Course Descriptions: Rehabilitation Counseling

RHB500: Research Methods
Students explore various research techniques and then apply that knowledge to an analysis of existing research and to designing and implementing their own research projects. The course includes preparation of a literature review, qualitative and quantitative approaches, triangulation methods, research designs, threats to internal and external validity, sampling techniques, data collection methods, basic statistics and ethical considerations.  Emphasis is placed on application of these principles to such areas as program evaluation, needs assessment or other areas relevant to quality of services to people with disabilities. Available online.

RHB505: Foundations for Rehabilitation Counseling: History, Principles, Laws, and Ethics
This foundation course provides an understanding of the historical, legislative and philosophical roots for the profession of rehabilitation counseling as well as knowledge of the rehabilitation delivery system. The roles and functions of rehabilitation counselors is explored, including the role of the rehabilitation counselor as an advocate for people with disabilities. This knowledge is essential for effective practice consistent with the intent of the profession which is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve work, independent living and inclusion in society. This course acquaints students with the standards of practice and the ethical guidelines for rehabilitation counseling as well as the professional certification and licensure standards. Opportunity is provided for students to examine attitudes and values related to disability issues.

RHB508: Developmental Issues in Counseling
Students study developmental psychology especially as it relates to making therapeutic interventions. Stages of development – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual – are outlined. In learning how to make counseling interventions from a developmental perspective, students explore gender and cultural influences on development, the effect of a person’s developmental stage on the counseling process, and the critical distinction between pathology and developmental crisis. To understand better their clients and themselves, students are encouraged to explore their own growth process and critical developmental moments, through journal-keeping and classroom dialogue.

RHB510: Counseling and Personality Theory
Building on the basic interviewing and assessment skills, the student will study the major counseling theories and the related theories of personality development. This course provides the opportunity to examine the following theoretical perspectives to human development: psychodynamic, developmental, existential, person-centered, behavioral, rational-emotive, cognitive-behavioral, reality-based, gestalt, transactional analysis, systems theories and post modern approaches to counseling. Emphasis is placed on exploring both counselor and client characteristics that may influence the helping process such as gender, age, and ethnicity. Available online.

RHB513: Systems Theory and Family Therapy
This course traces the history of systems theory as it evolved in several disciplines, then was applied to the treatment of couples and families.The recent evolution of family therapy is considered, as it moved from simple cybernetics to cybernetics of cybernetics and the influence of post modernist thinking. Through videos and role play, the course introduces students to the practice of couple and family therapy, including how to diagnose and treat various family problems from a systems perspective.

RHB520: Rehabilitation Counseling Practicum I
Students are expected to work 10 hours per week in the field as a counselor-intern, supervised by a counselor approved by the University. In addition, students attend and participate in a weekly seminar focused on learning to use basic interpersonal skills such as primary accurate empathy, immediacy and appropriate self-disclosure.

RHB521: Rehabilitation Counseling Practicum II
As part of this course, students are expected to work 10 hours per week as a counselo- intern under the supervision of a counselor approved by the University and to participate in weekly class sessions, addressing basic counseling skills.

RHB523: Cultural and Psychosocial Aspects of Disability
Effective practice requires an understanding of the cultural, psychological and social factors that affect individuals with disabilities. The influence of gender, race, socioeconomic status, and other cultural variations that may impact the person with a disability are explored in depth. The concept that the social structure and the cultural background of an individual significantly contribute to the perceived disability is examined. Attitudes towards disability can influence the rehabilitation process. Available online.

RHB527: Substance Abuse Counseling and Rehabilitation
The major substances of abuse are reviewed along with the counseling methods and treatments used to assist the individual in life functioning.  The course examines the effectiveness of the structure and system for substance abuse treatment. The disease and social model of abuse will be presented. Students will become more informed with issues related to codependency. The application of relevant counseling theories is explored. Discussions will occur evaluating the implications of substance use and abuse for work, independent living and inclusion.

RHB532: The Psychology of Group Process
Students explore the various dimensions and theories of group process, along with their own ability to function in groups in the light of their personal history in groups.   Leadership strengths are studied. The use of art and movement for facilitating group process is investigated. Methods of evaluation and ethical standards are considered.  

RHB535: Career Development: Work and Disability Issues
The student will study the major career development theories and discuss the implications of these theories toward understanding functional capacity. Students will learn the importance of the concept of career ladders as it fits into job placement and career interests and a vocational interest of the individual. Topics for discussion include labor market resources, reasonable accommodations, informed choice, information technology, assistive technology, functional capacity, benefits analysis and work incentives. Available online.

RHB540: Medical and Psychological Aspects of Disability
Students learn significant medical and functional components of disabilities with particular attention to the implications for work and independent living. The major categories of disabilities are discussed. Students acquire working knowledge of the use of resources and the terminology to assist in the development of appropriate individualized rehabilitation plans. The student will develop an understanding of the basis for the diagnostic and prognostic judgments in assessing the individual's functional capacity.  Available online.

RHB542: Evaluation and Assessment
Specific evaluative tools will be examined including intelligence, ability, achievement, interests, attitudinal, and personality instruments along with situational assessment and observation procedures. Students will approach evaluation within the perspective of a holistic assessment of the individual. Cultural and social factors will be considered with emphasis on a comprehensive understanding of the functional capacity of the individual.  Available online.

RHB550: Vocational Rehabilitation, Case Management and Employment
Students acquire knowledge for job development and appropriate job placement, taking into account the interests and functional capacities of individuals with disabilities. As part of the process, students develop the skills for building partnerships with the consumer to support the development of an individual rehabilitation or employment plan. Topics of study for this course include caseload management, case referral, service coordination, advocacy, team participation, managed care, cost containment and ethical principles. Topics related to job placement include reasonable accommodation, universal design, assistive technology job analysis and modification, identification of transferable skills, supported employment, job skill training and job clubs. Students will learn how to do labor market surveys. Available online.

RHB570: Rehabilitation Counseling Internship and Seminar
Students will work in the field for 600 hours in a rehabilitation agency in the role of rehabilitation counselor and intern and attend a weekly seminar to discuss experiences, examine ethical practice, and further develop the skills and knowledge for professional practice. The agency experience must be primarily focused on providing direct rehabilitation counseling services and should include group work as well as individual consultation services. The internship must be supervised for an average of two hours per week by a certified counselor approved by the University. Students will be expected to actively participate in seminar through discussion, review of video and audio tape of counseling sessions, reading of research and applying research to improve clinical practice. 

RHB581: Special Topics
Special topics courses with Rehabilitation Counseling conten are offered on a periodic basis.

RHB581: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders and other Developmental Disabilities
This course will teach the characteristics of the Autism Spectrum disorders as well as research based educational practices.  Students will learn the criteria used to diagnose or identify the continuum of autism spectrum disorders, describe the core and associated characteristics of individuals with ASD, remain informed of current research, legislation and debate concerning ASD and understand the impact of ASD on family dynamics and functioning.  The course content will also cover the range of environmental supports that help create predictable environments. Class instruction will include research-based lecture, guest speakers, class discussion and case study illustrations.  This course is a must for teachers and support staff in schools, parents and human service workers supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 

RHB581: Assessment, Curriculum and Instructions for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other Developmental Disabilities
This course will focus on using assessment and curriculum information to design learning opportunities for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities.  The course will review how the core deficits of an Autism Spectrum Disorder can impact the students functioning with the general education curriculum.  Students will learn instructional strategies such as visual instruction & structured teaching, as well as accommodations and modifications that support individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities to access the general education.  Students will also learn how to write objectives, plan instruction and evaluate progress across all areas of learning. 

RHB: 581Supporting Positive Behavior and Social Skills for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other Developmental Disabilities
This course will teach students the principals and application of applied behavioral analysis and positive behavioral supports for individuals with ASD.  Students will learn to conduct functional behavior assessments to determine what motivates and maintains a challenging/interfering behavior, collect data and use data based decision making to develop a positive behavior support plan, measure the effectiveness of the behavior intervention plan and modify as necessary, develop strategies for reshaping, increasing, maintaining and decreasing various behaviors, develop strategies to increase flexibility of thought, design and implement programs that promote social skill competence through skill knowledge, acquisition, application and generalizations.  Students will learn to understand the purposes/functions of communication, how it enables effective interaction with adults and children and effective strategies to foster spontaneous communication.

The following four courses are part of the CAGS in Mental Health: Concentration in Rehabilitation Counseling:

RHB603: Psychopharmacology for Mental Health Professionals
This course will examine the fundamentals of drug pharmacology and drug interactions. Lectures will review current psychotropic medication protocols as well as herbal and nutraceutical complements to psychotherapy.

RHB605: Counseling and Rehabilitation in Mental Health
Students will study the developmental, psychosocial and biological aspects of the major psychiatric disorders along with the symptomatology as presented in the current issue of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Students will examine recommended treatments including biological, behavioral, cognitive and psychosocial.  The application of relevant counseling theories will be explored. The philosophy of psychiatric rehabilitation will be compared to the more traditional medical model. Attention will be given to the clubhouse model, supported employment, transitional living and independent living.

RHB608: Advanced Internship I and Seminar in Mental Health
This advanced course in rehabilitation counseling is to build upon the clinical skills developed in the internship. Students are required to work an average of 20 hours per week for a minimum of 500 hours over a six month period as a rehabilitation counselor-intern with emphasis on mental health counseling. Students will be supervised two hours per week under the supervision of a certified counselor approved by the University. In addition, students will participate in a weekly seminar applying knowledge from current research in the field of mental health to their clinical practice.

RHB609: Advanced Internship II and Seminar in Mental Health
This course is a second six month period of advanced internship. Students will continue to work as a rehabilitation counselor-intern in the same agency, 20 hours per week for a minimum of an additional 500 hours. Emphasis of the internship is on mental health counseling. Students will be supervised two hours per week under the supervision of a certified counselor approved by the University. In addition, students will participate in a weekly seminar applying knowledge from current research in the field of mental health to improve clinical practice. 

RHB 689: Applied Group Therapy
In this course, students apply therapy to groups while the instructor models skills and provides support. Leadership style, ethical issues, and types of group work, including task groups, prevention groups, support groups and therapy groups will be explored.