COED 641: Practicum: Counseling Techniques
Prerequisites: COED 611, COED 612 and approval of chairperson one semester prior to
registration. COED 611 requires a grade of “B” or higher.
Credit Hours: (3) One hour lecture; four hours laboratory
This course integrates varying theoretical approaches to counseling through clinical
practice. It also requires progressive clinical proficiency in the assessment, diagnosis,
planning, and execution of counseling, while demonstrating effectiveness in the use
of the behavioral sciences and theory, tools, and techniques of counseling and psychotherapy.
Note(s): A fee of $110 will be charged to students taking COED 641.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course is designed to develop students' personal style of counseling. The emphasis
is on integrating counseling theory and techniques into a personal counseling style
for each student. This 100-hour clinical counseling experience will include the following:
a) the application of counseling theories, techniques, and strategies;
b) effective treatment planning; and
c) ethical practice and case management, referral activity and program administration
in a clinical agency or school setting.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Practicum - student evaluation of counseling skills by video or audio recording and/or
case study report in weekly group supervision meetings.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
At the successful conclusion of this course, students will:
- Be knowledgeable, thoughtful, insightful and skillful in (a) helping clients resolve
developmental tasks; (b) facilitating normal human growth and development; (c) identifying
and remediating mental, emotional or behavior disorders and associated distress which
interfere with personal effectiveness and mental health; and (e) demonstrating professionalism
and effectiveness in social services program administration.
- Understand counselors' roles, responsibilities, and relationships as members of specialized
practice and interprofessional teams, including (a) collaboration and consultation,
(b) community outreach, and (c) emergency response management.
- Understand the role and process of the professional counselor advocating on behalf
of and with individuals receiving counseling services to address systemic, institutional,
architectural, attitudinal, disability, and social barriers that impede access, equity,
and success.
- Understand ethical standards of professional counseling organizations and credentialing
bodies, and applications of ethical and legal considerations in professional counseling
across service delivery modalities and specialized practice areas.
- Understand the importance of self-care, self-awareness, and self-evaluation strategies
for ethical and effective practice.
- Understand and have the opportunity to become familiar with a variety of professional
activities and resources, including technology, as part of their practicum and internship.
- Understand the etiology, nomenclature, diagnosis, treatment, referral, and prevention
of mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopment disorders.
- Understand mental health service delivery modalities and networks within the continuum
of care, such as primary care, outpatient, partial treatment, inpatient, integrated
behavioral healthcare, and aftercare.
- Understand how to conduct an intake interview, mental status evaluation, biopsychosocial
history, mental health history, and psychological assessment for treatment planning
and caseload management.
- Demonstrate techniques and interventions for prevention and treatment of a broad range
of mental health issues.
Assessment Measures
- Video/Audio Review
- Weekly Progress Journal
- Case Study
- Assessment of Progress Form
- Final Hours Log
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
May 2006 Revised
December 20, 2008
June 12, 2025