Wake Forest University Department of Counseling

CNS 740: Professional Orientation to Counseling
Spring-1 2024


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Syllabus Contents


Course Faculty

Lead Faculty: Dr. Philip Clarke

Email: clarkepb@wfu.edu

Lead Faculty: Dr. Jasmine Graham

Email: grahamj@wfu.edu


Course Description

This course is an introduction to the profession of counseling. It covers the history of counseling, as well as the roles that counselors play in today's society. It examines counseling associations and specialization areas within counseling. Professional issues such as licensure, certification, legal concerns, and ethical considerations of counselors are explored, too. Public policy, advocacy, and other contemporary factors that impact the present and future of counseling are looked at in context and developmentally.

While the focus of the course is on introducing the counseling profession, we know that some of you are planning on the field of human services. We want to acknowledge that the ties to that field will be less explicit, but you will be able to see the progression of helping services that will readily apply to human services.


Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

Knowledge:

  1. Become knowledgeable about the various aspects of professional counseling including historic, philosophical, and specialty areas (CACREP 3.A.1)
  2. Learn about the multiple professional roles and functions of counselors across specialty areas, and their relationships with human service and integrated behavioral health care systems (CACREP 3.A.2)
  3. Delineate counselors’ roles and responsibilities as members of interdisciplinary community outreach and emergency/crisis management response teams (CACREP 3.A.3; 3.E.20)
  4. Learn about the process of counseling, including careers, human development and consultation (3.C.4; 3.C.10; 3.C.11; 3.D.1; 3.D.3; 3.D.5; 3.E.1; 3.E.4)
  5. Learn about professional counseling organizations, including membership benefits, activities, service to members, and current issues (CACREP 3.A.6)
  6. Become acquainted with professional counseling credentialing, including certification, licensure, and accreditation practices and standards and the effect of public policy on these issues (CACREP 3.A.7)
  7. Examine the ethical standards of professional counseling organizations and credentialing bodies, and applications of ethical and legal considerations in professional counseling (CACREP 3.A.10)
  8. Become familiar with current labor market information relevant to opportunities for practice within the counseling profession, technology’s impact on the counseling profession, and the role of counseling supervision in the profession (CACREP 3.A.9)
  9. Become knowledgeable about cultural and social diversity, especially diversity among cultural groups, theories and models of multicultural counseling, factors that influence the worldview of cultural groups, the effects of power and privilege on counselors and clients, and strategies for eliminating oppression and discrimination (CACREP 3.B.1; 3.B.2; 3.B.3; 3.B.5; 3.B.9; 3.B.10)

Skills and Practices:

  1. Explain strategies for personal and professional self-evaluation and implications for practice (CACREP 3.A.11)
  2. Master the rudiments of professional writing, including APA style.
  3. Learn how to advocate on behalf of the counseling profession and address institutional and social barriers that impede access, equity, and success for clients (CACREP 3.A.5; 3.A.4)
  4. Practice ways of promoting positive mental health including self-care strategies appropriate for the counselor role (CACREP 3.A.11)

Course Materials

Course materials refer only to the textbook(s), Course Reserves, WFU library readings, or scholarly articles. Refer to the course for all other instructional content (websites, lectures, videos, interactive activities, etc.)

Required Texts

Required Readings

The following are available as links to articles on the course pages, WFU library readings, or through Course Reserves which is accessible from your course menu:

Additional Materials


Live Sessions

Students will find the day and time in the course:

Live Sessions are not mandatory, but student attendance is encouraged.


Methods of Instruction

Instructional methods in this course include lectures, discussions, case studies, experiential activities related to course content, and other interactive activities.


Instructor Interactions

Apart from clinical courses, WFU online courses are primarily asynchronous in nature, meaning students and instructors can engage with the learning materials at different times. There are a few notable exceptions, however, such as live sessions, office hours, and triad work (skills courses). For the asynchronous portions of our courses, students interact with instructors through virtual discussion boards, weekly video and/or written announcements, email communications, and formative and summative feedback on assignments. For the synchronous portions of our courses, students interact with lead instructors in weekly, recorded live sessions, and with practitioner instructors in office hours. Regarding live sessions, lead instructors meet virtually with students one hour per week in which they present on a topic related to the learning material for the week, as well as answer questions that students have about the course material or assignments. In office hours, practitioner instructors answer students’ questions about course content and assignments. They also, at times, present on topics related to that week’s lessons.

In clinical courses, instructors interact with students primarily through individual/triadic and group supervision sessions. Instructors also monitor students’ time logs, review required practicum and internship documents, evaluate their counseling session recordings and writeups, and submit midterm and final evaluations related to students’ counseling skills development, as well as their professional dispositions and behaviors development.


Assessments

This section provides an overview of the items due during this course. See the Course Schedule for additional details.

Discussions

Discussions serve as the main vehicle for communication between students in the class. Using the forums, information will be shared, concepts will be discussed, and opinions expressed.

Assignments

These are the assignments that will be completed and submitted throughout the duration of the course.

Assignment 1.1: Key Figures in Counseling History (CACREP 3.A.1)

For this assignment, you will review the key figures in the history of counseling and choose three figures that you believe were the most influential in the history of counseling and answer a few questions.

Weeks 2, 5 and 6 Journal Entries

For these assignments, you will reflect on your learnings in particular weeks.

Assignment 2.1: Cultural Reflection Paper (CACREP 3.A.4; 3.B.1; 3.B.3; 3.B.6; 3.B.7; 3.B.8; 3.B.9; 3.B.10)

For this assignment, you will view a media piece of your choosing (e.g., film, documentary, podcast) and write a reaction paper about the media piece.

Assignment 3.1: Darkness Visible (CACREP 3.C.4; 3.C.10; 3.C.11; 5.C.2.g)

For this assignment, you will read Darkness Visible, watch the film Starry, Starry Night Music and answer related questions. .

Assignment 5.2: The House that Built Me (CACREP 3.A.11)

For this assignment, you will view the music video The House that Built Me, draw a diagram of the house that you grew up in, and write a 250-word explanation of how the house shaped your life.

Practice Quizzes (CACREP 3.A.1-12)

To help you prepare for your final exam, there are six "Who Wants to Be a Counselor?" practice quizzes. Complete these quizzes to review important course concepts and to get an idea of what material you need to review. These quizzes are untimed and ungraded, and you are free to take them as many times as you wish.

Note: These quizzes will not be available when the final exam opens on Week 7 Day 5 at 12:00 p.m.

Final Exam (CACREP 3.A.1-12)

The final exam covers all chapters of your Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession text. It consists of 200 multiple choice questions. You will have two-and-a-half hours to complete the exam and may only take one attempt.


Student Learning Outcomes / Key Performance Indicators

There is one signature assignment for this course, the Cultural Reflection Paper, that is to be submitted in Anthology Portfolio, an e-Portfolio, data storage, and data management program. The Cultural Reflection Paper assignment will be used for course grade calculations (using the grading rubric), program evaluation reporting, and student learning outcomes (SLO) / key performance indicator (KPI) monitoring. For program evaluation reporting and SLO/KPI monitoring, we use a CACREP rubric that measures student learning on a scale from 1 (harmful) to 5 (exceeds expectations). The student learning outcome on which you will be evaluated for the Cultural Reflection Paper is II.a.: Students demonstrate knowledge and skills associated with working with culturally diverse populations.

Based on the 2024 CACREP standards (2.E.1.a., 2.C.1.a.), our counseling program is required to report aggregated SLO/KPI ratings, as well as monitor individual student SLO/KPI progress. The expectation is that students, on average and individually, will receive average CACREP rubric ratings of 4 (meets expectations) on each SLO/KPI measure. Student ratings on SLO/KPI measures that fall below a 3 (near expectations) may result in remediation.

The signature assignment in CNS 740 is the cultural reflection paper.

The student learning outcomes map can be found on page 9 of the program evaluation report.


Late Work

Students are encouraged to make the same effort to submit all assignments on time that they would use in the workplace. It is, however, understood that sometimes circumstances arise that are beyond our control. To request an extension, students should contact their Lead Faculty as soon as a problem is identified to provide details and determine a realistic deadline. Assignments submitted late without prior approval will not be eligible for full credit.

Unless arrangements have been made, students who submit late assignments will receive a 10% grade deduction for each day beyond the due date.


Grading Policies

This table details the grade points and/or percentages of each assignment.

Grading
Assignment Points Possible
Discussions 240
Assignments 340
Final Exam 200
Total 780

Grading Scale

This table lists the letter grade corresponding to ranges of points.

Final grading is at the discretion of the faculty.

Grading Scale
Letter Grade Percentage
A 93–100
A− 90–92
B+ 87–89
B 83–86
B− 80–82
C+ 77–79
C 70–76
F 0–69

Academic Policies

Every student is required to practice and adhere to the principle of academic integrity while undertaking studies with Wake Forest University. Maintaining academic integrity is considered an essential academic standard of every graduate course and program. The University does not tolerate academic dishonesty.

The graduate faculty at Wake Forest has adopted a formal honor code to provide guidance for student conduct with respect to academic pursuits. Read the Graduate Student Academic Honor Code (PDF).

Academic dishonesty may be an academic issue or a disciplinary issue, or both, depending on its pervasiveness and/or severity. Any student engaged in academic dishonesty may face reprimand, disciplinary warning, a lowered or failing grade(s), and/or probation or suspension from the course, academic program, or University; or expulsion from the University.

The list that follows includes examples, although not all-inclusive, of academic dishonesty:

For the complete academic honesty policy and tips to avoid plagiarism, as well as further information on all academic policies, including the policies for adding and dropping a course, requesting a grade of incomplete, academic probation, termination of enrollment, reinstatement, and student and faculty expectations, see the Wake Forest University Student Handbook.


Synchronous Class Recording Notice

In accordance with Wake Forest University’s policy regarding class recordings, be mindful of this information:


Academic Engagement and Monitoring

It is very important that students actively engage in class discussions, and that students communicate in a timely manner with their instructors if unforeseen circumstances negatively affect their academic engagement. WFU monitors student academic engagement through student activity in the course, much of which can be monitored automatically in Canvas (e.g., logging into the course in Canvas, participating in discussion boards, submitting assignments, reviewing learning materials in the modules); attending live sessions, office hours, and individual/triadic/group supervision sessions; and communicating by phone or email with instructors. If an entire week passes without a student submission of an assignment and/or no contact is made with instructors, the following will occur:


Technical Requirements

Identify the minimum device configuration requirements for this institution.


Help Desk Support

Assistance to resolve technical problems is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Students can access the Help Desk at: Wake Forest Help Desk.

Help Desk services are restricted primarily to problems associated with the functionality of the course delivery platform. Responsibilities include:

Sometimes students may not be sure whether a problem they are having is caused by their computer system or the online learning management system. The Help Desk will help students figure out where the problem lies and attempt to resolve issues immediately. However, some highly advanced hardware issues may require additional assistance. If this is the case, the Help Desk may suggest seeking assistance from a local computer repair establishment.


Canvas Support

Call a Canvas Expert: 833.383.5792

For Canvas technical support, select the Help icon in the navigation bar, where students will find several options including:

When submitting a ticket, be as specific as possible in the description of the issue. Include the name of the course and the date the issue occurred, the browser being used and, if possible, screenshots to help Canvas support personnel troubleshoot the issue and expedite service.

Note: Lead Faculty and PIs do not provide Canvas support.


AskDeac Help Desk

AskDeac services include most technology issues outside of the scope of course delivery. Common requests include assistance setting up a VPN, setting up a WFU Zoom account, using Google Drive, and resetting WFU email passwords.

Assistance to resolve technical issues is available through Email or Live Chat from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Phone support is available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

Access AskDeac at: AskDeac.


Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Wake Forest University is committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion provides campus resources such as the Intercultural Center, LGBTQ Center, Women’s Center, and more. Locate these on the webpage under Affinity & Support.

To learn more about WFU’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion read the Non-Discrimination Statement and policy on Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability.

Pro Humanitate - As a part of the Wake Forest community, the faculty and staff of the Department of Counseling fully embrace the concept of Pro Humanitate. In each of our classes (graduate, undergraduate, face-to-face and virtual), we strive to affirm every person and every identity including but not limited to gender identity, affectional orientation, language, national origin, color, race, disability, sex, religion, creed, and ancestry. We embrace the development of critical thinkers that consistently aspire to become culturally responsive and encourage you to challenge your own biases while developing the necessary skills to enter your chosen profession. Further, the faculty and staff will promote the Realizing Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (R.I.D.E.) framework in our teaching, research, supervision, and advising. We hope that you will join us along this journey, with a commitment to advocacy and social justice in both your personal and professional lives. Pro Humanitate, to better the lives of all humans!


Accessibility and Special Accommodations

Wake Forest strives to provide equal access for all learners. Learning content contained within the Canvas Learning Management System is designed to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Throughout our course development process, we test the capabilities of our learning content against these standards.

Wake Forest University recognizes its responsibility for creating an institutional climate in which students with differing needs and abilities can thrive.

Along with the mission of the Division of Student Life, Disability Services exists to enable students with disabilities to experience equal access to the academic, social, and recreational activities and programs at Wake Forest University. To achieve this goal, the Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success (CLASS) is available to offer academic support for all Wake Forest Students. CLASS staff works with students, faculty, and staff to implement services and accommodations that are in accordance with both state and federal laws and our own commitment to this goal.

If a student has a disability that may require an accommodation for taking this course, use the Student Portal Login located on the Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success (CLASS) website. Alternatively, contact the Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success at the contact information provided.

Contact Information:

118 Reynolda Hall, WFU
Winston-Salem, NC, 27109
Phone: 336-758-5929
Email: class@wfu.edu


Emergency Contingency Plan

Disaster Planning/Catastrophic Event Policy: In the event the University calendar is disrupted by disaster or catastrophic event, please continue with the assigned lessons and adhere to the due dates of assignments and discussions. The instructor will be available by email or by phone, unless the internet or phone is inaccessible.


Course Schedule

The course week runs from Monday (Day 1) to Sunday (Day 7). Due dates for assignments and discussions are stated in day numbers. Unless otherwise noted, all assessments are due by 11:59 p.m. E.T. on the designated day.

There will be Live Sessions and Office Hours each week unless otherwise communicated. Students will find the day and time in the course:

Please Note: Readings refer only to textbook(s), Course Reserves, WFU library readings, or scholarly articles. Refer to the course space for all other instructional content (websites, lectures, videos, interactive activities, etc.)

Week 1: Introduction to Counseling (January 15 – January 21)

Week 1 Schedule
Lesson Readings Discussions Assignments Quizzes/Exams
Lesson 1: Counseling as a Profession

Course Objectives: 1, 5, 6

CACREP Standards: 3.A.1; 3.A.6; 3.A.7
Read the following in your Gladding’s Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (8th ed.):
  • Chapter 1, pp. 2–25
  • Appendix A, pp. 427–450
Start reading the following book (related assignment in week 3):
  • Styron, W. (2007) Darkness visible: A memoir of madness. Modern Library.
Discussion 1.1: Introductory Discussion (Initial Post Due Day 4) Assignment 1.1: Key Figures in Counseling History (due Day 7) None
Lesson 2: Legal and Ethical Concerns in Counseling

Course Objectives: 6, 7, 12

CACREP Standards: 3.A.5; 3.A.7; 3.A.10
Read the following in your Gladding's Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (8th ed.):
  • Chapter 2, pp. 26–48


Familiarize yourself with the ACA Code of Ethics:
  • ACA Code of Ethics (PDF)
Discussion 1.2: Counseling Ethics Scenarios (Initial Post Due Day 4, Reply Posts Due Day 7) None Practice Quiz: Who Wants to Be a Counselor? Week 1: Chapters 1 & 2 (Not graded) (Open until Week 7 Day 5)

Week 2: The Counseling Process and Counseling with Diverse Populations (January 22 – January 28)

Week 2 Schedule
Lesson Readings Discussions Assignments Quizzes/Exams

Lesson 1: Counseling with Diverse Populations

Course Objectives: 9, 12

CACREP Standards: 3.A.4; 3.B.1; 3.B.2; 3.B.3; 3.B.5; 3.B.9

Read the following article:
  • Ratts, M. J., Singh, A. A., Nassar-McMillan, S., Butler, S. K., & McCullough, J. R. (2016). Multicultural and social justice competencies: Guidelines for the counseling profession. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 44, 28–48. Available through the WFU library.
None Assignment 2.1: Cultural Reflection Paper (due Day 7) None
Lesson 2: The Counseling Process

Course Objective: 4

CACREP Standards: 3.E.8; 3.E.9
Read the following in your Gladding’s Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (8th ed.):
  • Chapter 5, pp. 92–114
  • Chapter 6, pp. 115–144
Discussion 2.1: Creating Safe Relationships (Initial Post Due Day 4, Reply Posts Due Day 7) Assignment 2.2: Week 2 Journal Entry (due Day 7) Practice Quiz: Who Wants to Be a Counselor? Week 2: Chapters 5 & 6 (Not graded) (Open until Week 7 Day 5)

Week 3: Theories of Counseling (January 29 – February 4)

Week 3 Schedule
Lesson Readings Discussions Assignments Quizzes/Exams
Lesson 1: Introduction to Theory

Course Objective: 1

CACREP Standards: 3.E.1
Read the following in your Gladding’s Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (8th ed.):
  • Chapter 7
  • Chapter 8
Discussion 3.1: The Case of Brenda (Initial Post Due Day 4, Reply Posts Due Day 7) None None
Lesson 2: Applications of Theories

Course Objective: 1

CACREP Standards: 3.E.1; 3.E.4
Read the following in your Gladding’s Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (8th ed.):
  • Chapter 7
  • Chapter 8


Read the following book:
  • Styron, W. (2007) Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness. Modern Library.
None Assignment 3.1: Darkness Visible (due Day 7) Practice Quiz: Who Wants to Be a Counselor? Week 3: Chapters 7 & 8 (Not graded) (Open until Week 7 Day 5)

Week 4: Evaluation, Research, and Diagnosis (February 5 – February 11)

Week 4 Schedule
Lesson Readings Discussions Assignments Quizzes/Exams
Lesson 1: Evaluation and Research

Course Objectives: 1, 2, and 11

CACREP Standards: 3.G.1; 3.H.1
Read the following in your Gladding’s Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (8th ed.):
  • Chapter 11, pp. 243–263
None None None
Lesson 2: Testing, Assessment, and Diagnosis

Course Objectives: 1, 2

CACREP Standards: 3.G.7
Read the following in your Gladding’s Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (8th ed.):
  • Chapter 12, pp. 264-285
Discussion 4.1: Advantages and Disadvantages of Diagnoses (Initial Post Due Day 4, Reply Posts Due Day 7) None Practice Quiz: Who Wants to Be a Counselor? Week 4: Chapters 11 & 12 (Not graded) (Open until Week 7 Day 5)

Week 5: Counseling Specialties (February 12 – February 18)

Week 5 Schedule
Lesson Readings Discussions Assignments Quizzes/Exams
Lesson 1: Career Counseling

Course Objectives: 1, 4

CACREP Standards: 3.D.1; 3.D.3; 3.D.5
Read the following in your Gladding’s Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (8th ed.):
  • Chapter 13, pp. 288–313
None  Assignment 5.1: Week 5 Journal Entry (due Day 7) None
Lesson 2: Family Counseling

Course Objectives: 1, 4

CACREP Standards: 3.E.1; 3.E.3
Read the following in your Gladding’s Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (8th ed):
  • Chapter 14, pp. 314–332
None Assignment 5.2: The House that Built Me (due Day 7) None
Lesson 3: Abuse, Dependence, and Disability Counseling

Course Objectives: 1, 2, 3

CACREP Standards: 3.E.20
Read the following in your Gladding’s Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (8th ed):
  • Chapter 17, pp. 383–406

Read the following resources:

  • Grant, J. E., Potenza, M. N., Weinstein, A., & Gorelick, D. A. (2010). Introduction to Behavioral Addictions. American Journal of Drug & Alcohol Abuse. 36(5), 233–241. Available through the WFU library.
  • Ableism
Discussion 5.1: Webinar Review (Initial Post Due Day 4, Reply Posts Due Day 7) None Practice Quiz: Who Wants to Be a Counselor? Week 5: Chapters 13, 14 & 17 (Not graded) (Open until Week 7 Day 5)

Week 6: Counseling Settings (February 19 – February 25)

Week 6 Schedule
Lesson Readings Discussions Assignments Quizzes/Exams
Lesson 1: School and College Counseling

Course Objectives: 1, 4

CACREP Standards: 3.A.1; 3.A.2
Read the following in your Gladding’s Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (8th ed):
  • Chapter 15, pp. 333–360
  • Chapter 16, pp. 362–382
Discussion 6.1: School Counseling and the ASCA Model (Initial Post Due Day 4, Reply Posts Due Day 7) None None
Lesson 2: Clinical Mental Health and Private Practice

Course Objectives: 1, 2, 3

CACREP Standards: 3.A.2; 3.A.3
Read the following in your Gladding’s Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (8th ed):
  • Chapter 18, pp. 408–423


None Assignment 6.1: Week 6 Journal Entry (due Day 7) Practice Quiz: Who Wants to Be a Counselor? Week 6: Chapters 15 & 18 (Not graded) (Open until Week 7 Day 5)

Week 7: Counseling Supervision and Final Exam Preparation (February 26 – March 3)

Week 7 Schedule
Lesson Readings Discussions Assignments Quizzes/Exams
Lesson 1: Counseling Supervision

Course Objective: 3

CACREP Standards: 3.A.12
Read the following in your Gladding’s Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (8th ed):
  • Chapter 10, pp. 222–242
None None None
Lesson 2: Who Wants to Be a Counselor?

Course Objectives: 1-9

CACREP Standards: 3.A.1-12
Read the following in your Gladding’s Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (8th ed):
  • Chapters 1–18 and Appendix A

None

None

Practice Quiz: Who Wants to Be a Counselor? Week 7: Chapter 10 (Not graded) (Open until Week 7 Day 5)

Test 7.1: Final Exam (Opens Day 5 at 12:00 p.m.; closes Day 7)

For a list of image credits for this course, visit the CNS740 Credits Page.