SUBJECT

Title

Introduction to Counselling Psychology

Type of instruction

lecture

Faculty

Faculty of Education and Psychology

Part of degree program

Psychology BA

Typically offered in

Autumn/spring semester

Course description

Aim of the course
The aim of the course is to provide the students with the basic concepts and historical
background to counselling psychology. As an evidence based service, counselling psychology is
based on international scientific and professional paradigms that are to be Introduced through
the course.
We will give insight into the microskill approach of counselling. Systems thinking and group
counselling, as well as family therapies are Introduced through the classes.
The course also serves as an introduction to apllied psychological approaches in the field of nonclinical
helping and crisis intervention.

Learning outcome, competences

knowledge:

The basic concepts and historical background of counselling psychology
The basic skills and competences of counselling psychology
The knowledge of psychotherapy theories that serve as a base of counselling thought
The institutional systems that serve as a framework of counselling professional activities.

attitude:

Students a knowledge the function and role of counselling activities
Students are aware of the cultural background of counselling psychology and can build up cultural intentionality

skills:

Students can participate in supervison groups on a trainee levelet
Students can use the basic counselling microskills in a demonstration setting

Content of the course
Topics of the course

The concepts and history of counselling psychology
The microskill approach of counselling psychology
The person-centered approach of counselling psychology
Systems thinking and systems theories
Group counselling
Family therapies
Crisis intervention
Special target groups of counselling psychology
Higher education counselling
Ethics and psychotherapy
Cognitive psychotherapy and counselling psychology

Readings

Compulsory reading list
Egan, G. (2002) The Skilled Helper: a problem management and opportunity development approachto helping (7th edition, Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks Cole, 2002)
Egan, G. (2006) Essentials of SkilledHelping: managing problems, developing opportunities (Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks Cole, 2006).
Ivey, A., E., D'Andrea, M., J., Ivey, M., B. (2013) Theories of counselling and psychotherapy. New York: Sage Publications.

Recommended reading list
Amundson, N. (2003) Active Engagement. Montreal: Ergon Communications.