Re: theories of counseling text

[Dan Segrist]

Rod--a book I've really liked, although I haven't taught an undergrad. course in counseling theories, is Prochaska and Norcross', "Systems of Psychotherapy."   Dan Segrist   Dan Segrist, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology Southwestern Illinois College Granite City Campus 4950 Maryville Road Granite Ci ty, IL  62040 (618) 931-0600, ext. 6694 [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>& gt; [EMAIL PROTECTED] 02/10/03 04:57PM >>> Hi everyone: I'm thinking about selecting a new text for my undergraduate Theories and Techniques of Counseling course.  So far, I have always used Corey's text, "Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy."  ; For the most part I like this text, but my students have routinely dislik ed it. Until recently I have never considered switching texts, probably because I "grew up" on Corey throughout my graduate training.  All o f our psychology majors are required to take this course, many of whom will go on to graduate study in psychology or counseling.  But because I teach at a school with a religious affiliation, I also routinely have students who take this particular course so they can be more equipped in some of their volunteer ministry activities.  They understand that this course does not prepare them to be counselors, but they are still hoping to learn something that will be useful for their various roles. S o, I've finally decided to more seriously consider some other texts. I'm loo king for a text that provides a good overview of the theories but also address es the application of techniques as well as some of the practical aspects of the field (developing a therapeutic alliance, ethical issues, working with special populations, etc.).  I've been thinking about switching to Kottler's, "Introduction to Therapeutic Counseling - Voices from the Field."  My questions for you: 1.  Have any of you used the Kottler text before?  2.  Do you have recommendations for other texts? 3.  When teaching theories of counseling at the undergraduate level, do you feel it is important to have a skills compone nt that teaches basic active listening skills?  Or is a course on theor ies and associated techniques adequate?  When using the Corey text, I fo und that we didn't have enough time in the semester to cover the majority of the theories AND teach basic active listening skills. 4.  When teaching theories of counseling at the undergraduate level, is it more educational for students to go into the detailed specifics of each of the major theories (Freudian, Jungian, Adlerian, Gestalt, Existential, Person-Centered, Behavioral, CBT, Reality, TA, Systems, Feminist) or to discuss general counseling approaches (Insight-Oriented, Action-Oriented, Systems-Oriented)?  This approach might not go into as much detail a s the former approach, but it would provide a broader conceptual framework for understanding the various types of counseling approaches.  Perhaps t his approach could be supplemented with a project that requires a student to study one particular approach in more detail. I look forward to t he dialogue on this issue. Rod ______________________________________________ R oderick D. Hetzel, Ph.D. Department of Psychology LeTourneau University Pos t Office Box 7001 2100 South Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas  75607-7001 Office:   Education Center 218 Phone:    903-233-3893 Fax:      903-233-3851 Email:    [EMAIL PROTECTED] Homepage: http://www.letu.edu/people/rodhe tzel   --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]