PYD820 Common Factors in Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Master’s level course in clinical intervention skills and approval of director of clinical training. 
In this course the theoretical foundations of common factors and efficacy of interventions are examined and applied to the practice of counseling psychology, with an emphasis on the scientific basis for the effectiveness of specific counselor attitudes and behaviors. Specific skills in implementing empirically supported counselor behaviors and attitudes are demonstrated and practiced.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify factors common to effective approaches of psychotherapy.
2. Evaluate the research relating to efficacy of therapy interventions and evidenced-based practice.
3. Create appropriate interventions leading to positive client functioning and sense of well-being.
4. Synthesize an understanding of approaches to psychotherapy to articulate a personal theory of psychotherapy.
5. Demonstrate interpersonal and clinical skills requisite for the development of a good therapeutic alliance.
6. Interpret behavior from multiple perspectives and recognize strengths and limitations of the various theoretical perspectives.