Graduate and Doctoral Psychology Course Descriptions
Please note: All courses are graded according to the standard grading scale except when otherwise noted. Master Level Courses are numbered 500-765. Doctoral are 800 and above.
PSYG 500 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy 3 credits
Familiarizes the student with the major theoretical schools of counseling and psychotherapy, including: Psychoanalytic, Existential, Humanistic, Behavioral, Gestalt, Cognitive, and Family Systems. Students will learn to distinguish among different approaches and acquire a working knowledge of the terminology and concepts identified with each approach.
PSYG 503 Psychopathology 3 credits
This course explores the emotional, cognitive, somatic, and behavioral symptoms of mental disturbance. Students will become acquainted with the subjective experience of various symptoms and symptom clusters, patterns of family and community responses to afflicted individuals, and research and evolving theories pertaining to the etiology of symptoms. Students will also be introduced to the use of the DSM-IV as a format for the classification of disorders and the choice of appropriate treatment. Students will acquire a working knowledge of the DSM-IV, including its multiaxial classification system, and will develop the ability to diagnose various mental disorders. Prerequisite: PSYG 500, or may be taken concurrently with PSYG 500.
PSYG 506 Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy I 3 credits
This course fosters the development of basic counseling and psychotherapy skills through a combination of didactic instruction and role-plays (including required videotaped role-plays). Focus is on establishing a therapeutic rapport, formulating appropriate directions for therapy, and conceptualizing strategies for intervention. Specific skills include listening, suicide intervention, assessment, formulation of questions, and empathic responses. Prerequisites: PSYG 500 and 503
PSYG 508 Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy II 3 credits
Focuses on advanced methods of using the therapeutic relationship for long-term change. Emphasis is placed on treating personality disorders, resistance to treatment, countertransference, and deepening the therapeutic alliance. This course incorporates experiential training which includes videotaping or live observation of role-plays. Prerequisites: PSYG 500, 503 and 506
PSYG 510 Research Design and Methodology 3 credits
An overview of many frequently used research designs in psychology. Through a study of research methodology, students learn how to select an appropriate research design and how to employ valid procedures in collecting data. The course will foster analytical and critical thinking skills through a combination of theory and practical experience, prepare students to read relevant research in their field and to write a research proposal, and provide background for future work in the area of research.
PSYG 512 Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling and Psychotherapy 3 credits
The course familiarizes students with the history and development of professional ethics and standards and their legal implications in the areas of counseling and psychotherapy. Students will be required to become familiar with the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct as well as ethical standards formulated by other professional associations. Topics covered include: privileged communication, confidentiality, rights of client and agency, civil commitment, licensure, and mental health laws. Prerequisites: PSYG 500 and 503.
PSYG 514 Development Across the Lifespan: Individual and Family 3 credits
Covers human development from a lifespan perspective, with in-depth exploration of selected topics relevant to different periods in the life cycle for individuals and families. Students will be introduced to theoretical and empirical approaches to understanding key developmental issues as well as the role of the family and social context in human development.
PSYG 525 Statistical Applications 3 credits
Introduces students to the main components of statistical theory and demonstrates how to analyze and interpret research data. In order to facilitate statistical analysis and handle actual research data, students are taught to use statistical software.
PSYG 530 Group Therapy 3 credits
Presents a theoretical and experiential understanding of group therapy techniques and processes. Students observe group process, practice interventions, and critique their own development as group therapists. Active involvement in didactic, practice groups is required.
PSYG 532 The Role of Culture & Gender in Counseling and Psychotherapy 3 credits
This course examines how ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other cultural factors influence psychological experience, expectations for therapy and the therapeutic relationship. Emphasis will be on developing a fuller appreciation for the complexities of cultural factors both in students’ own lives and those of persons from different backgrounds.
PSYG 602 Play Therapy 3 credits
This course provides an introduction to the major theories and techniques of play therapy as it is used to address a wide variety of clinical problems, in both individual and family settings. Classes include: lecture, class discussion, exploration of materials, practice of techniques, and viewing of videotape presentations by current leaders in the field. Prerequisite: PSYG 500. Prior completion of PSYG 514 recommended but not required.
PSYG 604 A Systemic Approach to the Problems of Adolescents 3 credits
Reviews normal adolescent development and the psychological and psychosocial problems commonly experienced during this phase of life. Problems to be discussed will include: delinquency, drug abuse, violence, eating disorders, depression, and suicide. Though a variety of approaches will be considered, the family systems model will be emphasized. Prior completion of PSYG 608 recommended but not required.
PSYG 608 Marriage and Family Therapy 3 credits
Introduces the student to the field of family therapy and systems thinking. Material covered will span the entire history of family therapy, from the early movement in Palo Alto and Philadelphia, to Bowen, Satir, the Milan Team, strategic, and narrative models. Although this course is primarily oriented to studying theory, some basic practice issues are discussed. Video used.
PSYG 614 Marriage and Family Therapy Techniques 3 credits
Introduces the skills necessary to begin clinical work with a family or couple. All aspects of treatment will be explored and practiced by the students. Videotapes will be produced by the student. Prerequisites: PSYG 608 and 612
PSYG 615 Special Topics in Child and Adolescent Therapy 3 credits
(Title of the course will be included on transcript)
PSYG 616 Advanced Marriage and Family Therapy Techniques 3 credits
Uses family role-play to examine the therapeutic techniques best suited to the situations presented by that family. Each student will be videotaped in the role of therapist for a role-play family. The student’s therapeutic style and skill will be critiqued by the class and instructor. Students will also role-play a family member for an extended period in order to understand the experience of being a client. Didactic lectures will cover advanced techniques with stepfamilies, child-problem families, and families with addiction. Prerequisites: PSYG 608, 612, and 614
PSYG 618 Human Sexuality and Marriage 3 credits
Introduction to a theoretical understanding of the physiological and developmental stages of human sexuality. Taking a thorough sex history and addressing some sexual dysfunctions will be included. Working with couples in conjoint therapy will also be emphasized.
PSYG 622 Introduction to the Assessment & Treatment of Psychological Trauma 3 credits
This course covers: the history of the study of trauma; current knowledge regarding the physiological, biochemical, neurological, psychological and interpersonal sequelae of trauma; trauma and memory; incidence and prevalence of trauma in various populations; protective factors; and specialized treatment techniques.
PSYG 624 Treatment of Complex Chronic Trauma Responses 3 credits
This course develops skills in assessing and treating complex trauma responses arising from repeated and/or long-term toxic experience. Course content includes: the effects of chronic trauma on development; diagnostic dilemmas; establishing safety in and out of the therapeutic relationship; responding to self-injurious attempts at self-soothing; working with dissociative states; pacing the processing of traumatic material; challenges to the therapeutic relationship; and therapist self-care and self-awareness. Prerequisite: PSYG 622.
PSYG 626 Acute Incident Responding: Trauma Prevention and Early Intervention Strategies 3 credits
This skill focuses on the assessment, intervention, relationship, consulting, and collaboration skills needed to prevent or minimize trauma responses in individuals and groups immediately following personal or community-wide catastrophic events. Prerequisite: PSYG 622
PSYG 628 Working Effectively in Trauma-Intensive Communities 3 credits
This course focuses on the assessment, intervention, consulting, and collaboration skills needed to work effectively both in environments that tend to engender trauma responses (e.g., drug or gang-infested neighborhoods, war zones, prisons) and in environments in which a large portion of the population is suffering from trauma responses (e.g., shelters, prisons, refugee camps, the foster care system, residential treatment settings). Prerequisite: PSYG 622
PSYG 630 Foundations of Addictive Behaviors 3 credits
Surveys theories and research in the field of addiction. Covers substance abuse as well as models of addiction applied to eating disorders, gambling, and sexual promiscuity.
PSYG 632 Treatment Approaches to Substance Abuse 3 credits
Surveys treatment intervention models and philosophies for treating substance-abusing clients. Models discussed include: individual, group, family, and therapeutic communities; Alcoholics Anonymous; residential treatment; outpatient approaches and comparative theories. Aims to help the therapist distinguish among therapeutic approaches and to determine appropriate treatment selections for various case situations. Prerequisite: PSYG 630 or permission of department Chair.
PSYG 634 Spirituality of the Twelve Steps 3 credits
Addresses spirituality as a key aspect of the twelve-step recovery program.
PSYG 636 Special Topics in Addictions 3 credits
(Title of the course will be included on transcript)
PSYG 638 Systemic Treatment of Addictions 3 credits
Covers the topic of understanding and treating the family affected by the presence of addicted members. Research and treatment options will be discussed.
PSYG 645 Special Topics 3 credits
(Title of the course will be included on transcript)
PSYG 652 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders 3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the current research into the etiology and range of manifestations of autism spectrum disorders. This course will also provide students with knowledge about effective methods of assessment and intervention for autism spectrum disorders.
PSYG 654 Treatment Approaches to Autism Spectrum Disorders 3 credits
This course focuses on various, evidence-based treatment approaches to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Applied Behavior Analysis is taught, as well as cognitive therapies, coaching and relationship-based approaches. The class includes practice sessions and other experiential ways of learning.
PSYG 656 Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders:
Psychosocial, Legal & Medical Issues 3 credits
This course explores these various aspects of adult life for the autistic person. It includes concepts of self-advocacy, housing, higher education, employment and the role of government agencies like the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
PSYG 658 Treating Families with an Autistic Member over the Lifespan 3 credits
This course examines marriages, siblings, extended families and adult relationships for people on the autism spectrum over their lifespan. Family therapy with these clients and their families will be observed and discussed. Specific family therapy approaches and techniques will be examined, learned and practiced.
PSYG 705 Practicum 3 credits
This course requires at least 100 hours of on-site experience. It will provide the opportunity for students to develop proficiency in diagnosing various mental disorders on the basis of a comprehensive diagnostic interview. Students will also be trained in developing treatment plans and strategies appropriate to particular diagnoses. Opportunities will also be provided for students to gain exposure in different therapeutic environments in which they will observe and assist in various therapeutic modalities. Students are also required to attend a weekly group supervision seminar. Prerequisites: PSYG 500, 503, 506 and 512
PSYG 710 MFT Internship 3 credits
This is the first course of field experience for students in the Marriage and Family Therapy Concentration. It is analogous to the practicum for other concentrations. Students learn the rudiments of working with a real client population, paperwork requirements, diagnosis and treatment planning. Students must attend a weekly group seminar at the college which covers case presentations, trouble-shooting at the site, supervision of cases and other site-related issues. Students should be sure to attain at least one-third of their site and contact hours during this time.
PSYG 715, 725, 735 Internship 3 credits each term
This is a field placement designed to provide students with supervised experience conducting counseling and psychotherapy. There are four options for completion of internship based upon a student’s needs and goals. Students who want to obtain LPC licensure have two choices. These students can complete the minimum 600 hours of internship in either two or three consecutive terms. Students who want to obtain MFT licensure need to complete the minimum 300 hours of direct client contact over a period of a full calendar year, which would be three consecutive terms of internship. Students are required to attend a weekly group supervision seminar on campus throughout each term in which they are enrolled in Internship. Prerequisites: Thirty (30) total credits including: PSYG 500, 503, 506, 508, 512, 705 (except for MFT students) and two concentration courses.