Erin Walsh Kugler, NCC

Graduate Counseling Coursework at University of Virginia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction to the Counseling Profession (EDHS7210) - 3 credits

An introduction and professional orientation to: the history of the profession of counseling; the sociocultural, economic, philosophical, theoretical, and political bases of the profession; advocacy in the counseling profession; identity of professional counselors; and a survey of career opportunities for counselors.

 

Theories & Techniques (EDHS7230) - 3 credits

Analysis of theoretical approaches to counseling and representative techniques for each. Particular attention will focus on values and multicultural issues and their impact on the counselor, client, and process of counseling.

 

Essential Counseling Skills (EDHS7290) - 3 credits

This initial course in counseling is required for all master’s level students in the counselor Education program. The primary focus is on fundamental attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary for developing effective helping relationships. A key feature of this course is the opportunity to practice essential counseling skills and experience the counseling process in a safe, controlled environment. This course also encourages self awareness and self exploration so that students can gain an understanding of how their own personal experiences, preferences, feelings, values, and world views impact their practice as a counselor.

 

Essential Counseling Sklls Lab (EDHS7291) - 1 credit

EDHS 7291 is the lab that accompanies EDHS 7290: Essential Counseling Skills.  The course affords practice of important therapeutic skills in a safe controlled environment and gives students individual feedback regarding skill development over the course of the class.

 

Introduction to School Counseling (EDHS8310) - 3 credits

Explores the planning and initiation of counseling programs in schools with an emphasis on understanding the role and function of counselors in schools, the planning, implementing, and managing of school counseling programs, the components of school counseling programs, legal and ethical issues in school counseling, and effective evaluation and accountability. 

 

Human Growth and Development (EDLF5160) - 3 credits

This course covers on biological, psychological and social development from birth through older adulthood. In particular, this course focuses on underlying theory, research, and application, with attention to how gender, race, SES, and cohort impact development. Throughout, students are encouraged to examine and even question their own beliefs about what it means to "grow up".

 

Introduction to Career Interventions (EDHS7220) - 3 credits

Survey of concepts, issues, trends, and tools related to career development and effective career counseling. Introduces the study and application of career development theory; the use of educational, social, and occupational information and materials in counseling; career assessment; informational media; career decision-making; and the implementation of developmentally and culturally appropriate career counseling strategies.

 

Group Counseling Procedures (EDHS7240) - 3 credits

Students learn concepts of group development, group dynamics, and specific skills and techniques or working with groups. Includes participation in relevant class activities.

 

Multicultural Counseling (EDHS7300) - 3 credits

Exploration of the personal, social, political, affective, and behavioral considerations of diversity. Multicultural competencies (awareness, knowledge, and skills) in counseling are emphasized as well as their relationship to advocacy and social justice. The course focuses on: developing awareness of one’s own cultural socialization and inherent biases; development of accurate knowledge of various cultural groups within our society; and development of skills necessary to provide culturally relevant counseling services. Experiential learning is incorporated throughout the course. 

 

Counselor Eduaction Master Practicum (EDHS8340) - 3 credits

For students enrolled in the School Counseling program. A minimum of 100 on-site hours is required. A description of the setting, specifying the school level in which practicum occurred most be included on the student’s application for graduation. Students are required to participate in on-grounds supervision.

 

Counseling Children & Adolescents (EDHS8340) - 3 credits

Explores concerns and problems that children and adolescents present to counselors. Focuses on applying developmental theories and examines resources and helping strategies appropriate for counseling children and adolescents. 

 

Reserach & Evaluation (EDHS7270) - 3 credits

Examines the role of research in the counseling profession, emphasizing the activities of the counselor as both a consumer and a producer of research. 

 

Intership in Professional School Counseling (EDHS3890) - 12 credits

This is the required internship course for K-12 professional school counseling students. The internship is a two-semester, 600-hour placement in a public school. Students also attend on-grounds supervision. Internship may be repeated for credit. Intent to register must be filed preceding registration. A description of a student’s internship school level must be included on the degree application.

 

Tests and Measurements (EDLF7180) - 3 credits

This introductory course concentrates on the evaluation and interpretation of assessment tools. Topics include reliability and validity; social and ethical considerations of testing; summarizing and interpreting measurements; and the use of standardized tests, rating scales, and observational scales.

 

Substance Abuse Counseling (EDHS8240) - 3 credits

Introduction to substance abuse counseling. Provides an understanding of the disease concept and other views of addiction, different methods of treating substance abuse, the process of recovery, the Twelve Step model, the role of the family in addiction, and counseling issues such as confronting denial, intervention, family counseling, relapse, and the role of the counselor in treatment. Emphasis is placed on developing skills through role play, case study, and interactions with substance abuse counselors and clients.

 

Course descriptions are provided by the Graduate Record from the University Registrar at University of Virginia.

 

The courses listed above are predetermined and required by the program. Below I have listed the electives I have chosen for my second year of study.

 

The Exceptional Learner (EDIS5000) - 3 credits

An intensive introduction to the study of exceptional children and adults. Focuses on extending principles of learning and intellectual, socio-cultural, emotional, and physical development to persons with disabilities, as well as the gifted, autism, traumatic brain injury, ADD, and ADHD. Information on medical conditions which influence learning and development is also provided. 

 

Family Therapy: Theories and Techniques (EDHS8730) - 3 credits

Examines major schools in the field of family therapy with a focus on learning how to conceptualize a case from these different perspectives. Special emphasis is on the application and evaluation of various intervention models to family problems commonly presented in therapy. Observation of actual cases is a required part of the course.