Course Syllabus

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ADC405: Group Counseling Practices

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

This course is designed for the novice therapist, one who is participant learner of the experience and dynamics of small groups. Students will begin to develop their abilities as group facilitators and potential therapists. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the aspects of forming, leading and evaluating groups as well as identify specific behaviors that are disruptive in group settings. Good group facilitation is much more than conducting therapy with a number of individuals in a group. It requires an active counselor who is constantly observing all of the nuances of the members' interactions. It requires a skill that can only be mastered through supervised group experience and an understanding of group process and group dynamics. Important aspects of this course are designed to address: Advantages and Disadvantages of small groups, Group assumptions, Stages of Group, the Counselor's role, Effective communication, Leadership styles and problematic client behaviors. Students will understand the development of a small group, gain the facilitation skills necessary to monitor and function as facilitator, and assist group members in growing through a group process.

Please keep in mind that many counseling courses such as this one cover very deep issues, which can trigger trauma for some students. Students are encouraged to be aware of this for this course and have strong supports in place.

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the essential skills necessary to work with small groups
  2. Understand the necessity and applicability of effective communication skills
  3. Describe different types of groups and their specific goals and functions
  4. Describe the different stages through which groups progress
  5. Demonstrate appropriate use and understanding of the Johari Window
  6. Identify and demonstrate various leadership styles and roles

Degree Program Outcomes

Program outcomes are the overall skills and knowledge we expect you will have after successfully completing a certificate or degree program at City Vision University. This course supports the following program outcomes, marked with an asterisk (*). After completing the program, City Vision’s graduates will be able to do the following:

  1. Christian Integration. Integrate Christian principles and counseling theories in an ethical manner in both Christian and secular counseling environments.*
  2. Certification Exam Prep. Identify the key concepts needed to take a licensure exam either to apply to be a peer support specialist or certified addiction counselor.
  3. Case Management. Develop case management plans to help clients identify areas where they need help and connecting them with personal and community resources that will help them.
  4. Chemical Dependency. Describe foundational concepts of chemical dependency including a range of psychoactive drugs and how they work.
  5. Psychology. Describe the foundational concepts of psychology and apply that in both Christian and secular counseling environments.
  6. Clinical Counseling Skills. Utilize foundational skills for clinical addiction counseling.
  7. Multicultural Counseling. Utilize effective methods to counsel diverse clients in both Christian and secular counseling environments.
  8. Specialized Skills. Apply knowledge and skills in specialized domains related to Addiction Counseling.*

Required Texts

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

Other materials are provided digitally within the course.

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.

This syllabus is subject to change without notice up until the first day of the semester. Last updated: December 15, 2021

Course Summary:

Date Details Due