MFT 5200 Systems Theory and Family Therapy (3)
This course is an introduction to the theory and basic underlying assumptions of a systems framework to marriage and family therapy. Emphasis is on identifying the characteristics of healthy family functioning and conceptualizing human problems as they are related to the functioning of systems.
MFT 5350 Marital Therapy (3)
This course is an introduction to the understanding and practice of marital therapy. Students will focus on developing both diagnostic and intervention skills in regards to treating dyadic problems. Special attention will be given to emerging relationship issues and understanding marital problems from several different theoretical orientations. Also offered as PSY 5350.
MFT 5351 Family Therapy (3)
This course is an introduction to understanding and practicing family therapy. Focus will be on developing both diagnostic and intervention skills in regards to treating problems within the context of the family. Special attention will be given to differentiating between various approaches within the purview of family systems theory. Also offered as PSY 5351.
MFT 5400 Special Problems in Marital Therapy: Crisis Situations and Sexuality (3)
This course is designed to give attention to the special problems presented by (1) crisis situations and (2) sexuality. Regarding crisis presentations, common marital presentations will be studied (abusive relationships, marital separation, infidelity, etc.) with attention given to both recognition and appropriate intervention strategies. Regarding sexuality, healthy and problematic areas of sexual functioning will be studied with special attention given to assessment and diagnostic skills for identifying sexual dysfunction and correspondingly appropriate treatment regimens. Also offered as PSY 5400.
MFT 5455 Practicum in Marriage and Family Therapy I (3)
The course provides supervised experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy in an appropriate clinical setting (usually a mental health center or community agency). Activities will include face-to-face contact with individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Student will spend a minimum of 150 hours on site under appropriate supervision. (practicum fee) Under certain circumstances, practicum may be extended.*
MFT 5456 Practicum in Marriage and Family Therapy II (3)
To be taken in consecutive sequence with MFT 5455 “Practicum in Marriage and Family Therapy I”, and preferably at the same site, the course provides a continued supervised experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy in an appropriate clinical setting (usually a mental health center or community agency). Activities will include face-to-face contact with individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Students will spend a minimum of 150 hours on site under appropriate supervision. (practicum fee) Under certain circumstances, practicum may be extended.*
MFT 5510 Divorce and Divorce Adjustment (3)
This course is a study of the contemporary family through the avenue of the divorce experience. The primary concern will be an understanding of the cultural influences that foster a rise in the divorce rate, the changes that this phenomenon has precipitated in American society, the impact of divorce upon the entire family unit, and the adjustments required for healthy family functioning. Also offered as PSY 5510.
MFT 5511 Marital Life-cycle (3)
With the marital life-cycle as a structure, this course will examine the marital relationship as an interactive and changing system. Particular attention will be given to the predictable challenges presented to couples in the form of demands for adaptation, the identified characteristics of marital health, and various changes experienced in both the institution of marriage and spousal roles during the past few decades. Also offered as PSY 5511.
MFT 5512 The Child in the Family System (3)
This course is designed to review theories and research in child development by identifying normal and anticipated behavior from birth through adolescence within the family context. The ability to recognize what constitutes deviations from the anticipated behavior will also be identified with practical suggestions for intervention. Also offered as PSY 5512.
MFT 5530 Professional Seminar: Ethical Standards (1)
This course is a professional seminar with emphasis upon an examination of both the ethical guidelines and the legal responsibilities and liabilities (family law) which are related to the practice of marriage and family therapy.
MFT 5531 Professional Seminar: Professional Identity (1)
This course is a professional seminar with emphasis upon defining and establishing a professional identity as a marriage and family therapist. Focus will include appropriate credentials, licensure, and involvement with professional organizations as a means of both maintaining and fostering professional growth and development.
MFT 5532 Professional Seminar: Professional Context (1)
This course is a professional seminar with emphasis upon developing a familiarization with clinical practice settings. The necessity of establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with other professionals will be explored, whether these professionals be marriage and family therapists or from other helping professions.
PSY 5100 Introduction to Psychological Research (3)
This course is designed to give an introduction to research strategies with an emphasis on counseling and psychological problems. Emphasis will be on the development of a proposal for a major research project or thesis.
PSY 5220 Lifespan Development (3)
This course looks at the survey of research throughout the entire lifespan including findings in the areas of physical, emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal growth and development.
PSY 5230 Career Counseling: Theory and Practice (3)
This course is an examination of the current trends in career development and life choices. The students will develop a knowledge base concerning career theories and techiques for exploring the interests, aptitudes, and values of clients in order to assist them in making reasoned career and lifestyle decisions.
PSY 5231 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)
The focus of this course is the integration and study of the traditional and currently developing theories of counseling and psychotherapy and their application.
PSY 5240 Advanced Abnormal Psychology (3)
This course focuses on patterns of abnormal behavior including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, antisocial behavior, and mental retardation. These patterns of abnormal behavior are discussed and related to DSM-IV TR diagnosis.
PSY 5250 Counseling Diverse Populations (3)
This course is an overview of counseling strategies useful with varied populations. Counseling skills helpful with clients of different racial, economic, religious, and sexual orientations will also be examined.
PSY 5260 Advanced General Psychology (3)
This course is a review of general psychology including learning, motivation, personality, social, abnormal, developmental, and applied psychology.
PSY 5320 Grief Counseling (3)
This course will provide a presentation of practical, theoretical, and social aspects of the dying process. Students will develop skills in counseling the bereaved and in handling grief.
PSY 5330 Counseling in Chemical Use and Abuse (3)
This course includes topics on historical, medical, psychological, and family dynamics of the treatment process for chemical dependency. An understanding of the many classes of drugs and their effects on the dependent person will be developed.
PSY 5350 Marital Therapy (3)
This course is an introduction to the understanding and practice of marital therapy. Students will focus on developing both diagnostic and intervention skills in regards to treating dyadic problems. Special attention will be given to emerging relationship issues and understanding marital problems from several different theoretical orientations. Also offered as MFT 5350.
PSY 5351 Family Therapy (3)
This course is an introduction to understanding and practicing family therapy. Focus will be on developing both diagnostic and intervention skills in regards to treating problems within the context of the family. Special attention will be given to differentiating between various approaches within the purview of family systems theory. Also offered as MFT 5351.
PSY 5360 Advanced Intervention Strategies in Counseling (3)
Application of hypnotherapy, neurolinguistic programming, pharmacology, and other current strategies to the counseling process will be examined in this course.
PSY 5390 Effective Treatments in Therapy (3)
This course provides an overview and discussion of the effective treatments of various psychological disorders. A focus will be placed on treatment planning and evaluating outcomes in therapy.
PSY 5400 Special Problems in Marital Therapy: Crisis Situations and Sexuality (3)
This course is designed to give attention to the special problems presented by (1) crisis situations and (2) sexuality. Regarding crisis presentations, common marital presentations will be studied (abusive relationships, marital separation, infidelity, etc.) with attention given to both recognition and appropriate intervention strategies. Regarding sexuality, healthy and problematic areas of sexual functioning will be studied with special attention given to assessment and diagnostic skills for identifying sexual dysfunction and correspondingly appropriate treatment regimens. Also offered as MFT 5400.
PSY 5410 Diagnosis and Treatment of Personality Disorders
This course is designed to provide an understanding of patterns of abnormal behavior as they relate to the Axis II personbality disorders. Diagnosis and treatment will be developed. Prerequisite PSY 5240.
PSY 5420 Personality Theory (3)
The psychology of personality cannot be approached from a single theoretical orientation; rather one must discuss theories of personality. Thus, the aim of this course is to discuss some of the leading theories of personality held by those individuals who have pioneered the field.
PSY 5430 Group Therapy and Process (3)
This course will examine group techniques and application to counseling settings. Various ethnic and socioeconomic groups will be emphasized.
PSY 5441 Introduction to Psychological Testing (3)
An overview of test construction, selection, and application will be the focus of this course. Legal and ethical administration of tests for ability, intelligence, attitudes, values and personality will also be examined. Experience in taking and administering sample instruments will be provided.
PSY 5442 Statistical Analysis / Research Design (3)
This course is an introduction to the use of statistics in psychology with emphasis on application to solving research related problems and design of investigations related to areas of student and professional interest.
PSY 5443 Objective Personality Analysis (3)
Experiences will be provided in the area of objective personality analysis. Students will administer, score, and interpret the MMPI-2, CPI, MCMI-III, MBTI, and other currently used instruments in the field. Prerequisite PSY 5441 Introduction to Psychological Testing.
PSY 5444 Individual Intelligence Assessment (3)
Experience will be provided in the areas of administering, scoring, and interpreting the Wechsler, Binet, and Kaufman instruments. Prerequisite PSY 5441 Introduction to Psychological Testing.
PSY 5450 Practicum in Counseling I (3)
The course provides practical supervised experience in beginning counseling skills. It includes the development of relationship building skills, fact-finding, and counseling experiences in a mental health setting. 150 Hours (practicum fee) Under certain circumstances, practicum may be extended.*
PSY 5451 Practicum in Counseling II (3)
As a continuation of Practicum in Counseling I, the course provides practical supervised experience in a mental health or community agency. It includes the development of relationship building and exploratory (fact-finding) skills as well as skills in intervention and treatment planning. 150 Hours (practicum fee) Under certain circumstances, practicum may be extended.*
PSY 5453 Internship in Counseling I (3)
This course provides 200 hours of supervised experience in a mental health or community agency setting. Completion of practicum is a prerequisite.
PSY 5454 Internship in Counseling II (3)
This course provides 200 hours of supervised experience in a mental health or community agency setting. Completion of practicum is a prerequisite.
PSY 5456 Practicum in Counseling Psychology I (3)
The course provides practical supervised experience in beginning psychotherapy skills. It includes therapy, testing, consulting and other site relevant activities pertaining to the field. The student must be supervised by a properly licensed supervisor. 150 Hours (practicum fee) Under certain circumstances, practicum may be extended.*
PSY 5457 Practicum in Counseling Psychology II (3)
As a continuation of the Practicum in Counseling Psychology I, the course provides practical psychotherapy skills. It includes therapy, testing, consulting and other site relevant activities pertaining to the field. The student must be supervised by a properly licensed supervisor. 150 Hours (practicum fee) Under certain circumstances, practicum may be extended.*
PSY 5472 Professional Standards and Ethics (3)
The course emphasizes the development, understanding and application of ethical standards in the theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. The Ethical Principles of Psychologists, Code of Conduct of the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American Counseling Association (ACA) will be studied along with other professional standards of practice and credentialing.
PSY 5480 Counseling Techniques and Interventions (3)
This course is a study of counseling theories (classical and contemporary), techniques, philosophy, and history; with emphasis on cognitive, affective, and behavioral interventions.
PSY 5510 Divorce and Divorce Adjustment (3)
This course is a study of the contemporary family through the avenue of the divorce experience. The primary concern will be an understanding of the cultural influences that fostered a rise in the divorce rate, the changes that this phenomenon has precipitated in American society, the impact of divorce upon the entire family unit, and the adjustments required for healthy family functioning. Also offered as MFT 5510.
PSY 5511 Marital Life-cycle (3)
With the marital life-cycle as a structure, this course will examine the marital relationship as an interactive and changing system. Particular attention will be given to the predictable challenges presented to couples in the form of demands for adaptation, the identified characteristics of marital health, and various changes experienced in both the institution of marriage and spousal roles during the past few decades. Also offered as MFT5511.
PSY 5512 The Child in the Family System (3)
This course is designed to review theories and research in child development by identifying normal and anticipated behavior from birth through adolescence within the family context. The ability to recognize what constitutes deviations from the anticipated behavior will also be identified with practical suggestions for intervention. Also offered as MFT 5512.
PSY 5910 Advanced Seminar in Psychotherapy (3)
The purpose of this course is to ensure preparation for student placement in a practicum setting. This course will simulate the practicum experience. With emphasis on role-play and other practical activities, will allow students will to demonstrate entry-level counseling skills as well as the operational skills required for functioning within an agency setting. As a course marking the consummation of academic and classroom training and the transition to actual practice, each student will demonstrate initial competency in a chosen counseling model consistent with the goals and purposes of this program. Prerequisite PSY 5480
PSY 5920 Master’s Thesis (3)
The master’s thesis should demonstrate a professional contribution to the practice of counseling psychology. Areas of research should be chosen compatible with chosen thesis advisor. There is a $55.00 per hour charge in addition to the regular tuition. Students sign up for one hour of thesis for three semesters. Those extending beyond three semesters are charged a THESIS EXTENSION FEE of $233.00 per semester.
* Students who do not complete their practicum within the semester will at the discretion of their advisor be allowed to continue into the next subsequent semester. The student will be required to meet all class assignments with the practicum students in the new practicum class. A new practicum supervisor may be assigned for this extension. A PRACTICUM EXTENSION FEE of $250 will be charged.
DOCTORAL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PSY 7001 Advanced Group Psychotherapy (3)
In this course the major approaches to group counseling and psychotherapy will be covered with a focus on critical evaluation. The process of group counseling and psychotherapy will be analyzed as well as research in the area. Role-playing and simulations of group therapy situations for the purpose of training will be offered.
PSY 7002 Ethical Standards and Legal Issues in the Counseling Profession (3)
This course emphasizes the development, understanding and application of ethical standards in the theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Of special attention will be legal issues arising from the practice of professional therapy. Attention will be given to understanding and differentiating between the specific articles of professional conduct established by the American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association, and the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.
PSY 7003 Psychodynamic Psychotherapies (3)
This course prepares students to conduct time limited psychodynamic psychotherapy drawing upon psychoanalytic clinical theory. Topics covered include; psychodynamic assumptions about the mechanisms of change in treatment, the role of the unconscious and mechanisms of defense as well as transference and counter-transference.
PSY 7004 Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (3)
This course prepares students to conduct psychotherapy from a cognitive-behavioral perspective. Theoretical underpinnings of cognitive-behavioral therapy are covered prior to focusing on the case conceptualization and intervention techniques employed by practitioners of the model. Students will become familiar with a variety of behavioral and cognitive interventions designed to change affective states, thought patterns, and problematic behaviors.
PSY 7005 Postmodern Psychotherapies (3)
This course will provide a study of postmodern therapies including solution-focused brief therapy, narrative therapy, and social constructionism. New methods of therapy delivery involve efforts in which the therapist comes from a "not knowing" position and allow themselves to enter the dialogue in a more creative way.
PSY 7006 Advanced Child and Adolescent Therapy (3)
This course provides an overview of theory and techniques in child and adolescent psychotherapy. While the overall orientation will view child and adolescent problems within a context of the family system, the course will focus on a range of interventions and approaches including play therapy, solution focused cognitive and behavioral techniques, and the interface of group work, individual treatment, adn family therapy. Major childhood and adolscent disorders will be studied with an emphasis on assessment, diagnosis and intervention.
PSY 7007 Treating Addictions: A Family Dynamics Approach (3)
This course will survey the literature on substance abuse, chemical dependency and other addictive behaviors. Emphasis is placed on the assessment and treatment of persons with additive behaviors especially from a family systems perspective.
PSY 7008 Diagnosis & Treatment of Sexual Disorders (3)
This course reviews theories of sexual development and the diagnosis and treatment of sexual disorders along with psychosocial and cultural variables associated with these issues.
PSY 7009 Diagnosis & Treatment of Personality Disorders (3)
This course is designed to provide an understanding of patterns of abnormal behavior as they relate to the Axis II personality disorders. Diagnosis and teatment will be developed.
PSY 7010 Issues of Integration: Christian Ideology in a Professional World (3)
This course provides an overview of the theoretical, conceptual, and practical issues involved in relating one's Christian worldview to psychology, psychopathology, and psychotherapy. Emphasis will be placed on the various philosophical and practical ways in practitioners resolve the tensions of faith and practice from a Christian perspective. Practical implications for conducting psychotherapy with people who have spiritual and religious concerns will be explored.
PSY 7101 Preventive Approaches: Premartial Therapy and Enrichment Activities (3)
This course focuses on preventative models of influencing significant relationships. As such, attention will be given to pre and post relationships by developing and implementing models for soundly and thoroughly working with relationships prior to marriage as well as post marital enrichment programs for those couples who are already married.
PSY 7102 Theories of Affect Regulation and Attachment (Affective Therapy) (3)
This course will investigate the theories and research of affect regulation and attachment from a range of disciplines and how this material might be integrated into the practice of individual, marital and family treatment/intervention. Special attention will be given to the more popular models, like EFT or suitable alternatives.
PSY 7151 Psychological Testing for Counselors (3)
This course studies the administration, scoring, interpretation and reporting of the most common assessment instruments used by professional counselors. The focus will be on assessment intruments such as the MBTI, FIRO-B, Beck Scales, SASSI-3, etc. Review of ethical principles and practice issues relevant to testing will be covered.
PSY 7152 Professional Challenges for Counselors (3)
This course will focus on practical issues that will face practioners in the 21st century: starting a practice, guidelines and procedures for referral and inter-professional collabration, legal, ethical, and professional issues involved in working in a multidisciplinary managed care context, managing time, keeping abreast with the literature and avoiding burnout.
PSY 7153 Psychopharmacological Issues in Counseling Settings (3)
This course will provide a general overview of current research on the use and effectiveness of psychotropic medication in the treatment of psychological disorders as well as ethical and professional implications.
PSY 7201 Supervision Models (3)
This course is designed to give students training and practice in supervisory and consultant roles. Various supervision models will be evaluated.
PSY 7202 Supervision Group I (3)
Students in the doctoral program are responsible for supervising the professional activities of the less advanced students in the master's practicum. Focus will be on supervisee development and execution of basic skills in the counseling process.
PSY 7203 Supervision Group II (3)
Students in the doctoral program are responsible for supervising the professional activities of the less advanced in the master's practicum. Focus will be on supervisee professional and personal development - a personal growth model as the therapist explores the use-of-self in his/her therapy.
PSY 7251 The New Millennium Classroom: Technology & Teaching Startegies in Higher Education Settings (3)
This course focuses on effective teaching approaches, course delivery systems (technology), as well as on methods of classroom management, testing, and lecture development. This course provides the information, theory, and training necessary to teach (under supervision) undergraduate courses in a higher education setting.
PSY 7252 Supervised Hours of Higher Education Teaching I (3)
This course provides experience in teaching in a higher education setting. The student will provide assistance to an assigned faculty member in all aspects of course instruction, including lesson plans, course delivery systems, the provisions of class lectures, and the design and implementation of all student evaluations and tests.
PSY 7253 Supervised Hours of Higher Education Teaching II (3)
This course provides experience in teaching in a higher education setting. The student will provide assistance to an assigned faculty member in all aspects of course instruction, including lesson plans, course delivery systems, the provisions of class lectures, and the design and implementation of all student evaluations and tests.
PSY 7300 Doctoral Proposal Development (3)
This course will mainly focus on the development and facilitation of the initial stages of the dissertation process. However, a focus will be maintained throughout this course on the entire dissertation project. Specific emphasis will be placed on the logistics of the dissertation project, including formulating a topic, the introduction, the review of literature, and methodology including appropriate statistical analysis, as well as securing a dissertation chair and committee, and preparation of the formal proposal defense. The students will be introduced to a variety of disserations options as well as strategies for successful completion. The students will complete a draft of the first chapters of their dissertation project.
PSY 7301 Doctoral Research Methodology (3)
This course focuses on the development and facilitation of the dissertation process. Stress will be placed on the logistics of the dissertation project, including formulating a topic, the literature review, securing a dissertation chair and committee, and preparation of the proposal.
PSY 7302 Statistical Analysis in Clinical Practice (3)
This course is an introduction to the use of statistics in psychology with emphasis on application to solving research related problems and design of investigations related to areas of student and professional interest.
PSY 7303 Dissertation Research (3)
Planning and implementation of a doctoral dissertation including literature review, problem definition, hypothesis formation, design, implementation of research project, data analysis, and report writing. The final step requires the student to successfully defend the dissertation.
PSY 7351 Doctoral Practicum I
This course provides practical supervised experience in advanced psychotherapy skills. It includes therapy, testing consultation, and other site relevant activities pertaining to the field. The practicum experience will be in an appropriate clinical setting and students must be supervised by a properly licensed or credientialed supervisior depending upon student's licensure interests. Site and supervisor approval must be attained through the doctoral program prior to commencing the practicum placement. (1-3 Hours)
PSY 7352 Doctoral Practicum II
As a continuation of the Doctoral Practicum I course, this course provides practical supervised experience in advanced psychotherapy skills. It includes therapy, testing consultation, and other site relevant activities pertaining to the field. The practiucm experience will be in an appropriate clinical setting and students must be supervised by a properly licensed or credientialed supervisor depending upon student's licensure interests. Site and supervisor approval must be attained through the doctoral program prior to commencing the practicum placement. (1-3 Hours)
