Application of Personality Theories Course

APT-400 Application of Personality Theories

Course in a nutshell:
Discussion topics: Examine the major theories of personality development and the application of the related counselling techniques and treatment approaches; assessment procedures, goal setting, and outcome measures to monitor the effects of treatment.
Skills: You will learn and practice specific skills from each personality theory. Combining your knowledge of the various theories, you’ll begin to formulate your own unique counselling style.

COURSE OBJECTIVE: Applied Skill Development

On-line delivery of APPLICATION OF PERSONALITY THEORIES (APT-400) provides students with knowledge of counselling techniques and major theories of personality which are the foundation of the counselling profession. Elements of cognitive, emotional and behavioral problems will be explored using the view point of various theorists. Each theory holds certain assumptions about the development and nature of personality. These assumptions form the basis for techniques used by professional counsellors. This course will introduce theories and techniques used for counseling children, adolescents, adults and families. Students will learn to apply theoretical concepts to treatment strategies that fall within the scope of practice of an entry level counselor. Students will gain the necessary knowledge from the course material to formulate their own counseling style based on theoretical concepts that are well recognized in the field of counseling.

COURSE CONTENT

THOUGHTS/FEELINGS/BEHAVIORS

All models of counseling are based on distinct views of human psychology which guide the therapeutic process. To greater or lesser degrees all models acknowledge that human functioning is based on thinking-feeling- doing. Some models place emphasis on “thinking” (eg Cognitive Therapy), others place emphasis on “doing” (e.g. Behavior Therapy), while others place emphasis on “feeling”(e.g. Person Centered Therapy).

COUNSELLOR’S ROLE

Secondly, all models comment on the process of client change in terms of the counsellor’s role and function. This can be conceptualized on a continuum from less counsellor directed (e.g. Person Centered) to more counselor directed (e.g. Behavior Therapy).

PAST/PRESENT/FUTURE

Thirdly, all models have assumptions about factors which influence the manifestation of client concerns. Some see that unresolved past issues are an integral component of presenting concerns (e.g. Psychodynamic approaches) while other models view the necessary components of change as occurring in the present (e.g. Reality therapy), while others are more focused on assisting clients towards a future orientation (e.g. Solution Focused).

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Major theorists who have contributed to various models of counseling.
  • The basic assumptions that form each of the major personality theories.
  • Theories that cover the full spectrum of counsellors’ role and intervention styles; going from the most directive approach to the least directive approach during the counseling session.
  • The impact of cultural, genetic and psycho-social variables as addressed by each theory.
  • Counseling techniques specific to each of the major theories.
  • Remaining within the scope of practice; the need for supervision and/or professional consultation; and making appropriate referrals.
  • Integrating aspects from all the theories into a counseling style unique to each student.

PORTFOLIO OF JOB SKILLS

What you will learn:

You will learn to address symptoms of psychological, cognitive and behavioral problems using theories and techniques from the major counseling models. You will use your understanding of the various theories and techniques to select the most appropriate treatment for problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Your level of proficiency and competence with the skills introduced in this course will deepen as you proceed through the program. Upon graduation from the Diploma or Certificate program, you may include the following skills as part of your Professional Portfolio:

1. The ability to compare and contrast the following therapy models and the major theorists associated with each approach.

  • Psychoanalytic therapy
  • Adlerian Therapy
  • Existential Therapy
  • Person-Centered Therapy
  • Gestalt Therapy
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Cognitive Therapy
  • Reality Therapy
  • Feminist Therapy
  • Solution-focused Therapy
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Integrative Approach

2. The ability to practice counselling techniques (representative of each theory) appropriate to the scope of practice for entry-level counsellors.

After integrating knowledge of the above models of therapy, students will begin developing their own counselling style, incorporating their personal philosophy, values, culture and past experiences along with key points from the major personality theories.

(NOTE: The skill set you will learn in this course comprises areas of core competence required for the practice of professional counselling).