COU 595 - Foundations in Professional Mental Health Counseling (3)

This course orients students to the field of mental health counseling and develops foundational skills for entry into the clinical mental health counseling program. Students extend their life experiences into a dynamic personal mission statement and develop a personal theory of change. Students develop skills in critical evaluation in both self-reflective and peer-review settings. Students demonstrate proficiency in written and verbal communication strategies allowing the successful dissemination and defense of professional correspondence and positions. Students are exposed to the ambiguity that is inherent in the field of mental health counseling. Students explore the pedagogy of transformational learning and formulate their professional commitment toward ongoing growth and development. Upon completion of this course, students will better understand themselves and their desire to pursue a degree in counseling.