MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Counseling Skills

Course: CAP240

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 basic skills and techniques used in the counseling field. Focuses on active listening, self-awareness, and other related skills.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the use of basic micro-skills as a foundation for the development of counseling skills. (I-IV) 2. Recognize the role and application of self-understanding and emotional intelligence in interpersonal relations. (I-V) 3. Identify one`s own personal communication tendencies and practices, both verbal and nonverbal, and their effect in multicultural contexts. (II-V) 4. Explain the impact of language and cultural values on the therapeutic relationship in a range of institutions and counseling settings. (II-V) 5. Recognize one`s own unconscious and conscious biases that impact assumptions and judgments about others, effecting rapport and information gathering. (II-V) 6. Explain the role of active listening in the development of empathy and rapport within the field of counseling. (II-V) 7. Practice intentional interviewing skills. (II-IV) 8. Conduct a self-assessment of communication skills utilizing feedback to establish a professional development plan. (II-V)
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. Introduction A. Counseling skills B. Helping as a process C. Skills development progression D. Current trends E. Ethical considerations II. Self-understanding/emotional intelligence A. Self-appraisal of skills B. Self-regulation C. Empathy D. Social skills E. Personal tendencies and practices F. Boundaries III. Factors that influence communication in the counseling setting A. Beliefs about self B. Emotions C. Biases D. Language E. Cultural values F. Non-verbals G. Self-disclosure H. Empathy I. Ethics and civility J. Defensiveness IV. Micro-skills in the counseling setting A. Active listening 1. Summarizing 2. Paraphrasing 3. Encouraging B. Attending behaviors C. Observation D. Reflecting E. Use of silence F. Intentional interviewing 1. Stages 2. Techniques G. Settings 1. Traditional 2. Emerging 3. Technology, ethics and considerations H. Ethics V. Professional development A. Reflection on skills in practice B. Constructive feedback 1. Observation 2. Giving 3. Receiving C. Growth mindset development D. Professional development planning 1. Self-care/resiliency 2. Mentoring 3. Professional resources 4. Continuing education a. Formal b. Informal

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.