Rochester Institute of Technology
School Psychology

Interpersonal Intervention Skills: Fall Quarter 2007

Required Texts:
Thompson, C. and Henderson, D. (2006). Counseling Children: A Developmental Approach. 7th Edition.

Ivey, A. and Ivey, M. (2006). Intentional Interviewing and Counseling: Facilitating Client Development in a Multicultural Society. 6th Edition

Objectives:
To be able to identify theoretical models of counseling and describe how the theory translates into the counseling relationship process.

Demonstrate and understand the principles and concepts of the counseling process.

Demonstrate competency in the basic helping skills and techniques (attending/listening, paraphrasing, reflecting, summarizing, confronting, etc.).

Develop an understanding of developmental issues related to counseling.

Develop awareness of ethical issues that arise in counseling.

Develop an awareness and appreciation of the importance of multicultural competency in counseling.

Develop familiarity with crisis intervention techniques.

Develop awareness of what one brings as a person to the counseling process and how this can impact the effectiveness of counseling.

Reading Schedule:

Assignments:

1. Videotape and self-critique                         Due:    Thursday, Sept. 27

Each student will be randomly assigned a class peer to “counsel” in order to practice the microskills approach to counseling. You will conduct a 15 minute counseling session with your assigned client and videotape it. A randomly assigned observer will watch your tape and fill out an evaluation form handed out in class. After you have reviewed your tape and the observer evaluation form, you will write a self-critique (3 page maximum). You will turn in the tape and self-critique for evaluation.

2. Midterm Exam                                                         Thursday, Oct. 4

Cumulative in-class exam on materials reviewed up to this point in the quarter.

3. Term paper                                                    Due:    Thursday, Nov. 1

You will be provided with a vignette describing a situation/presenting concerns of a client, relevant historical information, etc. You are to pick one of the theories (or you may integrate theories) we have studied in class and write a paper on how you would approach the case from this particular framework. To be included are: basic historical overview of the model; basic constructs of the theory; description of how the problem in the vignette likely emerged that is congruent with tenets of the model; counseling techniques you might employ in this particular case and how you might introduce them; targeted outcomes (how would you measure success); treatment sequence; pros and cons of the model, etc. 15 page maximum, excluding references.

4. Final exam                                                                 Tuesday Nov. 13

Take-home exam due by 4pm unless otherwise specified.

5. Class participation                                                    Assessed throughout class

Class participation is weighted significantly in the course because of the amount of in-class exercises and discussion we will do. Participation will be assessed by attendance, engaging in discussions, being prepared for class, and providing constructive feedback for your classmates (both verbal and written as required). There is certainly flexibility in how one meets the requirements of participation given each person’s individual differences, but participation is crucial to make this course an enjoyable and engaged one. If you must miss a class, please notify me in person or by email as soon as you are able.

Relative assignment weights for course grades:

Videotape and self-critique                15%
Midterm                                              20%                            
Term paper                                          25%
Final exam                                           25%
Class participation                               15%

Students with disabilities:
Notify me at the start of the course of any accommodations that you require.