vcc.ca
CNSK 2502: Foundations of Addiction Counselling Skills
Effective date
January 2021
Department
Counselling Skills
School
Continuing Studies
Description
This course will provide an in-depth knowledge base specific to substance use disorders. Students will acquire the skills, qualities, conceptualizations, and implications inherent with working in a helping role with this population.
Credits
2.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Engage effectively with people seeking help for substance use disorder
- Utilize counselling skills to attain client-centred goals regarding clients’ substance use disorder
- Demonstrate professional engagement with clients seeking help with substance use
- Apply a critical lens in order to remain client-centered and maintain professional objectivity
- Explain the implications of the prevalence of trauma when working with people with substance use disorders
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR will be assessed by the Department according to standardized practice and using one or more of the following components: Challenge Exam, Demonstration, Interview, or External Evaluation.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 27
Total Hours: 27
Total Hours: 27
Instructional Strategies
Lecture, videos, group discussion/work, reflective writing, written practice of skills, readings, practice sessions, transcripts, peer and instructor feedback
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C (60%)
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Final Exam |
30 |
|
|
Project |
20 |
Research paper / presentation |
|
Assignments |
20 |
Self-assessment paper |
|
Assignments |
10 |
Journal |
|
Assignments |
5 |
Presentation |
|
Assignments |
5 |
Self-care grounding demonstration |
|
Participation |
10 |
Professionalism and participation |
Course topics
- • Social history of substance use • Continuum of substance use and care • Approaches to substance use along the continuum • DSM categories of substance use disorders • Different theoretical models • Medical treatment of substance use disorders • Overview of different types of resources available (detox, counselling, day treatment, etc.) • Values and beliefs as it relates to addictions and substance use • Harm reduction • Trans-theoretical model of change • Client determination • Motivational interviewing • Culturally safe and trauma-informed practices • Vicarious trauma and self-care • Ethical considerations and dilemmas inherent to working in addictions • Professional boundaries • Community Resources
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.