Practice of Psychotherapy Counsellor Training
TPP I-600 - Theory and Practice of Psychotherapy, part I
This course in a nutshell:
Discussion topics: An overview of evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques and related theories which comprise the foundations of the mental health profession.
Skills: You’ll learn to implement key factors in treatment planning, goal setting and choice of therapeutic approach. (Pre-requisite: Applied Counselling Skills, ACSI-400, or equivalent.)
TPP II-600 - Theory and Practice of Psychotherapy, part II
This course in a nutshell:
Discussion topics: The series of training videos demonstrate in-depth analysis of the major evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches.
Skills: You’ll learn to refine your therapeutic orientation; and practice techniques related to the psychotherapeutic modalities covered in the text and portrayed on the videos.
(Pre-requisite: Applied Counselling Skills, ACSI-400, or equivalent.)
COURSE OBJECTIVE: Applied Skill Development
On-line delivery of Theories and Practice of Psychotherapy, Part 1 & 2 (TPP-600) provides students an overview of evidence based, in-depth psychotherapeutic techniques and related theories of psychology, and the importance of the therapeutic alliance which form the foundations of the mental health profession.
Elements of cognitive, emotional and behavioral problems will be explored using the view point of various theorists. Techniques, ethical and cultural considerations, and evidence-based outcome measures will be applied to each theoretical model. The interventions presented are appropriate for use with children, adolescents, adults and families.
TPP-600 offers expanded coverage of the theories and techniques first introduced in the pre-requisite course, Applications of Personality Theories (APT-400).
Students enrolled in TPP-600 will learn to apply theoretical concepts to treatment strategies that fall within the scope of practice of an intern, mid-level, or advanced therapist. Students gain the necessary knowledge from the course material to deepen their own style of therapy. The evidence-based, theoretical concepts presented in this course are well recognized in the field of psychology.
The content of this advanced, six-week course is divided into two parts:
Part one, students focus on important psychological factors that result in high levels of efficacy for clients during the counselling process. A series of videos introduce a variety of important discussion points relevant to the clinical practice of psychotherapy such as: Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories in Context and Practice The Therapeutic Relationship, Individualized Treatment and Other Keys to Successful Psychotherapy; What Works in Psychotherapy.
Part two provides an in-depth overview of evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques and theories of psychology, which comprise the foundations of the mental health profession. A series of videos demonstrate and in-depth analysis of the major evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches. Video topics include: Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories in Context and Practice; Humanistic Psychotherapy; Adlerian Therapy; Feminist Therapy; Family Systems Therapy; Mind-Body Therapy; Multimodal Therapy; Object Relations Therapy; Reality Therapy; Solution-Focused Therapy; Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; and Dynamic Psychotherapy.
Students will also conduct a role-play session with a volunteer ‘client’ in order to practice the techniques related to the psychotherapeutic modalities covered in the text and videos.
COURSE CONTENT
THOUGHTS/FEELINGS/BEHAVIORS
All models of psychotherapy 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).
THERAPIST’S ROLE
Secondly, all models comment on the process of client change in terms of the therapist’s role and function. This can be conceptualized on a continuum from less directive (e.g. Person Centered) to more directive (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 still 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 psychotherapy.
- Theories that cover the full spectrum of the therapist’s 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.
- Therapeutic techniques specific to each of the major theories.
- Scope of practice; the need for supervision and/or professional consultation; and making appropriate referrals.
- Integrating aspects from all the theories into a therapy style unique to each student.
The text is designed to facilitate in-depth comprehension of theories and techniques leading to the effective, ethical practice of psychotherapy.
The textbook provides the following information:
- Extended case examples in each of the Theory chapters
- Examples of treatment planning illustrating how specific theories can be used in problem formulation, specific interventions, and potential outcomes assessment.
- In depth examination of gender and cultural issues.
- An evidence-based status section for each theory focuses on relevant scientific research with the goal of developing critical thinking skills.
- Outcome Measures offer ideas on how client outcomes can be tracked using practice-based evidence.
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 models of psychotherapy. 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 this advanced course, 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 integrate psychotherapy techniques (representative of each theory) into the scope of practice of an intern, mid-level, or advanced counsellor. Students will expand and deepen their own therapy style, incorporating personal philosophy, values, culture, and past experiences along with key points from the major theorists.
(NOTE: The skill set you will learn in this course comprises areas of core competence required for the practice of professional counselling and psychotherapy).
