Course Fee: $459 (Canadian currency)
This is a specialist certificate course which focuses attention on key issues, needs and skills related to counselling children and youth. Specifically, this course will address the following: Who am I; the impact of trauma; developing emotional intelligence; understanding and resolving conflict; developing assertiveness skills and exploring different types of therapy.
There is no prior knowledge or experience required to embark on this certificate course. However, we would highly recommend that students first complete the Certificate in Counselling Children and Youth. You are free to commence at a time that suits your schedule – and then continue at your pace for a period of six months. Full tutor support is provided for this course.
SYLLABUS
Module 1: Who am I?
Topics Studied
• Reviewing attachment relationships
• The influence of culture
• What’s your personality?
• Birth order and personality
• Moral development in children and youth
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Outline the influence culture has on us, especially with respect to our identity.
• Explain the significance of early attachment relationships.
• Summarise “The 5 Factor Theory of Personality”.
Module 2: The Impact of Trauma
Topics Studied
• What is a trauma?
• Trauma and the brain
• Risk factors increasing the likelihood of trauma
• Factors which increase resilience
• Resiliency questionnaire
• Childhood traumatic grief
• How to help a child who is suffering from traumatic grief
• Resonating trauma
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the lifelong consequences of trauma
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Explain what trauma is.
• Outline what is meant by “resonating trauma.”
• Discuss the long-term consequences of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs.)
Module 3: Developing Emotional Intelligence
Topics Studied
• How do I rate on emotional intelligence?
• Self-awareness and the Johari Window
• Being aware of, and in touch with, our emotions
• The importance of self-regulation
• Challenging our faulty thoughts and beliefs
• Understanding the role of motivation
• Tips for maintaining our motivation
• Understanding and developing empathy
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Describe the Johari Window.
• Explain the importance of self-regulation.
• Suggest tips for maintaining motivation.
Module 4: Understanding and Resolving Conflict
Topics Studied
• What is Conflict?
• The Five Main Causes of Conflict
• Some Typical Responses to Dealing with a Conflict
• Understanding the Five Common Conflict Styles
• Applying Essential Conflict Resolution Skills
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Outline some typical responses to dealing with conflict.
• List five common conflict styles.
• Describe some key conflict resolution skills.
Module 5: Developing Assertiveness Skills
Topics Studied
• What is Assertiveness?
• Responding in a Passive or a Non-assertive Way
• The Role of Self-Esteem
• Why do we Struggle with Low Self-Esteem?
• Tips for Improving your Self-Esteem
• Responding in an Aggressive Way
• Effectively Handling Aggression in Others
• Are Anger and Aggression an Issue for You?
• Responding with Appropriate Assertiveness
• Some Positive Assertiveness Techniques
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Provide a definition for assertiveness.
• List factors that increase the likelihood of succumbing to negative peer pressure.
• Suggest some positive ways of handling aggression in others.
Module 6: Exploring Different Types of Therapy
Topics Studied
• Reviewing Play therapy
• Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT)
• Family therapy
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Action and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Describe what’s involved in using PCIT.
• Suggest ways of using DBT with older children.
• Outline ways of teaching mindfulness and meditation to children and youth.
Suggested textbook for the Course
Vernon, A., & Schimmel, C.J. (2018). Counseling children and adolescents (5th Ed.). San Diego, CA: Cognella Academic Publishing.
Prerequisites for the course
It is highly recommended that students complete the Certificate in Counselling Children and Youth before registering for the Advanced Certificate in Counselling Children and Youth.