vcc.ca
HRCA 2291: Advanced Communication Skills for Cognitive and Mental Health Challenges
Effective date
May 2026
Department
Health Care Assistant Int'l
School
Health Sciences
Description
This course builds on concepts from other courses to assist with advanced approaches and strategies to communicate effectively with individuals experiencing cognitive or mental health challenges. The emphasis is on supporting clients by applying interpersonal communication strategies and trauma informed-practice to prevent and de-escalate responsive behaviors.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
HRCA 2120.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Examine the multiple contexts that shape societal views on cognitive and mental illness in Canada.
- Discuss the stigma associated with living with cognitive and mental illness, physical and/or developmental disability and addictions.
- Discuss principles of trauma informed practice in relation to health care assistant practice.
- Demonstrate effective therapeutic communication strategies for working with clients experiencing cognitive and mental health challenges.
- Apply emotional, environmental, interpersonal and communication strategies to prevent and de-escalate responsive behaviours.
- Demonstrate suitable and respectful self-protection techniques to use in situations of risk.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 30
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 0
Total Hours: 60
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 30
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 0
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
Lectures, Role Playing, Discussions, Online Activities
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C+
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
35 |
|
|
Lab Work |
35 |
|
|
Quizzes/Tests |
30 |
|
Course topics
- Culture and Mental health in Canada Cognitive Challenges in Older Adulthood. Therapeutic communication strategies for the older adult (P.I.E.C.E.S. – Responsive Behavior) Gentle Persuasive Approach Individualized behavioural escalation prevention plans Respectful physical intervention principles to de-escalate responsive behaviours in a clinical setting Trauma-informed practice Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.