Counselling Skills- Social/Human Services Program Description

Read Testimonials

The Addictions Counselling Skills program is the base foundation to a Career in the “Helping” field. Graduates may choose to go into the workforce directly from this program, or may choose to continue their education, taking a concentration in a specific field.

In this program, students will gain a broad knowledge in courses such as Psychology, Sociology, and helping others. Students will also take a personal development course; giving them insight on themselves, and preparing them to work in a professional environment.
 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Grade 12 or equivalent
• 500 word personal statement of experiences and reasons you are applying
• Two letters of reference - forms provided by the College
• Personal interview with Admissions Representative
• A police check is required (CPIC)
• Resume

Industry Certifications

First Aid/CPR
Suicide  Intervention
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
Critical Incident Stress Management
Infectious Disease Control
Fire and Life Safety
Medication Awareness
Basic Practices & Principles of Personal Care
Non-aversive Behaviour Change
Individual Program Planning
Diffused Hostility
Bereavement Counselling

CURRICULUM

• Addictions Counselling
• Drugs, Alcohol Gambling
• Signs & Symptoms of Drug Addiction
• Family Dynamics
• Assessment & Treatment Planning
• Crisis Counselling
• Abuse Issues
• Case Studies
• Role Playing
• Introduction to Psychology
• Counselling Skills Level I
• Counselling Skills Level II
• Counselling Skills Level III
• Counselling Special Populations
• Individual Counselling Practicum
• Counselling Approaches and Theory
• Counselling Ethics
• Human Social Services
• Medical and Emergency Practices
• Administration / Communications
• Computer Application
• Practicum

60 weeks in duration

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

• Group Homes 
• Addictions Facilities
• Outreach Programs
• Community Groups
• Shelters

Average wage: $19.00 per hour
Wage Range: $14.00 - $33.10 per hour
(www.labourmarketinformation.ca)

Class Hours

Classes are Monday to Thursday of classroom instruction. In addition to classroom instruction the students must complete a Practicum within the industry environment.

The students have a winter and Spring Break, plus statutory holidays. If required classes may also be held off- campus for practical instruction if required.

Instructors

Instructors are approved by the Department of Education, Private Career Colleges Division, to have the qualifications, education and experience to deliver the training materials in specific subjects.

Attendance

Students must not fall below our attendance rate or they will not be permitted to graduate. The Policies outline the penalties for late work, retesting, plagiarism and absenteeism.

Pass Mark

Students must obtain a passing grade in each module to qualify for graduation.

Instructional Methodology

The methods of instruction link the theory to the practice. The features of actual teaching and learning practices are delivered in classroom and in the work environment. Delivery of instruction can be in any of the following methods:

• Lectures presenting the factual information
• Lectures with discussion among the students allowing for clarification of issues, debate and challenge
• Expert guest speakers who bring the practical to the student
• Group or teamwork directed by the instructor/facilitator, allowing for full participation of the students
• Audio/visual delivery through instructional material
• PowerPoint presentations, overheads, videos, and audiotapes
• Role-playing allows a facilitator to set the stage with a life imitating scenarios and train the students how to react or conduct themselves in accordance within company protocols, ethics and the industry,
• Studies, reports, papers all to factually research information and prepare the results for presentation
• Participate in seminars and field visits

Tuition includes membership to the Canadian Addictions Counsellors Certification Federation.

Addictions Counselling

The objective of this module is to provide the skills required of individuals working in the addictions field. Students will be expected to develop an open-minded approach to the field of addiction theory and practice. Recognition and understanding of the broad nature of addiction is necessary for individuals working in the field. Topics will include pharmacology, role plays, the Twelve Core Functions of an Addictions Counsellor, family dynamics, abuse, case studies, assertiveness training, the signs and symptoms of an addiction, and assessment. Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to demonstrate a complete understanding of addictions and the various methods of counselling and treating addicted clients.

Introduction to Psychology

This module is based on the study of psychology and of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. The materials covered will provide significant insights into many intriguing questions such as:
Why people act in many different ways? Will people act differently if we can persuade them to adopt new attitudes’? How best can we persuade them? What leads to social conflict? What leads some people to sometimes hurt and sometimes to help others? Topics will include states of consciousness, social behaviour, sexuality and intimacy, therapy, and health psychology. Upon completion of this program the students will have developed the ability to think, inquire, to analyze and demonstrate the ability to relate the principles to better understand and assist their clients.

Counselling Skills Level I

Level I counselling skills will introduce the student to the most basic process of information gathering which will include attending behavior (Body language, eye contact, vocal qualities, verbal tracking, etc.), followed by basic listening skills, understanding the concept of empathy, characteristics of an effective counsellor, closed and open-ended questions, encouragement, reflection, paraphrasing, and summarization. Topics covered in this module will include the goals of the helping process, client/counsellor confidentiality, the Helping Model, and developing rapport.  Upon completion of this introductory level course, the students will be familiar with the process of counselling while providing a firm grounding in the theory and practice of communication skills. In addition, the students will have learned to develop a systematic approach to the counselling interview together with a personal philosophy and style in the helping process.

Counselling Skills Level II 

Students in the Level II counselling skills will be expected to demonstrate the integration of counselling skills, and to critically evaluate counselling skills noting both strengths and weaknesses. Topics in this module will include providing focus, overcoming resistance, confrontation and sharing insight. Students will demonstrate an ongoing commitment to skill development, conceptualize the dynamics and behavioral change that occur during the counselling process, understand the phases of the counselling process from the initial interview to termination, and develop hypotheses and direction for subsequent sessions with a client based on an initial assessment.

Counselling Skills Level III

This module will is very beneficial for students as they prepare for employment in the field of counselling. The range and complexity of clients’ problems can be vast and as a counsellor, your client will expect you to meet their present needs. Throughout this module students will be instructed on how to address problems presented by their clients. Students will explore counselling skills, ethical and professional issues dealing with a variety of clients. Topics in this module will include dealing with anger, counselling couples, and abuse survivors. Upon completion of this module, the students will be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the many areas of counselling and how to effectively assist their clients.

Counselling Special Populations

The focus of this module is to provide students with the theory and practical application of the concepts for developing culturally appropriate counselling skills. All counsellors have a client caseload comprised of people from every background, ethnic and culture, educational, economic, religious and political persuasion. Topics will include providing counselling to the elderly, to youths, to lesbians and gay men, and clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Individual Counselling Practicum (Role Playing)

Students will be expected to demonstrate, in various role play situations, the counselling skills learned. This will afford the student an opportunity to practice, with the instructor and/or other students, of being a client or counsellor and to demonstrate their understanding of the steps necessary for successfully counselling clients.

Counselling Approaches and Theory

 The objective of this module is to provide students with a basic understanding and knowledge of psychological theory. Theories and techniques as well as problems in individual counselling will be explored. Topics will include applied skills and techniques, behavioural, RET and case studies as well as role playing.

Counselling Ethics 

The objective of this module is to provide ethical guidelines, models, and procedures required by counsellors to assist them in decision making. Students will be introduced to several models for ethical decision making and the steps and processes involved in these decisions. Upon completion of this component the students will demonstrate an understanding of the need for ethical standards as well as how to employ the standards (models, process, etc.) when making an ethical decision. Issues covered in this module will include determining if there is an ethical dilemma, group counselling and ethics, and ethics as it relates to confidentiality.

Human Social Services 

Recognizing the importance of working with many people and agencies in the community as a professional, this module will focus on building partnerships with those persons and agencies. Prevention and rehabilitation is everyone’s responsibility. It involves government leaders at all levels, school personnel, neighborhood groups, the police, clergy, medical professionals and volunteer persons working together toward a common goal will produce an attainable goal.

Medical and Emergency Practices

This module will provide the students with the training to identify and respond to medical and emergency situations and will include providing basic medical and personal client care. Students will receive certification in some areas of this training. Some of these certifications will be non-violent crisis intervention, First Aid/CPR, suicide intervention, personal care client practices, and planning and implementing nutritional practices.

Administration/Communications

This module is designed to provide the students with the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively and maintain accurate case records and files, to become familiar with all policies, regulations and legal issues involved with client and facility management. Topics in this module will include making oral presentations, written communications, legislative acts and regulations, and team building.

Computer Applications

A basic module designed to provide the students with an understanding of computer concepts, terminology, hardware, and software. This is a hands-on introduction to computers. Upon completion of this portion of the program, the students will have the skills and knowledge to enable them to effectively use computers in their work environment.

Practicum

The on-the-job training is an important component of the program, designed to provide the student the opportunity to utilize and expand on their classroom training. Students must successfully complete all modules to qualify for on-the-job training.

Note: Due to industry demands, all modules are subject to change.

Counselling Skills- Social/Human Services Program Description

Read Testimonials

The Addictions Counselling Skills program is the base foundation to a Career in the “Helping” field. Graduates may choose to go into the workforce directly from this program, or may choose to continue their education, taking a concentration in a specific field.

In this program, students will gain a broad knowledge in courses such as Psychology, Sociology, and helping others. Students will also take a personal development course; giving them insight on themselves, and preparing them to work in a professional environment.
 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Grade 12 or equivalent
• 500 word personal statement of experiences and reasons you are applying
• Two letters of reference - forms provided by the College
• Personal interview with Admissions Representative
• A police check is required (CPIC)
• Resume

Industry Certifications

First Aid/CPR
Suicide  Intervention
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
Critical Incident Stress Management
Infectious Disease Control
Fire and Life Safety
Medication Awareness
Basic Practices & Principles of Personal Care
Non-aversive Behaviour Change
Individual Program Planning
Diffused Hostility
Bereavement Counselling

CURRICULUM

• Addictions Counselling
• Drugs, Alcohol Gambling
• Signs & Symptoms of Drug Addiction
• Family Dynamics
• Assessment & Treatment Planning
• Crisis Counselling
• Abuse Issues
• Case Studies
• Role Playing
• Introduction to Psychology
• Counselling Skills Level I
• Counselling Skills Level II
• Counselling Skills Level III
• Counselling Special Populations
• Individual Counselling Practicum
• Counselling Approaches and Theory
• Counselling Ethics
• Human Social Services
• Medical and Emergency Practices
• Administration / Communications
• Computer Application
• Practicum

60 weeks in duration

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

• Group Homes 
• Addictions Facilities
• Outreach Programs
• Community Groups
• Shelters

Average wage: $19.00 per hour
Wage Range: $14.00 - $33.10 per hour
(www.labourmarketinformation.ca)

Class Hours

Classes are Monday to Thursday of classroom instruction. In addition to classroom instruction the students must complete a Practicum within the industry environment.

The students have a winter and Spring Break, plus statutory holidays. If required classes may also be held off- campus for practical instruction if required.

Instructors

Instructors are approved by the Department of Education, Private Career Colleges Division, to have the qualifications, education and experience to deliver the training materials in specific subjects.

Attendance

Students must not fall below our attendance rate or they will not be permitted to graduate. The Policies outline the penalties for late work, retesting, plagiarism and absenteeism.

Pass Mark

Students must obtain a passing grade in each module to qualify for graduation.

Instructional Methodology

The methods of instruction link the theory to the practice. The features of actual teaching and learning practices are delivered in classroom and in the work environment. Delivery of instruction can be in any of the following methods:

• Lectures presenting the factual information
• Lectures with discussion among the students allowing for clarification of issues, debate and challenge
• Expert guest speakers who bring the practical to the student
• Group or teamwork directed by the instructor/facilitator, allowing for full participation of the students
• Audio/visual delivery through instructional material
• PowerPoint presentations, overheads, videos, and audiotapes
• Role-playing allows a facilitator to set the stage with a life imitating scenarios and train the students how to react or conduct themselves in accordance within company protocols, ethics and the industry,
• Studies, reports, papers all to factually research information and prepare the results for presentation
• Participate in seminars and field visits

Tuition includes membership to the Canadian Addictions Counsellors Certification Federation.

Addictions Counselling

The objective of this module is to provide the skills required of individuals working in the addictions field. Students will be expected to develop an open-minded approach to the field of addiction theory and practice. Recognition and understanding of the broad nature of addiction is necessary for individuals working in the field. Topics will include pharmacology, role plays, the Twelve Core Functions of an Addictions Counsellor, family dynamics, abuse, case studies, assertiveness training, the signs and symptoms of an addiction, and assessment. Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to demonstrate a complete understanding of addictions and the various methods of counselling and treating addicted clients.

Introduction to Psychology

This module is based on the study of psychology and of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. The materials covered will provide significant insights into many intriguing questions such as:
Why people act in many different ways? Will people act differently if we can persuade them to adopt new attitudes’? How best can we persuade them? What leads to social conflict? What leads some people to sometimes hurt and sometimes to help others? Topics will include states of consciousness, social behaviour, sexuality and intimacy, therapy, and health psychology. Upon completion of this program the students will have developed the ability to think, inquire, to analyze and demonstrate the ability to relate the principles to better understand and assist their clients.

Counselling Skills Level I

Level I counselling skills will introduce the student to the most basic process of information gathering which will include attending behavior (Body language, eye contact, vocal qualities, verbal tracking, etc.), followed by basic listening skills, understanding the concept of empathy, characteristics of an effective counsellor, closed and open-ended questions, encouragement, reflection, paraphrasing, and summarization. Topics covered in this module will include the goals of the helping process, client/counsellor confidentiality, the Helping Model, and developing rapport.  Upon completion of this introductory level course, the students will be familiar with the process of counselling while providing a firm grounding in the theory and practice of communication skills. In addition, the students will have learned to develop a systematic approach to the counselling interview together with a personal philosophy and style in the helping process.

Counselling Skills Level II 

Students in the Level II counselling skills will be expected to demonstrate the integration of counselling skills, and to critically evaluate counselling skills noting both strengths and weaknesses. Topics in this module will include providing focus, overcoming resistance, confrontation and sharing insight. Students will demonstrate an ongoing commitment to skill development, conceptualize the dynamics and behavioral change that occur during the counselling process, understand the phases of the counselling process from the initial interview to termination, and develop hypotheses and direction for subsequent sessions with a client based on an initial assessment.

Counselling Skills Level III

This module will is very beneficial for students as they prepare for employment in the field of counselling. The range and complexity of clients’ problems can be vast and as a counsellor, your client will expect you to meet their present needs. Throughout this module students will be instructed on how to address problems presented by their clients. Students will explore counselling skills, ethical and professional issues dealing with a variety of clients. Topics in this module will include dealing with anger, counselling couples, and abuse survivors. Upon completion of this module, the students will be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the many areas of counselling and how to effectively assist their clients.

Counselling Special Populations

The focus of this module is to provide students with the theory and practical application of the concepts for developing culturally appropriate counselling skills. All counsellors have a client caseload comprised of people from every background, ethnic and culture, educational, economic, religious and political persuasion. Topics will include providing counselling to the elderly, to youths, to lesbians and gay men, and clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Individual Counselling Practicum (Role Playing)

Students will be expected to demonstrate, in various role play situations, the counselling skills learned. This will afford the student an opportunity to practice, with the instructor and/or other students, of being a client or counsellor and to demonstrate their understanding of the steps necessary for successfully counselling clients.

Counselling Approaches and Theory

 The objective of this module is to provide students with a basic understanding and knowledge of psychological theory. Theories and techniques as well as problems in individual counselling will be explored. Topics will include applied skills and techniques, behavioural, RET and case studies as well as role playing.

Counselling Ethics 

The objective of this module is to provide ethical guidelines, models, and procedures required by counsellors to assist them in decision making. Students will be introduced to several models for ethical decision making and the steps and processes involved in these decisions. Upon completion of this component the students will demonstrate an understanding of the need for ethical standards as well as how to employ the standards (models, process, etc.) when making an ethical decision. Issues covered in this module will include determining if there is an ethical dilemma, group counselling and ethics, and ethics as it relates to confidentiality.

Human Social Services 

Recognizing the importance of working with many people and agencies in the community as a professional, this module will focus on building partnerships with those persons and agencies. Prevention and rehabilitation is everyone’s responsibility. It involves government leaders at all levels, school personnel, neighborhood groups, the police, clergy, medical professionals and volunteer persons working together toward a common goal will produce an attainable goal.

Medical and Emergency Practices

This module will provide the students with the training to identify and respond to medical and emergency situations and will include providing basic medical and personal client care. Students will receive certification in some areas of this training. Some of these certifications will be non-violent crisis intervention, First Aid/CPR, suicide intervention, personal care client practices, and planning and implementing nutritional practices.

Administration/Communications

This module is designed to provide the students with the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively and maintain accurate case records and files, to become familiar with all policies, regulations and legal issues involved with client and facility management. Topics in this module will include making oral presentations, written communications, legislative acts and regulations, and team building.

Computer Applications

A basic module designed to provide the students with an understanding of computer concepts, terminology, hardware, and software. This is a hands-on introduction to computers. Upon completion of this portion of the program, the students will have the skills and knowledge to enable them to effectively use computers in their work environment.

Practicum

The on-the-job training is an important component of the program, designed to provide the student the opportunity to utilize and expand on their classroom training. Students must successfully complete all modules to qualify for on-the-job training.

Note: Due to industry demands, all modules are subject to change.