Counseling Clients in Special

PopulationSyllabus

Course DescriptionThis course studies the principles, techniques and

practices used in individuals with special needs. The focus

of this study is to facilitate human development and

adjustment throughout the individual’s lifespan including

career development.

Course Objectives1. Gain basic understanding of the characteristics and needs of clients in special population.

2. Demonstrate the ability to apply major counseling strategies to respond to the distinct needs of special population.

3. Integrate theory, research and practice in counseling clients in special population.

4. Formulate their personal basic counseling philosophy and use it to reflect upon the art and science of counseling vis a vis special population.

5. Respond to the unique situation of clients from special population using sound ethical principles and guidelines.

CONTENTS:

A. Foundation of counseling clients in special population.

1.A Introduction to Counseling –Fundamental Competencies and Qualities of an Effective Counselor 1.B Special Population 1.C Review of Major Counseling Theories a. Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy – Albert Ellis b. Cognitive Behavior Therapy – Aaron Beck c. Reality Therapy or Choice Theory – William Glasser d. Logotherapy – Viktor Frankl e. Family System Theory - Bowen f. Eclectic Approach: A Multi Disciplinary Approach

B. Formulation of one’s personal counseling philosophy C. Ethical Guidelines

CONTENTS: II. The different Special Population Groups: 1. Solo Parents/Blended Families 2. Discriminated Homosexual 3.. Minority Groups – Cultural Differences 4. Elderly 5. Gifted and Talented Students 6. Gambling Addiction & Substance Addiction7. Sexually and Physically Abused Children 8. Stressed Adolescents from separated family 9. Terminally ill parents/ children /patients

REQUIREMENTS:

Each student must report (CASE CONCEPTUALIZATION) on one special client, the report should be based on literature as well as on an interview of counselor and a client.

One page reflection paper of a journal article on a special population with the journal article attached.

Oral Report

Special Project (Midterm) – group work Help the Elderly Project:

You must work in groups of 3-4 You must work towards visiting and interviewing

an elderly and understanding the special needs of this special population

What to do: (Documented through video like a documentary or photos if the client is not comfortable with video)

You will explore some of the issues faced by the elderly

i.e. social isolation You will have a write up what you have done You will evaluate how well you worked

Special Project (Midterm) – group work Help the Elderly Project: Write a Reflection Log (individually) covering the

following points. Try to use facts and quotes from the research you will

carry out What problems do the elderly face in society? – Loneliness and isolation – Ageism and Stereotypes – Pensions How does reading about these issues make you feel? What could individuals, like you, do about these

problems? Are there any organizations, like charities for example

that could help? What could they do? Why would that work?

What could the government do about these problems?

REQUIREMENTS: Mission Statement with Personal

Counseling Philosophy

Group Manual based on a Counseling Theory as an Intervention to address the needs of the special population –group work

Portfolio – compilation of outputs

Course References: Introduction to Counseling Skills, Texts and Activities. Nelson Jones

Richard (2005) The Ethical and Professional Practice of Counseling and

Psychotherapy. Sperry, Len (2007) The Professional Counselor: A Process Guide to Helping (2009) Counseling and Supporting our Gay Students. Larry Golden, Patricia

Henderson (2007) Psychotherapy and Counseling for Depression. Gilbert Paul (2007) Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. Corey, Gerald

(2009) Assessment Procedures for Counselors and Helping Professionals.

Drummond, Robert (2006) Counseling as an Art: The Creative’s in Counseling (2005) Group Counseling Strategies and Skills. Jacob’s, Edward (2006) Counseling Theories and Practice. De Jesus, Evangeline (2006) Journals: Current Subscription Counseling and Values Psychology and Education Psychology Today

Self-Awareness Activity:Who moved my cheese?

- What is your cheese in life?

- Among the 4 characters (Hem, Haw, Sniff and Scurry), who could you relate with and

why?

- What is your favorite quote and why?

- How would you describe your current maze?

Counseling is people work.

Understanding and incorporating the multicultural context of a client’s behavior is essential to accurate assessment, interpretation and treatment (Arredondo et. Al. 1996)

Fundamental Competencies & Qualities of an Effective Counselor

Self-knowledge and awareness Interest in and concern for other people

manifested in behavior Understanding of human dynamics and how

they operate in the life of the individual; the skill to explain them and work through them

Awareness of multicultural factors Knowledge of the world around Awareness of and adherence to

professionalism