Dr. Charles L. Thompson
The University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN  37996-3400
(865) 974-5131
E-mail:  cthomps5@utk.edu

CONTRACT
Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology 551
Theory and Practice of Counseling
Charles L. Thompson, Ph.D.

The Theory and Practice of Counseling course is composed of ten competencies which, when achieved, will be worth three hours of credit and at least a grade of B in the course.  Naturally, I hope that the course will have much more value to you than the credits and grades.  It is helpful to clarify how to achieve both.  Three grades are available to you in addition to the pass or B grade:  I (incomplete); B+ (3.5); and A (4.0).  The I grade will be earned if the ten course competencies are not completed by the last class session.  Completion of the ten competencies plus an average of 85% on the two course examinations earns a B+ while a test average of 90% earns you an A.  The most important objective in the course is that you will be able to conduct an effective counseling interview upon completion of your course study and practice.  Test #1 will cover the first half of the course and will be multiple choice.  Test # 2 will be a multiple choice test covering the second half of the course.  Test #3 will be a take-home test entitled:  a study of studies.

I   (0.0)
Completing fewer than the ten course competencies by the final class meeting.

B  (3.0)
Completing the ten course competencies by the final class meeting.  (Note:  that an average grade of 80% on the two course examinations is required for a grade of B. The tests may be retaken to meet this 80% level.)

B+ (3.5)
The B requirements, plus an 85% average on the two mid-term examinations.

A  (4.0)
The B requirement plus 90% average on the two examinations.

Following completion of the course, students will be able to:

COMPETENCY I  Demonstrate the ability to make helpful counseling responses (Levels III, IV, and V in Carkuff's Model).
Tape four counseling interviews B turn your best one in to me during the ninth week of the semester.

COMPETENCY II  Demonstrate the ability to use at least five approaches to counseling.
Class participation, role-playing practice, and counseling tapes.

COMPETENCY III  Demonstrate that you are informed about the counseling profession.
Three tests will be given (see sample test items).  A grade of 80% is required to pass this competency at the B level.

COMPETENCY IV  Express your personal theory about human nature and how your theory relates to how you counsel.  Be prepared to express this theory before you begin counseling.

COMPETENCY V  List their strengths and weaknesses as a person and how they affect their counseling.  (Be prepared to express these personal characteristics before you begin counseling.)

COMPETENCY VI  Demonstrate their counseling effectiveness with an evaluation instrument such as the Goal Attainment Scale.

COMPETENCY VII  State the differences and similarities between consultation and counseling and practice both skills with their consultees and clients.

COMPETENCY VIII  Compare and contrast the differences and similarities between the different theories and models of counseling and consultation.

COMPETENCY IX  State helper characteristics and helpee characteristics that influence the helping process.  These include age, gender, ethnic, and cultural characteristics.

COMPETENCY X  State client behaviors, traits, abilities, and circumstances that impact the helping process.
 

    1. Handouts and Reprints for Theory and Practice of Counseling.

The following are available from the Campus Bookstore:

   1. Thompson, C. and Rudolph, L.  (2000)  Counseling Children.  (Fifth edition).  Monterey, California: Wadsworth/Brooks/Cole.

   2. Student Manual for Counseling Children

General Information:
Classic Books in the Counseling Profession
Course Schudule
Release Form for CECP 551
Sample Examination Questions
Songs by Albert Ellis, Ph.D.
Take Home Essay Examination

Techniques and Tools:
Active Listening and Reality Therapy
Depression Improvement Interview
Family Therapy: Adlerian Style Interview Guide and Interview for Establishing Life Styles
Group Assessment of Interpersonal Traits
Ideas Inventory
Life Script Form
RET Worksheet
Standardized Test Anxiety Hierarchy
Transactional Analysis: Life Script Questionnaire