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Below, you will find a collection of course descriptions of special interest to clinical mental health counseling students. First, the required core courses of all clinical mental health counseling students are listed. Second, the required courses for each optional concentration are listed. Finally, general electives and optional concentration electives are provided. This is not a comprehensive listing of all available course options within the HPC department. Each semester, the current course schedule will be posted and available for download. In addition, the tentative course offerings for 2007-2010 is available for download.
Tentative Course Offerings 2012-2015
Required Core Courses
Concentration Courses- Addictions Counseling
Concentration Courses- Marriage & Family Counseling
Concentration Courses- Expressive Arts Therapy
Concentration Courses- Body Centered Therapy
Elective Courses
RES 5000. Research Methods (3) The primary purpose of this course is to enable practitioners to read, interpret, and conduct research aimed at improving their practice in their professions. The course includes a study of research methods, encompassing those used in action research, experimental, non-experimental, and qualitative research, evaluation, and policy analysis designs.
HPC 5110. Multicultural Counseling (3) An exploration of counseling issues related to a culturally diverse client population.
HPC 5120. Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling (3) An introduction to the issues, functions and scope of the work being done in various human service agencies. Helping approaches with selected client populations and related professional concerns will be examined. Prerequisite: for clinical mental health counseling majors only.
HPC 5140. Psychological and Educational Testing (3) A study of representative psychological and educational tests/inventories including the rationale which underlies testing.
HPC 5210. Life and Career Planning (3) Assists counselors and others in various work settings to attain knowledge and skills essential in helping individuals to consider possible careers and life style options. Approaches to career development, sources of informational materials, and the life planning needs of particular clientele are emphasized.
HPC 5220. Counseling Theory and Techniques (3) Several selected theories of counseling will be studied in depth, emphasizing primary sources. Other theories will be studied, giving breadth to this area of knowledge. Interrelationships of personality development, learning and “problems” will be stressed.
HPC 5752. Legal and Ethical Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (3) A study of legal and ethical issues confronting community agency, mental health and rehabilitation counselors. Topics include moral reasoning, tort liability, confidentiality, privacy, libel, slander, due process, federal and state rules, regulations, and statutes, and other important concepts and actions resulting in legal and ethical questions. Prerequisites: HPC 5120; for clinical mental health counseling majors only.
HPC 5790. Group Methods and Processes (3) A study of group dynamics, experimentation in groups, leadership roles, and applicability to other settings. [Dual-listed with HPC 4790.]
HPC 5900. Practicum (1-9) [Practicum in Counseling]: An in-depth study of the counseling and therapeutic process and the nature of the counseling relationship. These factors will be examined in relationship to the application of basic theoretical principles. Prerequisites: HPC 5120, HPC 5220, HPC 5752, HPC 5790, and prior approval of the departmental chair.
HPC 6120. Development Assessment and Diagnosis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (3)
An in-depth and critical examination of developmental assessment and diagnosis in a variety of mental health counseling settings. Specific attention will be given to the interface of the assessment and diagnostic process, the sociocultural context of individuals, and an understanding of basic psychopharmacology within a developmental and humanistic framework. Prerequisites: HPC 5120; for clinical mental health counseling majors only.
HPC 6900. Internship (1-18) [Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling]: On-the-job experience will be emphasized through placement of students in appropriate human service agencies. Includes practice in the counseling and other helping skills used in various agencies. Available primarily for Clinical Mental Health Counseling majors. Graded on an S/U basis. Prerequisites: HPC 5120, HPC 5220, HPC 5752, HPC 5790, HPC 5900 (Practicum in Counseling), HPC 6120, and prior approval of the departmental chair; for clinical mental health counseling majors only.
CONCENTRATION - ADDICTIONS COUNSELING
HPC 5560. The Addictive Process (3) An examination of sociological and psychological contributions to alcohol and drug addiction and abuse in our society. The addictive process and its impact on the individual and society are described, as well as treatment and preventive program efforts. Students will also examine their own feelings and attitudes about alcohol and drug use and abuse. (Same as SOC 5570.) [Dual-listed with HPC 4570.]
HPC 5570. Counseling the Addicted Person (3) An in-depth study of the various intervention and therapeutic models utilized with addicted clients, including individual, group, and family counseling approaches. Unique aspects, demands, and imperatives of the addiction vis-à-vis the helping relationship are discussed. Prerequisite: HPC 5560.
* Students selecting the addictions counseling concentration must take two of the following courses: HPC 5274, HPC 6570, HPC 6770. These course descriptions are available under "other electives" below.CONCENTRATION - MARRIAGE AND FAMILY COUNSELING
HPC 5270. Theories of Marriage and Family Therapy I (3) A study from the systemic perspective of the historical development, theoretical and empirical foundations, and current issues in marriage and family therapy. Major models of marriage, couple and family therapy are surveyed.
* Students selecting the marriage and family counseling concentration must take two of the following courses: HPC 5271, HPC 5272, HPC 5273, HPC 5274, HPC 5275, HPC 6270, HPC 6271, HPC 6710, & HPC 6730. These course descriptions are available under "other electives" below.
CONCENTRATION - EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPY
HPC 6360. Therapy and the Expressive Arts (3) An examination of the relationship between artistic expression and individual mental health. Theories and techniques of various arts therapies will be studied relative to diagnosis and treatment as well as to personality integration and personal growth.
HPC 6370. Intermodal Expressive Arts (3) An examination of theories, techniques, and functions of psychotherapeutic approaches using intermodal expressive arts, emphasizing cross-cultural contexts of creative expression and human development. Prerequisite: HPC 6360.
* Students selecting the expressive arts therapy concentration must also take one additional expressive arts therapy elective to be selected with the advice and approval of the student's graduate advisor.
CONCENTRATION - BODY CENTERED THERAPY
HPC 5870. Creative Process, Movement, and Therapy (3) An examination of body awareness, creative expression, and movement in therapy. Particular attention will be paid to the concept of creative process and how it relates to human development, personality integration, and healing. [Dual-listed with DAN 4870.]
HPC 6350. Body/Mind (3) A study of the interrelationship of physical and mental functioning as it pertains to counseling, including the mind/body problem as a systematic issue in psychology, exploration of the current resurgence of interest in mind/body functioning relative to total well-being, and an overview of current uses of mind/body experiences as therapeutic techniques.
* Students selecting the body centered therapy concentration must also take one additional body centered therapy elective to be selected with the advice and approval of the student's graduate advisor.
HPC 5130. Women’s Issues in Counseling (3) Based on study of historical, social, multicultural, and familial influences on the development of women, this course addresses counseling issues related to women’s identity, self-esteem and relationships.
HPC 5271. Theories of Marriage and Family Therapy II (3) A study of a selected number of theories concerning marriage and family therapy. Class will involve role play, group discussion, and demonstration of marriage and family therapy. Prerequisite: HPC 5270.
HPC 5272. Family Development and Therapy (3) An introduction to a variety of systemic theories of family. Emphasis will be given to clinical issues of family development as they pertain to family therapy.
HPC 5273. Mediation and Divorce Therapy (3) Recognizing divorce as a frequent phenomenon in families, this course is designed to study the history, effects, and re-growth as a result of divorce. In addition to a review of current literature, there will be a concentration on pertinent, long-term studies of divorces, and the results and effects on children, as well as viewing proposed models of mediation and therapy for persons who choose to pursue such assistance.
HPC 5274. Substance Abuse in Family Systems (3) An examination of the range of substance abuse issues impacting the family system. Topics will include etiology of substance abuse and addiction within the family, impact upon members of the system and its dynamics, intervention and treatment approaches, and long-term recovery issues. Special attention will be given to the topics of co-dependency and core issues of adult children of dysfunctional families. Prerequisites: HPC 5270, SOC 5570/HPC 5560, or permission of the instructor.
HPC 5275. Systemic Family Therapy Institute/(3-9).SS. Variable content. Barring duplication, a student may repeat the course and earn up to a total of nine semester hours. This annual summer institute is designed to provide graduate students and working professionals with an opportunity for in-depth exploration of cutting-edge topics within the marriage and family therapy field. Graded on an S/U basis.
HPC 5680. Counseling the Aging (3) This course is designed to aid graduate students interested in gerontology to understand and appreciate aging as a lifelong process. Emphasis is also given to various effects of aging-physiological, psychological, financial, etc. Counseling strategies and understanding family dynamics pertaining to aging will also be studied.
HPC 5710. Helping the Troubled Employee (3) An introduction to employee assistance programming in a wide variety of settings. Historical development, current issues and trends, program structure, implementation, administration and evaluation are stressed. Visiting practitioners, student projects, and field trips will emphasize practical skills development in this helping model based in the work setting.
HPC 5840. Human Relations and Interaction (3) Examines the key elements in effective interpersonal communication. Students will be exposed to one or more human relations models that are designed to improve their communication skills. Emphasis will be given to applying constructive methods of human relations in a variety of settings including business, schools, and social service agencies. [Dual-listed with HPC 4840.]
HPC 5860. Dreamwork: Clinical Methods (3) An in-depth study of dreamwork as a clinical method, including theoretical approaches to dreams, clinical issues and current trends, and cross-cultural perspectives on the role of dreams, myths, and symbols in psychological healing.
HPC 6160. Gestalt Therapy (3) An examination of the Gestalt Therapy model. The course combines experiential and conceptual approaches. Emphasis is placed on developing personal and unique styles of interventions within the framework of Gestalt Therapy.
HPC 6162. Systemic Gestalt Therapy (3) An advanced course which focuses on the application of gestalt concepts within a systemic model. Prerequisite: HPC 6160 or permission of the instructor. Graded on an S/U basis.
HPC 6270. Marriage and Family Counseling: Clinical Issues (3) An examination of basic issues and special problems in the therapeutic intervention in families. Prerequisite: HPC 5270.
HPC 6271. Theories of Marriage and Family Therapy III (3) A comprehensive survey of major models of marriage and family therapy with emphasis on the relationship of theory to practice.
HPC 6272. Marital and Couples Therapy (3) This seminar examines key issues associated with effective marital and couples therapy. Emphasis is given to an overview of fundamental theoretical models of intimate relationships and models for effecting healing and growth in such relationships.
HPC 6290. Child and Adolescent Therapy (3) The application of child development and counseling theories to the practice of counseling children and adolescents. Focus will be on clinical practice, diagnostic skills, play and art therapy, family systems interventions, parent training programs, and behavioral interventions.
HPC 6340. Ecotherapy (3) This course will examine emerging paradigms in psychology and counseling in systems theory, the nature of consciousness, and ecopsychology.
HPC 6380. Therapeutic Writing (3) An exploration of writing and the therapeutic process. Students will experience a variety of methods in using the written word to enhance client change as well as for self-care for the therapist.
HPC 6390. Current Issues in Expressive Arts Therapy (3) An examination of current issues in expressive arts therapy, emphasizing cross-cultural contexts of creative expression and human development.
HPC 6570. The Appalachian Addictions Institute (3-9) Variable content. Barring duplication, a student may repeat the course and earn up to a total of nine semester hours. This annual summer institute is designed to provide graduate students and working professionals with an opportunity for in-depth exploration of cutting-edge, clinical issues and topics within the addictions field. Graded on an S/U basis.
HPC 6710. Human Sexuality (3) Classical and contemporary theories of sexual identity and behavior, family planning, reproduction, emotionality, intimacy, and values are studied. Special attention is given to the work of Kinsey, Hooker, and Masters and Johnson, and most recent researchers. Attention is given to futurity, especially as it pertains to current practices and values regarding family planning, general health, sexuality and one’s self-esteem. Counseling strategies will be considered pertaining to many currently reported sexual dysfunctions such as impotence, premature ejaculation and lack of sexual response.
HPC 6720. Group Counseling/Therapy (3) Theory and practice of group counseling/therapy, including group process, leadership style, and outcome. Prerequisite: HPC 5790 or equivalent.
HPC 6730. Sexual Abuse Counseling (3) An in-depth examination of the subject of sexual abuse counseling. The course provides an overview of the issues involved in sexual abuse and relates these to the assessment and treatment processes used by counselors and other helping professionals.
HPC 6770. Current Issues and Special Populations in Addictions Counseling (3) Current issues in the addictions field as they impact both counselors and their clients are addressed. Both practical and theoretical orientations of working with addicted clients are discussed. An emphasis is placed in the course on working with rural and minority clients.
