The Helping Relationship: Introduction to Counseling Theory, Skills and Ethics

This program is designed to provide preliminary training in counseling skills and will include a survey of the various theories of psychotherapy, as well as training in the development of basic counseling skills. There will be opportunities to practice counseling skills in mock client-counselor dyads. Students will also have opportunities to develop case conceptualization skills using a biopsychosocial lens, to practice using screening and assessment tools and to become familiar with evidence-based treatments. Professional ethics and the law as it relates to mental health practice will be introduced and applied to case studies. Students will be called upon to develop their ability to reflect on their mental health as it relates to their ability to help others, and their awareness of their own biases.

Students can expect one in-person meeting on campus and one meeting online each week, via Zoom, with additional asynchronous class time. Attendance at both the in-person and the online class meetings is expected. 

This is the second of four courses that comprise the Behavioral Health Support Specialist Certificate at Evergreen. Courses must be taken in sequential order.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

2 - Multicultural Psychology Competencies

2 - Psychology Ethics and Law

4 - Counseling Skills: Theory and Practice