Course Syllabus

 

Description of Course

How does one apply theoretical knowledge to real-life therapeutic contexts? This course introduces diverse theoretical approaches to counseling methods and incorporates the use of integrated therapeutic approaches with focus on pragmatic therapeutic elements . This course requires active participation in and observation of group-based and individual exercises focusing on counseling skills.

Students will be introduced to exercises in practical counseling skills and various theories of counseling and psychotherapy. We will review how theoretical knowledge can be applied to real life therapy . Major theoretical traditions regarding therapy and counseling will be discussed. Assorted counseling methods and integrated approaches are presented and compared.

 

Learning Objectives

• Explore and contextualise the theoretical framework behind different therapeutic approaches

• Apply and compare methods in which professionals work with clients and evaluate difficulties and strengths of intervention techniques.

• Experiment with several counseling and creative techniques individually and in small group settings.

 

Faculty

Katharina Zwielich (she/her)
Mag. rer. nat. Psychology (University of Innsbruck, Austria, 2013) and M.Sc. in Sustainable Development (University College Cork, Ireland and University of Copenhagen, Denmark, 2016). Katharina Zwielich is a trained psychologist and psychotherapist. She works with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other approaches in private practice since 2019. She has been faculty member with the department of psychology since 2022.

 

Readings

Required Articles and Other Media on Canvas: Articles required for every class are uploaded to the calendar and to Canvas. Additional articles or other material will be added to Canvas based on students' interest and needs.

 

Field Studies

Noted on calendar

 

Guest Lecturers

Noted on calendar

 

Approach to Teaching

The class will be a mixture of lecturing, student group presentations, group discussions and role-playing. A large component in this course is based on experiential learning, so students are expected to participate actively in class exercises, reflection and discussions. Students are expected to take active responsibility towards their learning. Students are expected to follow the following rules in order to promote the best possible learning environment for all.

Any personal information revealed in this class is confidential. You may share ideas and experiences with people outside the class, but no information referring to personal identities should be revealed. Any violation of this confidentiality will be taken seriously.

Students should be able to feel confident in presenting their differing viewpoints even if those are different to other class members. Differences should always be approached with respect and students to be able to think about these differences in a reflective manner in relation to their own life experiences and how each one digests and processes the different theoretical perspectives presented.

 

Expectations of the Students

• Attend all classes having read the materials prior to class
• Participate actively in discussions in class and in group exercises
• Discuss readings and prepare presentations with an assigned study group outside of class time
• Develop and exercise critical thinking throughout the course
• Classroom etiquette includes being respectful of one another’s opinions; listening to others and entering into dialogue in a constructive manner
• Students are required to treat the contributions from each other with confidentiality and respect for privacy.

 

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated throughout the term by completing various group and individual assignments.  All students will be assigned their groups in the beginning of the term and will be required to complete all coursework in order to receive a pass grade. Students that are able to produce work beyond the obvious and predictable will be awarded full marks for their efforts. Students are also expected to contribute to class discussions and show active participation throughout the term in order to receive full marks for the course. 

 

Grading

Assignment	Percent
Class participation and attendance	30%
Reflection essay	20%
Video assignment	20%
Group-facilitated discussion	30%

 

Academic Accommodations

Your learning experience in this class is important to me. If you have approved academic accommodations with DIS, please make sure I receive your DIS accommodations letter on the first days of class. If you can think of other ways I can support your learning, please don't hesitate to talk to me. If you have any further questions about your academic accommodations, contact Academic Support academicsupport@dis.dk