Course Syllabus

Teaching and Learning form the mission of Bethany College

Theories of Psychotherapy and Counseling

PSY 329

Credit hours: 3
Class meeting time(s): MWF 2:00 – 2:50pm
Prerequisite Course(s): PSY 100

Meanings are not determined by situations, but we determine ourselves by the

meanings we give situations. ~Alfred Adler

Instructor(s): Diane Snyder

Contact Information: dsnyder@bethanywv.edu
412-916-1509
Office Location: 204B – Kirkpatrick Hall
Office Hours: MWF 12:00 – 1:00pm
MWF 3:00 – 4:00pm

I. Rationale: The course is a survey of various approaches to counseling and

psychotherapy. The purpose of the course is to expose you to a variety of contrasting
theoretical models underlying both individual and group practice in counseling.

II. Course Description (catalogue): This course provides students with a basic
knowledge of the various theories and techniques used in professional psychotherapy
and counseling. Both academic and experiential learning are included. This course
should be particularly useful for students interested in careers in the helping
professions.

III. Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course you will:
1. understand the main concepts of several different counseling theories
2. gain an appreciation of different psychotherapeutic approaches to treatment
3. develop an integrative counseling model
4. develop a knowledge base for future study in the field of counseling
5. understand the basics of the therapeutic process
You will demonstrate these outcomes through:
1. in-depth analysis of a semester long case study
2. in-class exercises and discussion
3. exams

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Course Syllabus
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4. written assignments

IV. Format and Procedures: The course is a mixture of lecture, discussion,

experiential learning, demonstrations, role playing, viewing DVD counseling sessions,
and practice of the major contemporary models of counseling.

V. My Assumptions: I assume that this course can be useful for students interested in
pursuing the helping professions such as counseling, social work, or clinical psychology.
This course will assist you in this never ending process of human interaction.

VI. Course Requirements:

1. Attendance and participation: Attendance is mandatory. You must be present to
participate in counseling case study

2. Assignments:
a) Compare/Contrast Paper
• Select any 2 theories from your text to study in depth. You may select
theories we do or do not cover in class.
• Summarize major points from each theory
• Discuss the similarities and differences of each theory (compare/contrast)
• Discuss your personal reaction to each
• For each theory, use at least 2 original sources (articles written by the
theory’s creator(s), or books written by the theory’s creator(s)). There
should be at least 2 original sources for the first theory and 2 original
sources for the second theory. You must have a minimum of 4 sources
total. Your text or other source (such as book about the theory) may serve
as additional source, but will not count toward the 4 original source
minimum.
• Paper must be cited according to APA format. This includes in text
citations as well as references page. Be sure to include a Title page.
• Paper is 3-5 pages text (not including title page and references)

b) The Case of Stan paper

• Show how you would work with the case of Stan, using an integrative
perspective, if Stan were your client. Select a few themes from Stan's life
that you'd be most likely to focus on and then demonstrate your style of
counseling Stan. You should emphasize the integration of several
theoretical perspectives. Draw upon a variety of concepts and techniques

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as you demonstrate how you might work with several of Stan’s issues that
he presents in the DVD program.
• The text may be your only source for this paper, but you are welcome to
include others sources, if desired.
• Paper to follow APA format. Be sure to include both a Title Page and
References page, even if the text is your only source.
• Paper is 3-5 pages text (not including title and references pages)

c) Cumulative Take Home Final

• Final Exam will consist of multiple choice, True/False, and short answer
questions. You will be given the exam one week prior to the due date.
The final exam will cover all of the theories addressed throughout the
course.

3. Late Work Policy:

Late papers will be assessed a 10% late penalty per class. No late exams will be
accepted.

4. Required Text:
Corey, G. (2013). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy
(9th Edition). Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.

VII. Grading, Evaluation and Assessment Procedures, including Grading Scale:

. Weighting of assignments:
Assignments Points
Papers 200 (100 points each)
Final Exam 100 points
Class Attendance and Participation 100 points

2. Grading Scale: standards of college (see College Catalogue)

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VII. Academic Honesty

According to the guidelines of the Bethany College Catalogue, cheating on exams and
plagiarism on papers will not be tolerated. Be sure to properly cite your sources in your
papers. Papers will be submitted through Turnitin, a plagiarism checker. Plagiarized
assignments will receive a score of zero. The instructor reserves the right to report
plagiarism to the college for possible disciplinary action.

IX. Behavioral Expectations, Classroom Etiquette

It is expected that students behave in an appropriate manner while in this classroom. I

like to maintain an open, positive, atmosphere in class which is in part fostered by
mature student behavior.

X. Electronic Communication and Course Management

Students are expected to check their campus e-mail accounts daily. I will communicate
with students via email. This course will be managed by Moodle. Be sure to enroll in
our Moodle course and check the Moodle site regularly.

XI. Title IX Disclosure

Your instructor is a mandated reporter of suspected discrimination. Please do not share
anything regarding sexual harassment or discrimination if you wish to keep it expressly
confidential. Please see the College’s Title IX policy in Volume II of the Policy Manual.
A hard copy can be obtained in the Office of Student Life, or an electronic copy can be
found on the College’s website (http://www.bethanywv.edu/students/title-ix/).

XII. Accommodations for students with disabilities

This class respects and welcomes students of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.
If there are circumstances that make our learning environment and activities difficult, if
you have medical information that you need to share with the instructor, or if you need
specific arrangements in case of an emergency, please let the instructor know. The
instructor is committed to creating an effective learning environment for all students, but
the instructor can only do so if you discuss your needs with the instructor as early as
possible. The instructor promises to maintain the confidentiality of these discussions. If
appropriate, also contact the McCann Learning Center (accommodations for learning
disabilities) or the 504 Coordinator (medical accommodations and accessibility) to get
more information about specific information. The McCann Learning Center is located on
the second floor of Cramblet Hall and the 504 Coordinator is located in Student Life.

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Course Syllabus
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XIII. Course Schedule:

COURSE SCHEDULE

M August 26 Syllabus Review & Course Introduction

W August 28 Introduction to Counseling

F August 30 Introduction to Counseling

M Sept. 2 Psychoanalytic Therapy Chapter 4

W Sept. 4 Psychoanalytic Therapy Chapter 4

F Sept. 6 Psychoanalytic Therapy Chapter 4

M Sept. 9 The Case of Stan

W Sept. 11 Adlerian Therapy Chapter 5

F Sept. 13 Adlerian Therapy Chapter 5

M Sept. 16 Adlerian Therapy Chapter 5

W Sept. 18 The Case of Stan

F Sept. 20 NO CLASS

M Sept. 23 Existential Therapy Chapter 6

W Sept. 25 Existential Therapy Chapter 6

F Sept. 27 NO CLASS

M Sept. 30 The Case of Stan

W Oct. 2 Person-Centered Therapy Chapter 7

F Oct. 4 Person-Centered Therapy Chapter 7

Compare/Contrast Paper Due

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M Oct. 7 Person-Centered Therapy Chapter 7

W Oct. 9 The Case of Stan

F Oct. 11 NO CLASS

M Oct. 14 Fall Break – No classes

W Oct. 16 Behavior Therapy Chapter 9

F Oct. 18 Behavior Therapy Chapter 9

M Oct. 21 Behavior Therapy Chapter 9

W Oct. 23 The Case of Stan

F Oct. 25 Cognitive Behavior Therapy Chapter 10

M Oct. 28 Cognitive Behavior Therapy Chapter 10

W Oct. 30 Cognitive Behavior Therapy Chapter 10

F Nov. 1 The Case of Stan

M Nov. 4 Family Systems Chapter 14

W Nov. 6 Family Systems Chapter 14

F Nov. 8 The Case of Stan

M Nov. 11 Working with Multicultural Populations

W Nov. 13 Working with Multicultural Populations

F Nov. 15 Working with Multicultural Populations

M Nov. 18 Feminist Therapy Chapter 12

The Case of Stan Paper Due

W Nov. 20 Feminist Therapy Chapter 12

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F Nov. 22 Feminist Therapy Chapter 12

Nov. 25-29 Thanksgiving Break - No Classes

M Dec. 2 Working with Multicultural Populations

W Dec. 4 Working with Multicultural Populations

F Dec. 6 Other Approaches - Postmodern Chapter 13

M Dec. 9 Towards an Integrative Approach

F Dec. 13 Cumulative Final Due

Note: This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.

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