves to short-term treatment. Includes cognitive,
behavioral, and dynamic theories. (3 units)
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218. Foundations of Psychotherapy and Personality
A comprehensive review of fundamental concepts in counseling
theory, psychopathology, and personality theory with special
emphasis on family and relationship dynamics. Exploration
of trait-factor, gestalt, psychoanalytic, cognitive, and
perceptual-phenomenological theory and technique. (3 units)
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219. Psychology of Group Counseling
Introduction to small-group dynamics. Techniques of small-group
leadership and experiential involvement in group process.
The phases of natural group development and ethical, professional
leadership. Enrollment limited. Prerequisites: 200, 218,
220, and a pre-group experience. (3 units)
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220. Research Methods
Fundamentals of research and statistics in analyzing counseling
and education. Emphasis on the review and interpretation
of research literature, particularly in the areas of child
development and psychotherapy, techniques used with exceptionality,
as well as marital and family therapy. Discussion of formulations
of research proposals and theses. (3 units)
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227. Counseling Process and Problems
Intensive focus on the development of individual counseling
skills through readings, discussion, and experiential exercises.
Experience as counselor and client. Feedback on skill development.
Prerequisites: 200 and 218. (3 units)
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228. Advanced Counseling Process and Skills
Advanced skill building. Topics include responding to resistance
and conflicted emotions; transference and countertransference;
self-esteem in clinical practice; training in advanced individual
therapy skills, drawing from experiential, time-limited
dynamic, and interpersonal psychotherapy theory and techniques;
extensive experiences as a counselor; videotaped feedback.
Prerequisite: 227. (3 units)
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231. Multicultural Counseling
Addresses the evaluation of the various models of psychotherapy
as they relate to diverse populations and the influence
of the mores and values of various ethnically and culturally
diverse populations upon the counseling process. Within-group
differences associated with culture, acculturation, and
identity development are explored in depth. Self-exploration
of racial/ethnic perceptions, attitudes, and experiences.
Review and evaluation of contemporary examples of multicultural
research. (3 units)
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243. Delinquent, At-Risk, and Nonconventional Youth
Concepts and characteristics of child and adolescent delinquency,
gangs, substance abuse, family violence and abuse, teen-age
parenthood, and dropout, anti-social, and nonconventional
behavior. Introduction to the correctional education, special
education, juvenile justice, and social welfare systems.
Effective practices for counselors, including crisis, safety,
and weapons management. (3 units)
244. Correctional Psychology
Principles and procedures of correctional psychology and
correctional education, including current research on best
practices. Discussion of prosocial development and skills,
functional assessment and curriculum, correctional psychology,
criminal justice, vocational programs, aggression reduction,
prejudice reduction, life skills training, comprehensive
systems, and treatment planning. Examination of therapeutic
approaches and model programs. (3 units)
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245. Transitional Treatment and Vocational Planning
Program planning, treatment planning, effective transitions,
and vocational planning for delinquent, at-risk, and nonconventional
youth. Coordinating planning, existing processes (IEP, IFSP,
ILP, ITP), and promoting future success. Functional assessment
and intervention, program identification, placement, and
support. Vocational education programs, training options,
assessment, and instruments. Job development, recruiting,
placement, and support. Impact of disability, criminality,
lifestyle, and cognitive distortion. Thinking processes,
distortions, and retraining. (3 units)
246. Applied Behavior Analysis in Correctional Psychology
Principles and procedures of applied behavior analysis with
applications to the correctional setting. Strategies for
managing behavior problems. Assessment, documentation, and
intervention for disruptive, aggressive, antisocial, and
self- injurious behaviors. Primary emphasis on behavioral
therapies with antisocial persons. (3 units)
264. Object-Relations Theory: A Developmental Model
of Psychotherapy
An introduction to the central ideas of the object-relations
approach to psychotherapy. Critical concepts such as projective
identification, transference/countertransference, the holding
environment, internal objects, transitional phenomena, the
therapeutic matrix, etc. Readings from the British school
(Klein, Fairbairn, Winnicott) and American (Kernberg, Ogden,
Kohut) blended with clinical material. Prerequisite: 218.
(3 units)
265. Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Provides a "hands-on" approach to understanding
the basic tenets of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Beginning with a comprehensive review of the fundamental
concepts and research supporting CBT, students will learn
about and practice cognitive behavioral therapy through
didactic lectures, experiential learning, readings, group
discussion, videos, and role-plays. A primary focus in this
class is practical applications of CBT including relaxation
training, activity scheduling, and development of treatment
plans for diverse populations. Prerequisites: 200; 218.
(3 units)
266. Counseling the Adolescent
The adolescent from a developmental, sociological, and psychological
dimension, with special emphasis on counseling strategies
and action techniques appropriate to this critical transition
age. Prerequisite: 200. (3 units)
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275. Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
Study of professional, legal, and ethical issues that emerge
in marriage and family counseling, psychotherapy, and private
practice; understanding values as a method of critical thinking
and behavioral analysis. Students confront such issues as
confidentiality, clients' rights, mediation, and child abuse.
(3 units)
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280. Psychology of Aging and the Family
Theories of aging and issues that concern the elderly; dynamics
and complexity of intergenerational families; social responses
to aging and concerns of the extended family. Integration
of the psychology of aging and the dynamics of intergenerational
families into practical counseling models for individual,
family, and group therapy. Prerequisite: 200. (3 units)
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282. Gestalt Therapy for Individuals and Couples
The theory and techniques of Fritz Perls and the Gestalt school. Emphasis on applications to family, individual, and couple counseling. (3 units)
283. Jungian Psychotherapy
The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to the basic elements of Jungian theory and
its appropriate use in clinical work. Class each week will be a mix of a short didactic session,
sometimes using a film, and a longer group presentation to the rest of the class which will include
engaging the class in an exercise tailored to the day’s topic. Thereafter we will together create a “clinical question” for the topic and examine its relevance and application to our case(s).
Attention will be devoted to the limitations and strengths of each concept in the Jungian model,
how they may be integrated with the work of other modalities or schools of therapy, aspects of
transference and countertransference, and practical suggestions for how to work with a client’s
symbolic imagery.
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291. Counseling the Terminally Ill and Family
Overview of skills, strategies, and situations that will
prepare students for working with patients and families
facing life-threatening illness, as well as with clients
dealing with loss, grief, and death anxiety, including specific
counseling skills, grief, coping, and the philosophy and
practice of hospice care. Prerequisite: 200. (3 units)
298. Psychology and Spirituality
A comparative study of various Eastern and Western themes
and schools of spirituality. In-depth exploration of the
implications and relationship of these views to counseling
psychology. The nature of the human person and criteria
for assessing a person's spiritual-psychological health
and growth; stages of development; teachings on how to guide
or work with another; and views on such themes as authentic
love, humility, guilt, and discernment. (3 units)
300. Career Development and Life Planning
Overview of the career development field, focusing on current
career development and decision theory. Applications of
theory across various settings (industry, clinics, schools,
rehabilitation, etc.). Exploration of changing concepts
of work and career. Examination of the meaning and spirituality
of work, and of conscious life planning and lifestyle choices.
(3 units)
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301. Occupational Information and Resources
Exploration of the sources of career and occupational information
available. Use of tools and data that enable a career development
counselor to stay abreast of present job openings and future
trends, including appraisal of international, national,
and state and local influences. Job search strategies; portfolio
building; self-marketing and entrepreneurship; the search
for balance. Prerequisite: 300. (3 units)
302. Formal and Informal Assessment in Career Development
Familiarity with and use of current career assessment instrumentation.
Evaluation of leading instruments; selection criteria governing
use of instruments according to client needs. Interpretation
of individual and group assessment data. Practice in completing
the career counseling interview, including appropriate assessment
and interpretation. Course includes an approved, individualized,
formal career assessment to be completed either prior to
or concurrent with 302. Recommended: 318. (3 units)
303. Special Issues in Career Development
Consideration of a broad range of special issues affecting
career development choices and counseling practice. Cross-cultural
counseling; multicultural issues in the workplace; special
populations; Americans with Disabilities Act; vocational
rehabilitation; the older worker; gender issues in the workplace;
dual careers; spirituality and work; legal/ethical counseling/consulting
obligations. Prerequisites: 231, 300, and 301. (3 units)
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304. Procedures in Career Development Counseling: Working
in the Work Environment
Procedures and the practical role of the career development
specialist in the work environment. Understanding the environment;
creating a role; team playing; program planning and execution;
internal consulting strategies and techniques. Analysis
of the work environment in industry, including the fundamentals
of how a business runs, how work is organized, and what
comprises "good management." An understanding
of human resource systems. Prerequisites: 300, 301, 302,
and 303. (3 units)
305. Field Laboratory
Outside training and experience related to the student's
professional goals. Three quarter units are allowed except
for MFT students, who may take 6 units. Permission is granted
only on a proactive basis. Retroactive experience is not
eligible for credit. Approximately 40 hours of involvement
are required for each unit of credit (i.e., 3 units equals
120 hours of work). A description of the training from the
305 coordinator must be obtained before registering for
these units. Permission is absolutely mandatory and must
be obtained during the term prior to registration. (1-3
units per term; $60 per unit)
308. Wilson Center Field Experience
Weekly seminars for developing and practicing basic counseling
skills, with videotape feedback. On-site, one-way mirror
observation of family and child counseling sessions, with
professional staff discussing aspects of the counseling
observed after each session. Excellent opportunity for students
to become involved in counseling early in the program before
taking practica. Prerequisite: 200. (3 units)
309. Field Experience
For those who wish to augment their graduate studies with
specialized training and/or experience outside the University
in their own field of study. The field experience project
must have significant bearing on the professional goals
of the student and must be in addition to the student's
regular commitment. As a general rule, 40 hours of qualified
experience are equivalent to 1 quarter unit of credit. Prerequisite:
permission of adviser. (1-6 units)
310. Independent Study
Supervised research initiated by the student. A proposal
must be submitted and approved by a faculty adviser prior
to registration. Negotiation with a faculty adviser is necessary
prior to registration. The proposal must be in writing and
have the signature of the approving faculty adviser. Full-time
faculty are preferred advisers. With program director's
written approval, an adjunct faculty member may serve as
adviser; approval forms are available in 226 Bannan. (1-6
units)
311. Psychology of Marriage Counseling
Methods of premarital, marital, sexual, and divorce counseling.
Role playing. Extensive reading and writing requirements.
Prerequisite: 227. (3 units)
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312. Counseling for Contemporary Problems
Assessment, crisis intervention, and counseling methodology
used in addressing the problems of child abuse, substance
abuse and addiction, domestic violence, victims of violent
crime, and suicide. Provides an overview of the psychosocial
factors and dynamics involved in the etiology and maintenance
of these problems. Describes specific skills and interventions
used in dealing with clients, their families, and involved
community agencies and resources. Prerequisite: 200. (3
units)
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313. Psychodrama
The theory of psychodrama as applied to a variety of counseling
situations. Spontaneity, role reversal, doubling, sociograms,
Students gain experience by participation in psychodrama.
Prerequisite: 200. (3 units)
315. Advanced Seminar in Family Counseling
For students in the MFC program and others preparing for
MFT licensing. Examination in greater depth of the systems
approaches presented in 212. Introduction to various strategies
and procedures appropriate to working with families. Opportunity
to practice counseling skills with simulated families. Prerequisites:
212 and 227. (3 units)
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316. Therapeutic
Use of Imagery and Symbol Clinical training in the principles
and practices of guided imagery used to access inner resources
for insight, emotional and physical healing, and the higher
realms of creativity. Emphasis on the skill of guiding others
and facilitating useful interpretations of the client's
powerful imaginal world. Prerequisite: 227. (3 units)
317. Therapeutic Interventions with Children
Exploration of how children communicate and various methods
of communicating with children, verbally and nonverbally.
Examination of therapeutic interventions within the context
of the relationship of the child and the therapist. Completion
of specific assignments demonstrating therapeutic interventions
required. Prerequisite: 200. (3 units)
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318. Clinical Assessment I*
Study of the therapeutic decision-making process in the
context of psychopathology and the clinical setting. Emphasis
on the recognition, classification, and understanding of
abnormal behavior. Traditional DSM III diagnostic areas
of neurotic behavior, psychosis, affective disorders, psychophysiological
disorders, and other abnormal lifestyle patterns. Prerequisite:
218. (3 units)
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319. Clinical Assessment II*
Continuation of 318. Emphasis on diagnosis and clinical
judgment, including such issues as type of impairment, degree
of impairment, predictability, and treatment plan as well
as sources of error judgment and how these errors are minimized.
The use of individual, couple, and family assessment techniques,
projective tests, personality inventories, and other instruments
in a professional setting. Prerequisite: 318. (3 units)
* Students who must complete both Clinical Assessment
I and II should enroll in sequential quarters in order to
have the same instructor.
320. Substance Abuse Treatment I
Covers treatment strategies in substance abuse from both
individual and group psychotherapy perspectives. Includes
various clinical approaches to treatment; coordination of
treatment with 12-step programs; understanding the stages
of recovery; and special treatment issues such as dual diagnosis
and working with adolescents. (3 units)
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321. Substance Abuse Treatment II
A comprehensive study of the dynamics in chemically dependent
family systems. Focuses on the impact of chemical dependency
on the family as well as the family system's impact on the
chemically dependent individual. Includes approaches to
therapeutic intervention with intergenerational families,
couples, intact families, stepfamilies, young children,
and adolescents. (3 units)
322. Case Management in Chemical Dependency
Examines the components of case management as they apply
to the treatment phases of the recovery process. Addresses
initial intake and assessment; the general nature and goals
of a working recovery program; components of a recovery
plan; and aftercare and follow-up, including consultation
and referral. (3 units)
323. Neurophysiology and Psychopharmacology
Examines the neurophysiology of mental disorders including,
but not limited to, chemical dependency. Also examines the
role of psychopharmacology in the treatment of mental disorders
as well as the efficacy of psychotherapy alone, psychopharmacology
alone, and psychotherapy and psychopharmacology in combination.
Prerequisites: 227 and 318. Can be taken concurrently with
practicum.
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331A. Counseling Practicum: Agency
Supervised counseling experiences in community services
such as juvenile probation, mental health, community colleges,
etc. To be taken in the second half of the counseling program,
after completion of the counseling core. Weekly seminars
for consultation and discussion with a supervisor on such
topics as case management and evaluation, referral procedures,
ethical practices, professional and client interaction,
confidential communication, and interprofessional ethical
considerations. By permission only. Must begin in September.
(3 units per term; 6 units required)
331C. Counseling Practicum: Career
Development To culminate their emphasis program, students
spend 15 hours per week engaged in supervised career development-related
fieldwork at a practicum site. Prerequisites: 300, 301,
302, 303, and 304. (3 units)
331H. Counseling Practicum: Health Psychology
Counseling experience in health psychology. At a practicum
site students engage in health psychology-related work (e.g.,
research, counseling, health promotion). By permission;
fall quarter only. Arrangements with site must be made before
the beginning of fall quarter. (3 units)
331S. Counseling Practicum: Alcohol and Drug
Supervised clinical experience in an alcohol and drug setting
that will meet MFT licensing requirements. Weekly seminars
for consultation and discussion with a licensed supervisor
who specializes in alcohol and drug counseling. Topics include
ethical and professional standards; referral procedures;
professional and client interactions. (3 units per term;
9 units required)
333. Counseling Practicum: Marriage, Family, and Child
Supervised counseling experience designed specifically to
meet California MFT licensing requirements. Weekly seminars
for consultation and discussion with a licensed supervisor
on such topics as case management and evaluation, referral
procedures, ethical practices, professional and client interaction,
confidential communication, and interprofessional ethical
considerations. Prerequisites: 311, 315, 318, 319, and permission
of instructor. Must begin in September. (3 units per term;
9 units required)
350. Image, Art, and Language in Therapeutic Practices
Introductory class on imagery and art in therapeutic practice.
Topics to be addressed include: (1) Art as a mediating element
between imagery and language as the two forms of symbolic
representation in human experience and therapeutic practice.
A look at how imagery, art, and language interact to express
emotional and cognitive experience. (2) Historical context
and evolution of art therapy as an adjunctive therapy to
being a separate discipline. (3) The theoretical orientations
that utilize art in treatment. (4) Implications for the
use of art in psychotherapy and in human services with particular
client populations. Integral to the learning process will
be experiential exercises in and outside of class. (3 units)
351. Advanced Family Seminar: Parent Consultation
Course Aims:
(1) To provide interested students with the opportunity to learn and practice a strength-based approach to parent therapy.
(2) To provide students on the MFT track with pre-practicum clinical experience and supervision.
Course Structure:
(1) The class will meet over 10 weeks. With class time divided between seminar, parent consultation, and supervision. A final reflective paper on the experience will be due at the end of the term.
(2) This course is run as a seminar (discussion).
(3) 4th-8th Class (5 classes) students will meet with a parent(s) for a one hour session once a week for 5 weeks, and 2 hours of group supervision . Class 9 will be a clinical wrap-up week, and serve as a make up week for parents who have missed a session.
(4) Class 10 will provide students with a forum to discuss their reflection papers with their supervisory groups, and make closure on their experience.
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360. Latino Psychology
Designed to enhance the knowledge and skill components of
multicultural training (CPSY 231), with a specific focus
on Latino cultures. An overview is offered of the Latino
experience within a socio-political and psycho-social context
and implications for therapeutic interventions explored.
Topics covered include: culture and personality, acculturation
and ethnic self-identification, gender role socialization,
influence of family and other systems, educational achievement,
religion and spirituality, traditional healing practices,
immigration and diversity within the Latino population.
Prerequisite: 231. (3 units)
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362. Individual Counseling Skills with Latino Clients
Development of counseling skills within a Latino cultural
context. An examination is provided of how the counseling
process is affected by cultural dynamics and counselor/client
variables. The class centers around discussion, demonstration
and application of various therapeutic and treatment approaches.
Feedback and supervision provided for specific skill development.
Prerequisite: 231. (3 units)
364. Interventions with Latino Families and Children
Provide an enhanced understanding of common experiences
Latino families have with various systems of care including
schools, hospitals community mental health agencies, and
social service agencies. A strength-based, systems approach
will be used to guide our discussions. Prerequisite: either
231 or 360 (3 units)
366. Interventions with Latino Families and Children
Offers specific information on "therapy techniques"
with Latino family members. The importance of setting for
the "therapy" is examined. An enhanced understanding
is proffered of common experiences Latino families have
with various systems of care including schools, hospitals,
community mental health agencies, and social service agencies.
Within this framework, applied therapy techniques for children
and families are examined. A strength-based, systems approach
will be used to guide our discussions. Prerequisite: 231.
(3 units)
380. Behavioral Management of Health
A biopsychosocial approach to health problems, including
cancer, heart disease, eating and sleep disorders, pain
and headaches, and obesity. Psychosocial factors in the
etiology and maintenance of these health problems, health
psychology assessment techniques, staff and patient support
group development and facilitation as well as psychosocial
treatment and prevention programs. Each student develops
special expertise in one of these or other health problems.
(3 units)
381. Health Psychology: Theory and Practice
Introduction to health psychology theory, research and practice
related to promotive health practices. Patient education,
social support, holistic medical and self-care interventions,
healthy and unhealthy life styles, nutrition, prevention,
health locus of control, and health promotion in the workplace.
(3 units)
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383. Child Health and Development: Therapeutic Issues
and Strategies
Focus on a variety of physical and mental health issues
in children, including anxiety and sleep disorders, encopresis
and enuresis, asthma and juvenile diabetes, anorexia and
bulimia, child abuse, and self-esteem problems. Issues are
viewed within a theory of child development. Emphasis on
therapeutic skills and strategies for treating these and
other disorders of infancy, childhood, and adolescence.
Prerequisite: 200. (3 units)
385. Stress and Stress Management
Introduction to conceptual models of chronic stress in home,
work, and community environments. Particular attention to
methods and programs to assess as well as alter chronic
stress. Emphasis on psychosocial factors in the etiology,
maintenance, and modification of stress, along with biochemical/psychological
processes. Intervention methods are demonstrated and practiced.
(3 units)
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389. Advanced Group Counseling
For students who have completed course 219 and wish advanced
training in group-leadership procedures. Focus on practices
of group therapy and on the complexities of the transference/countertransference
of issues in groups. Both practical and academic approaches
are taken; each student applies classroom learning to an
ongoing group process situation. Extensive use of videotape,
role playing, and hands-on practice. Recommended for students
who expect to do group counseling and therapy in their post-master's
employment. (3 units)
390. Advanced Seminar in Couples Therapy
Specifically designed to help students conceptualize and
plan treatment for couples from a variety of theoretical
perspectives. Stress on issues of co-therapy, structured
and nonstructured interviewing, transference and countertransference,
and family of origin. Numerous demonstrations of clinical
material. Class participation in problem-solving couples'
difficulties. Examination of divorce issues and alternative
lifestyles. Prerequisite: 311. (3 units)
391. Hypnotic Techniques in Counseling and Therapy
Introduction to hypnotherapeutic techniques in the therapy
context. Students learn to induce trance states and the
appropriate application of these for therapeutic purposes.
Stress on ethical utilization. Exploration of both traditional
and indirect hypnosis. A clinically oriented course; research
and literature are used to support the clinical application
of hypnosis for such issues as pain control, memory retrieval,
anesthesia, habit control, and direct therapy. Prerequisite:
200. (4 units)
392. Dreamwork and Depth Psychology
Application of psychoanalytic concepts of projection, resistance,
reaction-formation, unconscious motivation, the shadow,
persona, etc., to situations within and outside the traditional
clinical milieu. Dream interpretation theory and the clinical
use of dream interpretation using psychoanalytic, Gestalt,
and Jungian methods. Related topics on folklore, fairy tales,
advertising, nuclear anxiety, and symbolic interpretation
may be covered. (3 units)
394. Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy differs from more traditional psychotherapies
in its understanding of the problem, the person, and the
process of change. The course presents this different perspective
and demonstrates how certain therapeutic practices flow
from this change in thinking. Participants will learn the
narrative metaphor and will practice skills that are consistent
with the metaphor. (2 units)
399. Thesis
Optional course; usually selected by candidates preparing
for doctoral studies. The thesis should concern a recognized
problem in the student's field of specialization, should
make a scholarly contribution to the extant body of knowledge
in this area, and should review the principal sources of
knowledge. Format should follow that established by the
American Psychological Association. Supervision and review
of the thesis provided by faculty member(s) designated by
the director of the Division of Counseling Psychology and
Education. Requirements for thesis submission are negotiated
with the thesis faculty director. (3-6 units)
