 |
|
|
|
|
|
SMU Home Academics Home MAC Program Home Current Student Home Prospective Home MAC Class Notebook (Table of Contents) (On-line Forms) |
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology ("MAC") MAC
Class Notebook: For example, MAC 512: "Family Systems Theory" is a foundation course for several of the more advanced courses, which build on a systemic conceptualization. The 500-level classes, then, are considered essential to a complete foundation in counseling psychology. MAC 502: "Group Therapy" Part of the semester will be spent in the classroom learning group theory, and part will be spent in an actual therapeutic group. The assignments include developing a group materials packet. Students will be graded on written work only, not group participation. All material shared in group will remain confidential; the intent is to learn by doing and to explore one's own issues. Members will also be given an opportunity in co-leadership. 502 Syllabus MAC 503: "Individual Therapy" This class is really two in one: a class on the major theories of individual counseling (psychoanalytic, client-centered, rational-emotive, cognitive, etc.) and a class on the basic skills of psychotherapy (active listening, reflecting, and confrontation). The skills component is nested within the theories component (for example, reflection within a discussion of client-centered therapy, confrontation within an overview of RET). In the past, assignments have included writing individual position statements ("mid-course assessments"), giving group presentations, engaging in detailed clinical role-plays, and a final exam. 503 Syllabus MAC 512: "Family Systems Therapy" This course introduces students to a systemic way of thinking about the world in general and about dysfunction or symptomatology in particular. Major schools of family systems therapy, such as strategic, structural, multi-generational, and symbolic-experiential, are introduced. This course places emphasis on systemic thinking as a paradigm that is distinct and separate from individual therapy. It also emphasizes the students' own family-of-origin work and the resolution of unfinished family business. Previous graded requirements have included the development and analysis of genograms, kinetic drawings, an oral group book report, and a final exam. 512 Syllabus MAC 514: "Developmental Theory and Psychotherapy" A life-span perspective is critical for all therapists. This course focuses on the developmental aspects of human growth and change. It emphasizes the major age groupings including childhood, adolescence, and late adulthood. The course covers major theories of human development. In the past, learning activities have included a number of short "thought pieces" designed to integrate the readings and class discussions. Students select from a variety of project options. 514 Syllabus MAC 521: "Gender and Ethnicity in Psychotherapy" Two themes dominate the course content. Issues of sexual orientation, gender issues (including sex-roles, androgyny, historical and current men's and women's issues in counseling), and ethnicity issues (norms and values, counseling culturally different clients, cultural aspects of psychotherapy, etc.). Equal emphasis will be placed on identifying the mental health issues of women and men and appropriate therapeutic interventions. In the past, the major assignment has been for students to explore their own ethnocultural roots and their potential impact on the therapeutic relationship. 521 Syllabus MAC 522: "Abusive Relationships" It is critical for therapists to be aware of their own background/attitude toward abuse as well as be able to recognize, treat, or refer abuse issues in clients. Affective and cognitive learning are equally emphasized in this overview of child physical and sexual abuse/neglect and domestic violence. Emphases include the acquisition of both a knowledge base and relevant treatment skills. Highlights of the class have been numerous videos and guest speakers. Students may find that this class stirs up some deep emotions. In previous semesters, the requirements included "hands-on" experience related to family violence and a group presentation. 522 Syllabus |
|
|
|
Email contact: MAC@stmartin.edu |
The
required courses at the 500 level introduce students to a variety of clinical
modalities and special populations considered essential for all practicing
therapists. The courses at the 500 level, therefore, are intended to expand
the beginning student's basic experiences, so that all students have a broad and
common base for more advanced study. These courses provide an overview of the field
while introducing students to specific modalities and content areas.