300

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the eight practice dimensions necessary for effective performance as an addictions counselor: clinical evaluation; treatment planning; referral; service coordination; counseling; client, family and community education; documentation; and professional and ethical responsibilities. These dimensions along with their associated 12 core competencies, as defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), are the established national standards for addiction counseling practice. These standards are also utilized by state and national addictions counselor certification/license examinations. In this course, the student will develop entry level knowledge and skills across the eight practice dimensions that will help ready them for entering the addictions counseling field. Considerable emphasis will be placed on evidenced-based practices.

The course is intended to introduce the student to the basic issues of group therapy and group therapy with substance abusers. Emphasis will be given to understanding the group process, artful group facilitation, and tailoring interventions to work with clients in the various stages of the change process. Students will become familiar with the 11 therapeutic factors as outlined by Yalom. The course will include an experiential component, with all students participating in an actual group experience. Students will develop an understanding of group process issues, group facilitation skills, and the merits of curriculum-based group treatment.

The course is intended to familiarize the student with a systems view of substance abuse and family life. Students will compare and contrast individual and systemic orientations to assessments, case conceptualization, and intervention. Students will learn the essential characteristics of working systemically as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this approach. This course will address common relational patterns in substance dependent families, systemic approaches to facilitating change, and recovery as a developmental process. Students will examine the various schools of family therapy and the importance of cultural competence.