Current Psychotherapies

MS 3P1220/5P1210

Fall 2024
Tues 9:00am - 10:50am
CS

This course will explore the theoretical, epistemological, conceptual, and empirical foundations that inform the practice of traditional approaches to counselling and psychotherapy, e.g., psychodynamic therapy, behavioural therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and experiential therapy. Major theories within each of these domains will be reviewed and evaluated noting their influence, strength, and effectiveness.

Students taking this course for Advanced Elective credit will be provided with a syllabus supplement outlining additional requirements they must meet to receive credit toward their degree. Advanced Elective students can expect their course requirements to include doctoral levels of reading and research-supported writing as well as a presentation of their research in a format appropriate to the class. For any questions about what to expect for Advanced Elective requirements in this particular course, contact the course instructor. Note: The Syllabus Supplement will be made available no sooner than ten days after enrollment in the course. Advanced Elective students are encouraged to register for this course as early as possible to ensure they know their course requirements well in advance of the course start date.

Knowing

  • Basic understanding of the theory and distinctiveness of: Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Experiential and Relational Counselling theories.
  • Reflect critically on key counselling theories, noting their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Understand how each theory studied defines the role of the counsellor or psychotherapist in facilitating psychological health or well-being.
  • Develop a ‘trans-theoretical’ perspective to guide the practice of counselling.
  • Know how to facilitate care recipients’ abilities to develop healthy responses to the challenges of life.

Being

  • Reflected on the professional posture or therapeutic way of being associated with each therapeutic model.
  • Examined their prior assumptions about the role of the therapist.
  • Identified and accepted their limitations and skills in helping people to experience change.

Doing

  • Employ at least two different perspectives to engage a person to reflect on their life situation.
  • Foster a therapeutic relationship that sensitively connects with people and engages them in the healing process.
  • Know when and how to make a referral to a qualified counsellor or therapist.
  • Reflect philosophically and theologically on each theory studied.