Would you like to know more about the field of counseling and if it is the right fit for you? This fall, Fitchburg State is offering a hybrid graduate-level course in Counseling Theories that is part of both the mental health and school guidance master's programs in Counseling. We chatted with the instructor, Dr. Daneen Deptula, who offers some more information on the course.
Tell us a little about the Counseling Theories course.
This course provides a solid grounding in many different theoretical approaches to counseling, including psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, reality, family systems therapy, and more. We know that clients benefit from lots of different counseling approaches. The key isn’t the specific theoretical approach, but the relationship between the client and the counselor. Our program allows students to explore multiple theoretical orientations and find the one that is the best match for them, and in that specific situation.
Why is this a good beginning class for students?
This course is an excellent starting point because it often helps students better understand the field and if it is a good fit for them. Many of our students are torn between mental health and school guidance counseling and this course often helps students to finalize their career paths. The course is required for both tracks, so you can’t go wrong taking the class if you are still unsure. During the course, I talk about how each theoretical approach might “look” in the school or mental health field and which approaches are ideal for each setting.
What should students expect with the hybrid format?
We have set the course up so that there will be 6 face-to-face sessions in which students will engage in class discussion, participate in role-plays, and take their tests. During the o
nline portion of the class, they will watch the course videos, listen to my lectures, submit their papers, and take part in online discussion. We really tried to find a model that would allow students more flexibility in completing the course requirements, but still maintain the academic integrity of the course, as well as build personal connections between the faculty and the students. As this is one of the first courses students typically take, it is important for them to meet other students in the program.
What about students who aren’t sure about taking a class online? What would you say to them?
The first class will be delivered face-to-face, so students will get an in-person overview of the course and the online requirements before they start the course. Students also have access to some great resources through Distance - Online Learning in Graduate and Continuing Education. You can even take a demo course to see what it is like and to familiarize yourself with our online course delivery platform.
Want to learn more about the counseling programs at Fitchburg State? Attend our upcoming Information Session!
