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EXAMINATIONS: There are two examinations for this course; midterm and final exam; you will have four day to complete them. Grades are based on completion of assignments, activities and both exams.

GRADING: The grading scale for this course is as follows:

90-100%    = A
80-89%      = B
70-79%      = C
Below 70% = Fail

GRADING COMPOSITION:

15 Activities 45%
Self evaluation 5%
15 Assignments 45%
Discovery & Intention Statement 5%

TOTAL 100%

GOALS: The aim of education about counseling the chemically dependent is for you to develop the proper knowledge and skills you will need to deal with your clients.

METHODS: Readings from textbook, professional books and journals, Self-awareness/exploration activities

COMMUNICATION: You are encouraged to communicate with me. I am available as a teacher, coach, and mentor to assist you in meeting your goals for this course. Primarily, communication is through email. However, I am also available for conversation by telephone if you would like. Our classroom for this course has a "chat" room. I am also very willing to meet with you one-on-one in the chat room at your request. From time to time, depending on how many students are enrolled in this course at a particular time, we will have some scheduled group chats. You will receive more detailed information at the time such chat sessions are scheduled. Please keep my email address handy so that you can contact me whenever necessary. Upon registration, you will receive my email address. If at any time during this course you change your email address, please be sure to notify me right away.

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

1). Use a respectful and positive approach with all clients.
2). View substance abuse problems on a continuum from non problematic to problematic use rather than as a either/or situation.
3). Provide treatment that is individualized, both in goals and in methods.
4). Provide multidimensional treatment that focuses on the social and environmental aspects of long-term recovery.
5). Remain open to new methods and goals as research findings become available.
6). Use a multicultural perspective to meet the needs of diverse client populations.

COURSE OUTLINE:

1). An Introduction to Substance Abuse Counseling.
2). The Process of Behavior Change.
3). The First Hours.
4). The Biopsychosocial Interview.
5). Assessment and Treatment Planning.
6). Individual Treatment.
7). Group Therapy.
8). The Contracts.
9). The Steps.
10). The Lectures.
11). Special Problems.
12). Helping Clients Change.
13). Empowering Clients Through Group Work.
14). Maintaining Change in Substance Use Behaviors.
15). Adolescent Treatment.
16). Working with Families.
17). Program Planning and Evaluation.
18). The Clinical Staff.
19). Discharge Summary and Aftercare.
20). Preventing Substance Abuse.
21). Drugs and Their Effects.
22). The Good Counselor.