Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - EDUC 862 G001

Individual Assessment in Counselling (3)

Class Number: 4513

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    Acceptance to the MA/MEd counselling psychology program or permission of instructor. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Assessment procedures used in educational and community counselling settings, including intake assessment, case conceptualization, observational procedures, diagnostic categories, ethics, bias and multicultural and diversity issues.

COURSE DETAILS:

EDUC 862 - 4 Individual Assessment in Counselling

This course focuses on counselling assessment strategies. The purpose of this course is to help students understand the role, structure, and context of assessments in:

(a) conceptualizing cases,
(b) formulating goals, and
(c) developing treatment plans.

Students will specifically learn how initial interviews are conducted, how case conceptualizations are developed, how to understand the DSM-IV-TR and how to conduct culturally sensitive assessments. In the process of making an assessment, this course will identify the importance of contexts, continuity of experience, multiple causalities, and the connection between mind and body. Clinical issues that may be highlighted include anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, personality disorders and others.

This course will help students develop a critical understanding of the assessment procedure and the role and uses of the DSM. Please note that students will not learn about standardized testing in this course. Refer to the SFU course calendar to see if a course of this nature is being offered. Otherwise, UBC offers a test and measurement course, which may be taken through the Western Deans's Agreement in consultation and with permission of your pro-tem advisor.

 

Professional Requirements
Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with ethical and professional guidelines at all times so that an atmosphere of safety and trust can be established. Respectful dialogue is expected between students and with the instructor. Each student is responsible for being prepared for class and participating fully in all aspects of the course. Students missing more than two classes will be required to withdraw from the course as per the Counselling Psychology Policies and Procedures.

Objectives
At the completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Develop hypotheses about client problems, patterns, and strengths
2. Develop foundational skills for conceptualizing cases
3. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the purposes and function of the DSM
4. Describe and identify specific common DSM diagnoses
5. Describe and identify the limitations of the DSM
6. Develop assessment skills for working with diversity issues (e.g. SES, gender)
7. Develop cultural competency in assessing culturally diverse clients
8. Understand the guidelines and ethics related to assessment and diagnosis




Grading

  • Two position papers 50%%
  • Class presentation 25%%
  • Reading Questions and Class Participation 25%%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All students are required to purchase the following text: Hansell, J. & Damour, L. (2008). Abnormal psychology. New York: Wiley. (Used or online editions are acceptable)ISBN:9780470073872

RECOMMENDED READING:

Selected readings will be used for discussions and handed out in class.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS