Online Class: Introduction to Counseling Psychology

Uncover the art and science of counseling in this comprehensive course that combines rich storytelling from experienced practitioners with practical tools and strategies. Embark on a self-discovery journey while learning to connect, empathize, and transform lives with ethical and compassionate counseling techniques.

Self-Paced, Online Class

Library Subscription

14

Lessons
34

Exams &
Assignments
9

Hours
average time
0.9

CEUs

Course Description

Introduction to Counseling: Your Path to Becoming a Catalyst for Change

In a world where emotional well-being is often overshadowed by life's relentless demands, there is an urgent need for compassionate individuals who can bring light to those navigating the darkness. Counseling isn't just a career-it's a profound calling, a journey into the human experience, and an opportunity to create meaningful change in the lives of others. If you've ever felt a pull to make a difference, to listen, to guide, and to heal, this course is your invitation to step into that purpose.

Introduction to Counseling is more than an online course-it's an experience designed to inspire, educate, and transform. From the very first lesson, you'll be immersed in the world of counseling, uncovering its unique challenges and remarkable rewards. But this isn't just about acquiring knowledge; it's about discovering your potential as a future counselor and crafting the skills that will empower you to help others find clarity, strength, and hope.

What Makes This Course Exceptional?

Unlike traditional courses that skim the surface, Introduction to Counseling takes you on a deep and engaging exploration of the profession. Imagine walking alongside seasoned counselors, hearing their stories, and witnessing the profound impact they have on their clients' lives. Through this course, you'll gain insider insights into what it truly means to be a counselor-both the triumphs and the trials.

You'll develop not just an understanding of psychological principles but the practical tools and compassionate mindset that make counseling transformative. Learn how to truly connect with people, even in their most vulnerable moments. Master techniques to foster trust, empathy, and meaningful dialogue. Explore the ethical dilemmas and complexities of real-world practice with guidance from experts who've been there.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

This course isn't just about preparing you for a career-it's about unlocking a deeper understanding of yourself and others. You'll reflect on your own strengths, biases, and experiences, discovering how they shape your ability to connect and counsel. Whether you're starting a new professional journey or simply seeking to enhance your interpersonal skills, this course will challenge and inspire you to grow in ways you never thought possible.

The Impact Awaits You

By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with a solid foundation in counseling principles, ready to pursue further education or apply these transformative skills in your personal and professional life. More importantly, you'll be on the path to becoming a beacon of support and guidance in a world that desperately needs it.

This is your moment. Step into a future filled with purpose and possibility. Enroll in Introduction to Counseling today and begin your journey toward changing lives-starting with your own.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Spiritual Counseling

Psychology 101

Sociology 101

Areas of Study

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:

"Extraordinarily Helpful"

(2,132 votes)

Lesson 1. The Multifaceted World of Counseling Careers

Counselors play a pivotal role in addressing modern life's complexities by offering structured support across diverse challenges, while the profession's historical evolution underscores a shift from simple advice to systematic intervention. This vibrant field is vital for personal growth and societal betterment, supported by ethical standards and specialization opportunities in various community and institutional settings. 25 Total Points

Lesson 1 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-WordSearch-8072.pdf
Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: Why this Course?
Assessment: Lesson 1 What is a Counselor
Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. The Power of Empathy in Client Transformation

Counselors who prioritize empathy and authenticity over rigid therapeutic approaches can harness these skills to build trust and facilitate healing effectively. By masterfully combining listening and questioning techniques, counselors can focus sessions on client goals, supporting them in achieving growth and resilience. 29 Total Points

Lesson 2 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-WordSearch-8074.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 2 Developing Basic Counseling Skills
Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Counseling as a Vocation: Cultivating Empathy and Skill

A family counselor's day is dynamic, involving diverse sessions aimed at resolving intimate familial issues. Through careful therapeutic approaches, they aim to build understanding and foster harmony within family dynamics. 28 Total Points

Lesson 3 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-WordSearch-8076.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 3 Are You A Candidate For A Counseling Career?
Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. Modern Workplace Dynamics: Counseling at the Core

Dealing with workplace challenges, such as digital distractions akin to behavioral addictions, counseling aids management in guiding employees toward effective digital environment strategies. Achieving enhanced concentration and productivity through structured email review times and mindfulness techniques exemplifies the intersection of modern technology and well-being. 14 Total Points

Lesson 4 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-WordSearch-8078.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 4 Counseling In Private Sector
Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. Harnessing Role Playing for Transformative Counseling

Role playing in counseling facilitates self-discovery and personal growth by allowing clients to explore scenarios safely, promoting active learning and adjustment of mental frameworks. Combining role playing with technology enhances self-awareness and emotional attunement, preparing counselors for real-life challenges with empathy. 26 Total Points

Lesson 5 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-WordSearch-8080.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 5 Mastering Counseling Techniques
Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. Legal and Ethical Standards in Mental Health Counseling

Straddling the line between legal obligations and ethical mandates, counselors must adeptly manage client confidentiality while staying abreast of laws like HIPAA. Today's school counselors are pivotal in student support systems, transcending traditional roles to address personal, social, and academic challenges. 29 Total Points

Lesson 6 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-WordSearch-8082.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 6 Legal and Ethical Issues
Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. Understanding Counseling Specialties

The counseling spectrum is diverse, covering areas from art therapy to debt counseling, empowering professionals to support individuals through creative, emotional, and financial challenges. Choosing a specialty involves recognizing personal strengths and aligning them with specific client needs, fostering deep connections that lead to meaningful therapeutic outcomes. 24 Total Points

Lesson 7 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-WordSearch-8084.pdf
Complete: Lesson 7 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 7 Popular Counseling Specialties
Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. Finding Self-Discovery Through Counseling

Couples counseling strategies such as Psychodynamic, Rogerian, and Behavioral approaches address relationship dynamics, aiming to nurture understanding and communication. These methods facilitate healing by unraveling latent patterns that hinder intimacy, encouraging empathic connections and shared growth. 31 Total Points

Lesson 8 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-WordSearch-8086.pdf
Complete: Lesson 8 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 8 Counseling Arrangements
Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. Strategies for Counselor Self-Care

Effective counseling hinges on robust self-care—comprised of mindfulness, physical care, and strong support networks—to counterbalance the emotional toll of the job. Engaging in lifelong learning and setting healthy boundaries ensures counselors remain both fulfilled professionally and personally. 29 Total Points

Lesson 9 Video
Review 2 Practice Worksheets
Complete: Lesson 9 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 9 Counselor Self-Care Strategies
Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam

Lesson 10. Empowering Change: The Essential Role of Social Workers

Social workers guide communities with compassion and strategy, serving as pillars of change in ever-adapting societal landscapes. This vocation not only transforms lives but also shapes broader social policies toward equity and justice. 12 Total Points

Lesson 10 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-WordSearch-8090.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 10 The Social Worker
Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam

Lesson 11. Counseling in Institutional Environments: Bridging Gaps and Empowering Change

Involvement of family in counseling processes aids rehabilitation in juvenile and adult correctional facilities, repairing trust and communication. Through various strategies, counselors empower families to support reintegrating members, laying strong foundations for future success. 28 Total Points

Lesson 11 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-WordSearch-8092.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 11 Counseling In Diverse Environments
Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam

Lesson 12. Business Aspects of Counseling

Group counseling enriches the therapy landscape, offering participants shared humor and diversity of thought, which can aid in reducing stress and building emotional resilience. For counselors, managing group dynamics becomes a rewarding challenge, enhancing their professional skills and fostering a collaborative environment for healing. 21 Total Points

Lesson 12 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-12-WordSearch-8094.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 12 Business Aspects of Counseling
Assessment: Lesson 12 Review Exam

Lesson 13. Counselor Conduct: Balancing Ethics and Responsibility

Incorporating technology in record-keeping enhances efficiency and secure documentation in counseling practices, enabling seamless client care even through teletherapy settings. Yet, counselors must balance this tech integration with personal engagement to maintain the healing essence of the client-counselor relationship. 29 Total Points

Lesson 13 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-13-WordSearch-8096.pdf
Complete: Lesson 13 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 13 Record Keeping And Ethical Guidelines
Assessment: Lesson 13 Review Exam

Lesson 14. Empowering Connections: Mastery of Counseling-Based Communication

Non-verbal communication, often embodying gestures, facial expressions, and tone, serves as a critical component of interpersonal interactions across both digital and in-person platforms. The lesson delves into interpretive nuances across cultures and environments, teaching how this silent language—with its profound emotional vocabulary—enhances connections by conveying messages words cannot capture. 87 Total Points

Lesson 14 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-14-WordSearch-8098.pdf
Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments
Assessment: Lesson 14 Counseling Based Communication Skills
Assessment: The Final Exam
Assessment: Lesson 14 Review Exam

412

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Define the role of a counselor by identifying key responsibilities and historical developments influencing modern practices.
Demonstrate understanding of diverse counseling environments by describing various settings and the specific functions counselors perform within each.
Analyze and describe the ethical considerations and professionalism necessary for maintaining clear boundaries in a therapeutic relationship, ensuring client safety and trust.
Identify and demonstrate the use of at least three basic counseling skills, such as active listening, empathy, and open-ended questioning, in a simulated counseling scenario.
Define the educational pathways and certification requirements necessary for pursuing a career in counseling in your state.
Illustrate the personal and professional qualities integral to becoming an effective counselor, including empathy, ethical awareness, and emotional resilience.
Demonstrate the ability to identify and implement effective counseling strategies to reduce digital interruptions and enhance workplace productivity.
Recognize and analyze the impact of workplace counseling on employee health, stress management, and productivity through case study evaluations.
Demonstrate the ability to utilize role-playing techniques to enhance client-counselor communication effectiveness by simulating real-life counseling scenarios.
Describe how didactic questioning can be employed to facilitate deeper client self-awareness and problem-solving during counseling sessions.
Define the ethical and legal boundaries of confidentiality in counseling by identifying situations where disclosure is warranted according to professional codes.
Demonstrate understanding of the evolving role of school counselors by analyzing strategies for addressing diverse student needs in contemporary educational settings.
Define key specialties within counseling and differentiate their unique roles in supporting individuals' mental and emotional well-being.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Additional Course Information

Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online

View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
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Course Title: Introduction to Counseling Psychology

Course Number: 7550089

Lessons Rating: 4.4 / 5 Stars (2,132 votes)

Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries

Availability: This course is offered online and is accessible in every state across the U.S., including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Learners in English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa can also enroll.

Last Updated: March 2023

CEU Value: 0.9 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.

Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes

Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams

Proctor: UniversalClass Instructional Team

Syllabus: View Syllabus

Student Testimonials

"I found this course was really good and helpful. I found the lesson on ethics to be helpful as I didn't know some of this stuff before. I didn't know how closely related social work and counselling psychology is. It was interesting learning about that." -- Daniel D.
"I have completed courses with this Instructor previously and would happily undertake his future courses." -- Mary M.
"This Course was excellent learning experience for me, THANKS." -- Krishan A.