Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy PSYC 3406

Counselling

A process to support individuals' mental health.

Psychotherapy

Therapeutic treatment for psychological issues.

Course Objective

Examine various counselling approaches and techniques.

Weekly Assignments

150-200 word responses graded out of 3.

Grading Scale

3 Points for excellent understanding, 0 for unclear.

Group Assignment

10-15 page paper on theoretical approach.

Mid Term Exam

Scheduled for February 11, includes multiple choice.

Participation

Active engagement in discussions and activities.

Mindfulness Exercise

Class activity to enhance awareness and focus.

Didactic Lecture

Instructional discussion on chapter material.

Counselling Session Videos

Visual examples of counselling techniques.

Group Case Study

Collaborative analysis of a provided client vignette.

Competence

Therapists must know their professional boundaries.

Diversity Competence

Understanding diverse cultural backgrounds in therapy.

Ethics in Therapy

Adhering to moral principles in counselling practice.

Psychodynamic Approach

Focus on unconscious processes and childhood experiences.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

Changing negative thought patterns to improve behavior.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Goal-oriented approach emphasizing solutions over problems.

Common Factors

Similarities across therapy models that promote change.

Evidence-Based Treatment

Therapies supported by research and empirical evidence.

Integrative Approach

Combining different therapeutic techniques for effectiveness.

Feminist Therapy

Focus on gender issues and social justice in therapy.

Common Factors Model

Focuses on similarities across therapeutic models.

Therapeutic Relationship

Quality of the relationship as perceived by the client.

Client Factors

Motivation and resources influencing therapy outcomes.

Therapeutic Approach

Specific techniques and methods used in therapy.

Evidence-Based Therapies

Therapies validated by rigorous research methods.

Evidence-Based Practice

Integration of research, expertise, and client preferences.

Treatment Planning

Creating structured plans to guide therapeutic interventions.

Symptom-Focused Treatment Plans

Plans targeting specific symptoms for reduction.

Theory-Based Treatment Plans

Plans incorporating theoretical frameworks and goals.

Initial Phase Treatment Tasks

Establishing foundation and assessing client dynamics.

Working Phase Treatment Tasks

Maintaining momentum in the therapeutic process.

Closing Phase Treatment Task

Developing aftercare plans to sustain progress.

Client Belief

Client's conviction that therapy will be beneficial.

Quality of Studies

Impact of research quality on therapy effectiveness.

Diversity Issues

Consideration of cultural and individual differences in therapy.

Meta-Analyses

Statistical analyses combining results from multiple studies.

Depression Treatment

May require diverse treatment approaches for effectiveness.

OCD Treatment

Specific treatments often yield better outcomes.

Therapeutic Techniques

Methods employed to facilitate client progress.

Continuous Adaptation

Regularly adjusting treatment based on client feedback.

Client Characteristics

Individual needs and values influencing therapy.

Therapist's Theoretical Framework

Guides treatment based on therapist's theoretical orientation.

Counselor-Client Differences

Adjusting approaches based on client demographics.

Present-Focused Approach

Focus on current issues, not past experiences.

Marginalization Stress

Consider stress from discrimination in assessments.

Crisis Symptoms

Immediate issues needing stabilization in therapy.

Initial Phase Goals

Address dynamics sustaining the client's problem.

Working Phase Goals

Tackle broader issues for client health improvement.

Closing Phase Goals

Conclude therapy with reflections and future planning.

Mindfulness

Attention on purpose, present moment, non-judgmentally.

Emotion Regulation

Managing emotional responses effectively through mindfulness.

Cognitive Flexibility

Ability to adapt thinking in various situations.

Therapist Empathy

Understanding client feelings to enhance connection.

Self-Compassion

Being kind to oneself during difficult times.

Mindfulness Skills

Techniques to enhance present-moment awareness.

Observe Skill

Noticing experiences without adding judgments.

Describe Skill

Labeling observed experiences accurately and factually.

Participate Skill

Fully engaging in current activities without separation.

Non-Judgmental Attitude

Seeing reality without labeling it as good or bad.

One-Mindfully Skill

Focusing on a single task at a time.

Effective Action

Skillfully addressing needs of the current situation.

Mindfulness Exercise Steps

Guidelines for leading a mindfulness practice.

Wandering Attention

Anticipating and managing distractions during mindfulness.

Gwen's Story

Case study for discussion and goal setting.