Principles of Applied Behaviour Counselling Psychology (301)

Introduction

Counseling generally comes under the following categories:

• Life issues
  - loneliness, work-related problems, relationship problems, financial problems, family problems, sibling rivalry, sins, guilt etc.
• Marriage and family issues
  - communication, conflict resolution, sexual problems, role and responsibilities parenting, family time and symptomatic life-stages.
• Mental Health Issues 
  - anxiety disorders (OCD, PA, Phobias), mood disorders (depression, mania, bi-polar), psychotic problems (schizophrenia, reactive psychosis).
• Personality and Personal Issues
  - schizoid, dependent, histrionic, depressive personality, homosexuality, exhibitionism, bestiality, erectile dysfunction, etc.
• Children’s Learning and Behavioral Problems
  - ADHD, ODD and CD, etc.

This module introduces five useful counseling methods commonly used in the field of counseling: Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Reality Therapy, Problem-Solving Approach and Rational-Emotive Therapy.  It is only when the counselor has grasped the finer aspects of the therapies can be then put them to work in a meaningful and productive way.  It familiarizes the students with the methods of counseling to obtain a therapeutic effect in the counselee’s condition. However, one would eventually be led to adopt an eclectic approach of psychotherapy or counseling ie. a multi-dimensional integrative model.

Programme Outline

Psychological reactions in times of stress and crisis

• Impact and consequences of stress and crisis
• Overview of counselling issues
• Overview of Counselling Techniques
• Introduction to Stress & Crisis Management

Basic crisis helping and intervention skills 1

• Traits of an effective helper
• Listening and counselling skills (Part 1)

Skills Practice 1

• Recognising non-verbal behaviours
• Identifying listening responses

Basic crisis helping and intervention skills 2

• Listening and counselling skills (Part 2)

Skills Practice 2

• Use of Open vs closed ended questions
• Putting listening skills to practice

Coping with grief, death and bereavement

• Understanding grief and loss
• Normal vs Abnormal Reactions in grief
• Helping the bereaved

Putting it altogether: Role Play

Closing and Debrief