Course Syllabus

Jump to Today

ADC502: Counseling Theories & Treatment Planning

Undergraduate Syllabus

Instructor & Contact Information

The People tab in Canvas provides information on the course instructor and you can send a message to your instructor following these instructions. Faculty are expected to: 1) grade and return assignments, with feedback, within 7 days from the date of submission; 2) reply to your Canvas messages within 72 hours; 3) reply several times each week in total in the discussion forums (not to each individual student); and 4) demonstrate the core values of City Vision University.

Course Description

In this course, you will learn an overview of counseling theories and therapy approaches used in mental health counseling and psychotherapy. This course will cover the following theories and therapy approaches: Psychoanalytic, Adlerian, Existential, Person-Centered, Gestalt Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Choice Theory/Reality Therapy, Feminist Therapy/Social Justice, Solution-Focused, Family Systems and Integrative. It will address each key theory’s history, techniques, strengths/limitations, research and application. For each approach, you will also explore a Biblical perspective and consider how it might be integrated with Christian faith. Students will also define their own theoretical approach to counseling and future work.

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, you should be able to:

  1. Identify the core concepts of counseling theories in order to incorporate relevant strategies and techniques of the theory in the future practice of counseling. (Quizzes)
  2. Describe the importance of having a commanding knowledge and understanding of a specified theory in order to incorporate ethically relevant strategies and techniques of the theory in the practice of counseling. (Week 1. Assignment 1, Assignment 2 & Discussion)
  3. Differentiate counseling strategies and techniques of the prescribed theory used in counseling individuals and groups. (Theory Assignments Weeks 2-7, Week 7. Assignment 3)
  4. Apply distinct strategies and techniques to case examples consistent with the philosophical underpinnings of the prescribed theory as well as demonstrate effective application of the fundamental components of the counseling process in a prescribed theoretical orientation to counseling. (Case Assignments in Weeks 2-7)
  5. Evaluate prominent theories of counseling and psychotherapy for compatibility to biblical teachings. (Discussions, Week 8. Assignment 1)
  6. Evaluate key theories of counseling and psychotherapy identifying its strengths and weaknesses, diversity implications and relation to Christian worldview. (Week 8. Assignment 1)
  7. Integrate prescribed theoretical orientations to counseling into one’s unique counseling approach. (Week 8 Assignment 2)

Degree Program Outcomes

Degree outcomes are the overall skills and knowledge we expect you will have after successfully completing a degree program at City Vision University. After completing the degree, you will be able to do the following in each of the listed domains:

 Master’s Program Core Outcomes

  1. Addiction Counseling. Develop plans and function in the eight practice domains of addiction counseling including: 1) Clinical Evaluation, 2) Treatment Planning, 3) Referral, 4) Case Management, 5) Counseling, 6) Client Education, 7) Documentation and 8) Ethics including transdisciplinary foundations.
  2. Christian Counseling. Integrate the theory and practice of addiction counseling into a Christian worldview to effectively serve and apply professional ethics in secular counseling and Christian counseling environments.
  3. Co-occuring Disorders. Provide counseling, treatment plans and referrals to those with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders.
  4. Addiction Psychopharmacology. Develop effective addiction treatment based on knowedge of a range of psychoactive drugs and be able to educate clients and provide referrals needed to provide comprehensive treatment.
  5. Family Counseling. Provide counseling to families affected by addiction and assist them in moving toward healthy family dynamics.
  6. Trauma & Crisis Counseling. Provide effective counseling to those experiencing crisis or having a history of trauma.
  7. Multicultural Counseling. Utilize effective methods to counsel diverse clients in both Christian and secular counseling environments

Concentration Outcomes

  1. Group Counseling. Facilitate group counseling sessions based on an understanding of group dynamics in addiction treatment.
  2. Counseling Theory. Synthesize counseling theories to develop treatment plans for those with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders.
  3. Counseling Skills & Techniques. Apply counseling theories and techniques in addiction counseling including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and 12-step group facilitation.
  4. Clinical Evaluation. Conduct thorough assessments and diagnoses of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
  5. Professional Ethics. Apply the ethical and professional principles, standards, and expectations that are integral to a professional counselor’s role and identity.
  6. Behavioral Addiction. Provide counseling to those dealing with behavioral addictions as well as conducting self-assessment to maintain balance avoiding and personally avoiding behavioral addictions.
  7. Culminating Experience. Demonstrate mastery either of the practice of addiction counseling through a practicum or comprehensive knowledge through preparation for an addiction counseling certification exam.

The concentration outcomes students will fulfill vary based on their concentration, except for the Culminating Experience.

Required Texts

Students are required to purchase these texts before the first day of classes. 

Guidelines for Written Work

All written work must follow our Writing Format and Forum Requirements. You must read these to understand how to cite sources appropriately.

Critical Policies to Read for This Course

Note: These policies are critical for all students to read. In case of change, we have linked to the versions on our website to make sure you have the latest version.

Additional Policies:

This syllabus is subject to change without notice up until the first day of the semester. Last updated: August 8, 2024

Course Summary:

Date Details Due