Revised 3/1988

HMS 121 - Basic Counseling Skills I (3 CR.)

Course Description

Expands the development of counseling skills needed to function effectively in a helping relationship. Emphasizes skills in responding, personalizing, summarizing, and initiating. Clarifies personal skill strengths, deficits, and goals for skill improvement. Develops plans for achieving personal and program goals. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

• To provide a theoretical framework for students to clarify the ingredients of an effective counseling relationship.
• To provide a practical framework for students to learn counseling and interpersonal skills.
• To involve students in self-exploration of personal issues relevant to substance abuse, mental health and gerontology in personal and professional situations.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

English, reading and writing.

Course Objectives

• Identify many of the variables necessary for constructive helping relationships.
• Demonstrate minimally facilitative levels of attending, observing, listening and responding skills.
• Set personal learning goals and begin to measure their progress.
• Identify many of their strengths and weaknesses in the field of counseling and human relations.