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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Introduction to Counseling
Course: CAP120

First Term: 2021 Fall
Lecture   3.0 Credit(s)   3.0 Period(s)   3.0 Load  
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load


Description: Introduction to the field of counseling with a focus on skills and competencies needed as a mental health practitioner. Foundations of counseling including counseling theories, ethical considerations, prevention and intervention topics, and multicultural counseling practices.



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the history of counseling and contemporary scope of practice. (I)
2. Explain the various roles, functions, and responsibilities of counselors in a variety of settings. (II, IV, VI, VII)
3. Define the skills and knowledge needed to help others. (III, IV, VI, VII)
4. Recognize common dynamics in multicultural human interactions. (III-VII)
5. Describe various counseling theories (e.g., family counseling, multicultural, prevention, intervention and methodologies of counseling). (I, IV-VI)
6. Describe the skills and competencies needed as a mental health practitioner using psychological principles and theories. (I-VII)
7. Explain the importance of ethical codes and competencies to professional practice. (II, IV, VI, VII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. History of counseling
   A. Historical perspectives
   B. Contemporary practice
II. Counselors
   A. Roles
   B. Functions
   C. Responsibilities
   D. Settings
      1. Traditional
      2. Emerging
      3. Technology, ethics and considerations
III. Helping skills and knowledge
   A. Self-awareness
   B. Other awareness
   C. Helping process and micro-skills
IV. Multicultural human interactions
   A. Verbal and non-verbal communication
   B. Communication context
   C. Dimensions of personal identity
   D. Values and biases
V. Counseling theories
   A. Individual
   B. Relational/group
   C. Prevention
   D. Intervention
VI. Counseling skills and competencies
   A. Therapeutic relationship
      1. Counseling process
      2. Boundaries
   B. Self-care
      1. Burnout/compassion fatigue
      2. Stress
   C. Multicultural development
VII. Ethics and professionalism
   A. Ethics
      1. Personal
      2. Professional
   B. Legal considerations
   C. Professionalism
      1. Training and supervision
      2. Licensure and certification
      3. Professional development
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: April 27, 2021

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.