Group and Family Counseling Syllabus

SA 220: Group and Family Counseling

This course examines group counseling and family systems theories related to working with substance abuse clients and their families. Students will learn the application of these theories through the use of case studies.
Student Learning Outcomes

Course Objectives: After completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate knowledge of basic theories related to group and family counseling.
  2. demonstrate an understanding of group and family treatment processes.
  3. demonstrate an understanding of therapeutic counseling techniques for groups and families.

General Education Goal:

  1. Critical Reasoning
    1. Students will be able to openly consider alternative points of view.
Instructional Materials

McCollum, Eric E, and Trepper, Terry S. Family Solutions for Substance Abuse. New York, NY: Routledge, 2013 (e-book edition).

Course Policies

Participation (10% of total grade)

Beginning Week 2, students will submit various mini-assignments to gauge involvement in class. Students must be present in order to participate and receive credit. These assignments may not be turned in at a later date.

Assignments (30% of total grade)

GE Assignments are worth total of 50 points

Each student will respond to a series of discussion questions related to group counseling. Each discussion is worth 25 points each. Students will receive detailed information during Week 2.

Group Meeting Report is worth 50 points

  • Each student will be required to attend an open AA or NA meeting and write a report.
  • Students will receive detailed instructions during Week 2 of classes.     

Group Exercise Assignments are 25 points each x 3 = 75 points

  • Students will complete two assignments concerning group exercises.
  • Students will also lead one group exercise presentation.
  • Students will receive detailed instructions during Week 2 of classes.     

Exams (60% of total grade)

Grading Scales

A = 90% - 100%                   

B = 80% -  89%         

C = 70% -  79%           

D = 60% -  69%         

F = below  60%       

Student Expectations
  1. Please respect yourself, your instructor, and your classmates.
  2. Please turn off cell phones or set to vibrate before class. Use of cell phones in the classroom is restricted to instructional purposes.
  3. Please come to class having read the corresponding chapter(s), and please be prepared to discuss topics covered in the textbook. 
  4. Please attend class regularly and be punctual. Please read official attendance policy in the Huntington Junior College Catalog.
  5. Only work on and view materials related to class.
  6. Please do not speak while someone else is speaking.
  7. If you must leave class early, please do so without distracting others.
  8. Please refrain from making distracting noises.
  9. Please be kind to others.
  10. Please act professionally.
Course Outline

WEEK 1         Introduction, Why Work With Families

                       

WEEK 2         Understanding the Family in Context

                        Review of Assignments

 

WEEK 3         Treatment, Philosophy and Practice of Group Work

                        Group Exercise Assignment 1

 

WEEK 4         Working with Families: Basic Skills

                        Sign up for Group Exercise Presentation

           

WEEK 5         Exam 1: Working with Families

                        Assessing Motivation, GE Assignment 1

 

WEEK 6         Negotiating a Contract for Therapy, Group Exercises

                        Group Exercise Assignment 2

WEEK 7         Problem and Solution Sequences, Resources

                       

WEEK 8         The Ups and Downs of Change, GE Assignment 2

                       

WEEK 9         Ending Treatment; Exam 2: Making Change with Families

                        Group Meeting Report Due, Group Presentation Exercise Due

 

WEEK 10      Extra Credit, Study for Final Exam

                       

WEEK 11      Comprehensive Final Exam

Communication

Emails will be responded to no later than 48 hours or by the end of business on Monday for mail received over the weekend.

College Policies

Academic Honesty Policy
The college has a firm policy against academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism. Students guilty of academic dishonesty will be administratively dropped from the course with a grade of ‘F’ and subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension and dismissal. 

Please refer to the Academic Honesty Policy for detailed information.

Technology Support
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Accessibility Information
Huntington Junior College is committed to full compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For detailed information regarding the policy, please click here. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 1-800-344-4522, 304-697-7550 or pjustice@hjc.edu if you have any additional questions.

Copyright Policy
As an institution of higher education, Huntington Junior College strongly believes in intellectual property. As such, Huntington Junior College respects intellectual property and has made it a priority to ensure all employees and students respect the copyrights of others. If you have any questions about our copyright policy, please click here to access the copyright policy.

Privacy Policy
The college understands the importance of protecting your information and privacy. Please click here to access information on the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act.

Other Student Success Services
Please click here for other student success services information, such as financial aid, lab hours, parking, library, transcripts, and career services on the college

If you need to speak with a person regarding any college policies and guidelines, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the college at 304-697-7550 or 1-800-344-4522

This information is standard for each course but specifics may vary based on the delivery method of the course you are taking. Please follow the information provided by your instructor.

This syllabus is subject to change.