The Helping Relationship: Introduction to Counseling Theory, Skills and Ethics

This program is designed to provide preliminary training in counseling skills and will include a survey of the various theories of psychotherapy, as well as training in the development of basic counseling skills. There will be opportunities to practice counseling skills in mock client-counselor dyads. Students will also have opportunities to develop case conceptualization skills using a biopsychosocial lens, to practice using screening and assessment tools and to become familiar with evidence-based treatments. Professional ethics and the law as it relates to mental health practice will be introduced and applied to case studies. Students will be called upon to develop their ability to reflect on their mental health as it relates to their ability to help others, and their awareness of their own biases.

Students can expect one in-person meeting on campus and one meeting online, via Zoom, each week, with additional asynchronous class time. Attendance at both the in-person and the online class meetings is expected. 

This course is required for completing the Behavioral Health Support Specialist Certificate at Evergreen. It is a required pre-requisite for the Integrative Behavioral Health class. For more information visit: https://www.evergreen.edu/academics/professional-continuing-education/behavioral-health-support-specialist#

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

2 – Multicultural Psychology Competencies

2 - Psychology Ethics and Law

4 - Counseling Skills: Theory and Practice