CNSK 1502: Foundations of Counselling
Effective date
January 2024
Department
Counselling Skills
School
Continuing Studies
Description
This course introduces students to professional practice in the helping role, and builds awareness of the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to be an effective support worker to meet diverse needs in diverse contexts. Through theory, practice, discussion, experiential learning, and reflection, students will develop understanding of, and appreciation for, guiding values in the support field.
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify their own values, beliefs, and biases and recognize the impact that they have on others
- Describe culturally safe practice and demonstrate a basic awareness of the diversity of peoples’ worldviews and lived experiences
- Discuss colonization within the Canadian context and its effect on Indigenous communities
- Identify aspects of professionalism and ethical practice within the field of counselling
- Discuss the principles of trauma-informed practice
- Describe strategies for helping self and others build resilience and attain personal goals
- Practice strategies to resolve conflict effectively
- Recognize and describe a variety of clinical presentations including trauma response, addictions, and mental health presentations
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 45
Total Hours: 45
Instructional Strategies
Lecture, videos, small/large group discussion/work, reflective exercises, reflective writing, case studies, readings, guest speakers
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Evaluation Plan
Type
|
Percentage
|
Assessment activity
|
Assignments
|
20
|
Self-awareness assessments (pre- and post-)
|
Assignments
|
20
|
Wellness assignment and/or presentation
|
Portfolio
|
20
|
Portfolio
|
Assignments
|
15
|
Reflection
|
Quizzes/Tests
|
10
|
In-class or take-home
|
Participation
|
15
|
Participation and professionalism
|
Course topics
- • Own Values and Beliefs
• Building personal resilience
• Engaging in conflict effectively
• Difficult conversations
• Recognizing the Variety of Worldviews that Exist
• Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion
• Decolonization and reconciliation
• Introduction to Trauma Informed Practice
• Determinants of Health
• Wellness Continuum
• Mental Health Disorders and Presentations
• Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Clinical Judgment
• Addiction and Harm Reduction
• Process of Change and Motivational Interviewing
• Concurrent Disorders
• Recovery Model
• Professionalism and Ethics
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.