This course is intended to provide students with an introductory approach to one type of counseling in psychology and to increase campus awareness of mental health issues, with an emphasis on the application of theoretical knowledge to real-life situations. Through lectures, assignments, open discussions, and a ton of FUN projects, the class is designed to decrease the stigma attached to counseling and mental health.
First, we will begin with training in peer counseling methods. Using readings and interactive exercises, students will learn and apply the Rogerian model of peer counseling to a variety of real-life problems. We will also learn about other methods of counseling and critically compare them to the Rogerian model. For the second half of the course, we will investigate various mental disorders common on college campuses through guest lectures with mental health professionals and open discussions, ultimately tying the knowledge to how to peer counsel more effectively. The goal of this course is to translate diagnostic clinical psychology into empathy for those grappling with mental illnesses.