Counseling and Human Services
David L. Farrugia, Chair; Ann Marie C. Lenhardt, E. Christine Moll, Michael Rutter, Holly Fetter.
The Department of Counseling and Human Services offers a course of study that is designed to prepare counselors who are both humanistic and competent. Whether you plan to become a school counselor, a general agency counselor, a mental health counselor, a substance abuse counselor or a rehabilitation coun¬selor the master’s program in counseling and human services provides you with the necessary background and training.
School Counseling
When you complete the school counseling program you will qualify for initial certification as a K-12 school counselor in New York State. Although certification to be a school counselor varies in different states, your background at Canisius will allow you to pursue a career throughout the country. The program at Canisius has a reputation for having an orientation toward practical and applied skills. In addition to direct counseling skills, future school counselors are prepared to work collaboratively in the roles of leadership, advocacy and consultation. These areas of focus have grown out of our association with the Education Trust and the Transforming School Counseling Initiative. Leadership, advocacy and consultation skills allow our graduates to influence schools on a systemic level in addition to the traditional counselor’s role with individuals and group.
Mental Health Counseling
Mental Health Counseling is a licensed profession in NYS. The Community Mental Health Counseling program shares a common core of courses with the school counseling program, however students must also complete several courses in the CMHC specialization. Licensed Mental Health Counselors are able to practice psychotherapy in NYS, which includes the use of assessment instruments and appropriate treatment modalities. Licensed mental health counselors work in both in-patient and out-patient mental health facilities as well as other counseling facilities where psychotherapy is provided. Over the next several years the value of this license will continue to grow as the implications of the “scope of practice” regulations associated with the license develop.
General Agency Counseling
While some specialties in the counseling profession require specific certifications or license, many counselors are employed in settings that do not necessitate additional certification beyond the master’s degree. Although not an inclusive list, counselors are employed in youth related programs, social service agencies, hospital based settings, residential programs and church sponsored agencies. The Community Mental Health Counseling Program is the preferred program for persons seeking a career in agency work.
Substance Abuse Counseling
Students in our program have the option of preparing to become a Credential Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (C.A.S.A.C.). The C.A.S.A.C. is a state certification that requires both academic and work experience. Canisius is accredited by New York State to provide academic preparation for the C.A.S.A.C.
Rehabilitation Counseling
Rehabilitation Counseling is directed toward persons who have a disability. Our program allows students to gain the academic background necessary to become a Certified Rehabili¬tation Counselor (C.R.C.). Students will also need to acquire appropriate work experience to qualify for this credential.
Admission
Student candidates must fulfill the general requirements for admission to graduate work in education. In addition, candidates must complete the following:
Required for Admission or Within the First Semester of Study
- Required for Admission or Within the First Semester of Study;
- Successful completion of the Counseling and Human Services screening process which includes the Minnesota Multi-phasic Personality Inventory-II (MMPI-II), a written autobiography and an empathy test;
- Completion of a personal interview
- Successful performance is assessed at specific “Transition Points” and is necessary for continuation in the program
Although the curriculum in the School Counseling Program and the Community Mental Health Counseling Program have several overlapping courses, candidates must declare a program major in either school counseling (SC) or mental health counseling (CMHC). It is possible to be a “dual major”. Interested candidates should contact their advisors. Below are the “core” courses required in both programs.
Core Requirements for the School and General Counseling Program and the Community Mental Health Counseling Program:
EDC 570
Introduction to Professional Counseling & Ethics
3
(EDC 560
Child Abuse Prevention co-requisite lab
done with EDC 570)
0
EDC 593
Lifespan Development
3
EDC 579
Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling
3
EDC 573
Counseling Theories
3
EDC 589
Family and Couples Counseling
3
EDC 574
Group Counseling
3
EDC 571
Psychological and Educational Assessment
3
EDC 572
Career Counseling
3
EDC 597
Psychopathology
3
EDC 615
Research Techniques
3
EDC 575
Pre-Practicum Helping Skills
3
Core Credits
33
School and General Counseling Specialization
The program for school counseling requires an additional 15 credit hours for a total of 48 hours for the Master’s Degree, which qualifies candidates for provisional certification in NYS. A Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) consisting of 12 hours completes the NYS academic requirements for permanent certification in School Counseling and usually is completed post Master’s. Below are the school counseling requirements necessary to complete the Master’s degree:
Additional School Counseling Courses Required for Master’s Degree:
EDC 566
School Violence Prevention
0
EDC 567
Principles of School Counseling
3
EDC 576
School Practicum
3
EDC 603
Internship (full time)
6
OR
EDC 604 and
3
605 Internship (half time over 2 semesters)
3
Elective
3
Total Credits for Master’s Degree
48
Advanced Study for Permanent Certification in School Counseling:
EDC 590
Managing School Counseling Programs
3
*Choose a substance abuse prevention course:
3
EDC 587
School- Based Prevention and Intervention Programs
OR
EDC 585
Chemical Dependency and Rehabilitation
3
OR
EDC 586
Physiological & Psychological Aspects of Sub. Abuse
3
Elective
3
Elective
3
Total Credits for Permanent Certification
60
Community Mental Health Counseling Specialization
The Master’s degree program requires 60 hours of study, which meets NYS requirements and provides maximum portability to other states. In addition to the core requirements listed above, the following courses are required to complete the Master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling:
Additional Mental Health Counseling Courses Required for master’s:
EDC 568
Principles of Community Mental Health Counseling
3
EDC 577
Agency Practicum
3
CHOOSE ONE:
3
EDC 585
Chemical Dependency and Rehabilitation
3
OR
3
EDC 586
Physiological & Psychological Aspects of Sub. Abuse
3
EDC 598
Case Formulation, Tx Planning, and Psychopharmocology
3
EDC 600
Internship (full time)
6
OR
3
EDC 601
3
and 602
Internship (half time over 2 semesters)
3
Elective
3
Elective
Elective
3
Total Credits for Master’s Degree
60
COURSES 2008-2010
EDC 567 Principles of School Counseling 3 credits
The various roles, functions, responsibilities, and identity of the school counselor is the focus of this course. Social, political and current professional issues are presented.
EDC 568 Principles and Practices of Mental Health Counseling 3 credits
Introduction to historical and organizational perspectives on Mental Health Counseling services. Roles and functions of mental health counselors and current professional issues.
EDC 570 Introduction to Professional Counseling and Ethics 3 credits
Introduction to roles, philosophy, issues, theories, professional foundations and ethics, for counselors in schools and community agencies.
EDC 571 Psychological and Educational Assessment 3 credits
Selection, use, interpretation and critical evaluation of standardized psychological tests of intelligence, achievement, interest and personality. Practical use in counseling. Prerequisite: EDC 570
EDC 572 Career Counseling 3 credits
Current theories, resources and processes pertinent to vocational development, decision-making and career counseling. Prerequisite: EDC 570.
EDC 573 Counseling Theory and Process 3 credits
Historical and current theories of counseling and psychotherapy. Application of those theories to realistic case situations and development of the individual student’s approach to the helping relationship. Prerequisite: EDC 570
EDC 574 Group Counseling 3 credits
Theoretical and experiential basis for dealing with groups in both information-oriented and therapy-oriented situations. Values and limitations of group techniques. Prerequisite: EDC 570.
EDC 575 Pre-Practicum 3 credits
Application of theory, consultation and other helping skills conducted in supervised educational environment. Must be completed before any field based practicum or internship. Prerequisites: EDC 570, EDC 573.
EDC 576 School Clinical Practicum 3 credits
School-centered placement of student counselors for experiential purposes. Directed activities to develop understanding of role and skills of the school counselor. School violence issues related to SAVE legislation. Prerequisites: EDC 570, 573, EDC 575.
EDC 577 Agency Clinical Practicum 3 credits
Agency-centered placement of student counselors for experiential purposes. Directed activities to develop understanding of role and clinical skills of community mental health counselors. Prerequisites: EDC 568, EDC 570, 573, EDC 575
EDC 579 Social and Cultural Foundations 3 credits
A broad range of diversity issues in counseling including ethnic, racial, gender, disability, and sexual orientation are discussed. The focus is on developing sensitivity and counseling skills that are applicable to all clients.
EDC 581 Grief Counseling 3 credits
For counselors. The grief response in individuals and families when faced with disappointment and loss, especially when the loss entails death.
EDC 582A Play Therapy 1 credit
Theoretical and practical skills associated with non-directive and directive uses of play therapy. Meets for five weeks only
EDC 582B Solution Focused Therapy 1 credit
Theoretical and practical application of solution-focused therapy. Meets for five weeks only.
EDC 582C Art Therapy 1 credit
Introduction to theory and practical uses of art based counseling strategies. Meets for five weeks only.
EDC 583 Principles of Rehabilitation 3 credits
Specific ways to help the client suffering from a disabling condition. Procedures and theory used by rehabilitation counselors.
EDC 584 Elementary School Counseling 3 credits
Counseling concepts and approaches which foster social, psychological and academic development of the child. Current innovative techniques.
EDC 585 Chemical Dependency and Rehabilitation 3 credits
History of drug abuse; characteristics of drug dependence and chemical abuse treatment modalities, including strategies for prevention, intervention and rehabilitation.
EDC 586 Physiological and Psychological Aspects of Chemical Dependency 3 credits
Etiology of chemical dependency. Diagnosis, screening, counseling issues and ethical issues in recovery and growth.
EDC 587 School –Based Prevention and Intervention Programs 3 credits
For school counselors, teachers and administrators. Factors involved in at-risk youth. Developing skills to design, monitor and evaluate proactive S.A.P. programs to maximize learning in schools today. Includes both prevention programming and intervention models.
EDC 589 Family and Couples Counseling 3 credits
Characteristics of normal and troubled families. Emphasis on theories and techniques of family counseling, including the works of Minuchin, Satir, Bowen and Haley; solution-focused approaches.
EDC 590 Managing School Counseling Programs (web only) 3 credits
Administrative and leadership practices in school counseling. Issues, challenges and opportunity in leading school counseling programs. Meets the Administration requirement in Phase III. Prerequisite: EDC 603 or EDC 605
EDC 592 Counseling and Guidance Strategies for Education 3 credits
How teachers, administrators and other personnel, K-12, can minimize risks and maximize learning. Current issues, including child abuse and suicide; counseling services and programming; identifying and assisting students in accessing services and interfacing with parents.
EDC 593 Lifespan Development 3 credits
Individual and family development through the lifespan. Theoretical perspectives for understanding child, adult and family development are discussed and applied to counseling.
EDC 594 Women’s Issues in Counseling 3 credits
Counseling strategies, goals and interventions regarding women’s issues of career, family, health and gender within the American culture. A developmental approach is taken to consider these issues over the lifespan.
EDC 596A Sexuality Issues in Counseling 1 credit
Historical, ethical and social concerns surrounding human sexual behavior. Sex education and exchange of information. Meets for five weeks only.
EDC 596B High School and College Admissions Counseling 1 credit
Development of school counselor skills related to college admissions counseling including letters of recommendation, community networking, working with students and parents. Meets for five weeks only.
EDU 596C Self-Destructive Behavior 1 credit
Theoretical and practical considerations specific to presentations of self-destructive behavior in counseling including eating disorders and cutting. Meets for five weeks only.
EDU 597 Psychopathology 3 credits
In-depth investigation of human abnormality. The current DSM categories of disorders, depression and considerations for dealing with crisis situations.
EDC 599 Independent Study 1-3 credits
Specialized reading, conferences with the instructor and detailed research. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
EDC 600 Mental Health Counseling Internship FT 6 credits
Full-time placement as a community mental health counseling intern. Opportunity to engage in diagnosis, treatment planning and intervention. Prerequisite: EDC 577.
EDC 601 Mental Health Counseling Internship PT 3 credits
Part-time placement as a community mental health counseling intern. Opportunity to engage in diagnosis, treatment planning and intervention. Must be followed by EDC 602. Prerequisite: EDC 577.
EDC 602 Mental Health Counseling Internship PT 3 credits
Continuation of in depth experience of the functions of a mental health counselor through placement in a community mental health agency. Prerequisite: EDC 601.
EDC 603 School Counseling Internship FT 6 credits
Full-time placement as a school counseling intern. Opportunity to engage in counseling, guidance and other functions of a school counselor. Prerequisite: EDC 576.
EDC 604 School Counseling Internship PT 3 credits
Part-time placement as a school counseling intern. Opportunity to engage in counseling, guidance and other functions of a school counselor. Prerequisite: EDC 576. Must be followed by EDC 605. Prerequisite: EDC 577.
EDC 605 School Counseling Internship PT 3 credits
Continuation of in depth experience of the functions of a school counselor through placement in a K-12 educational setting. Prerequisite: EDC 604.
EDC 615 Research Techniques 3 credits
Qualitative and quantitative aspects of carrying out research. Realistic experiences in carrying out research and evaluation experiments, including inferential statistical methods. Prerequisite: EDC 571.