Course Fee: $459 (Canadian currency)
This is a specialist certificate course which focuses entirely on youth and adolescents, and the skills they will need to succeed in adult life. Thus it explores and teaches conflict-resolution skills, problem-solving, communication and assertiveness skills. It also looks at personal values, our personality, and the role of emotional intelligence. Furthermore, the course includes a number of key assessment tools to increase self-knowledge and to enrich self-understanding.
There is no prior knowledge or experience required to embark on this rewarding certificate course. It is designed for anyone who works with adolescents, and who wishes to enhance their current knowledge and skills. Also, for those who may be new to working with this population and who wishes to develop their capabilities. This includes those working in the field of mental health, nurses, counsellors, teachers, coaches, social workers, volunteers.
You are free to commence at a time that suits your schedule – and to continue at your pace for a period of six months. Full tutor support is provided for this course.
Note: The Online Counselling College uses a person-centred approach, and Egan’s The Skilled Helper Model.
SYLLABUS
Module 1: The Search for Identity
Topics Studied
• The influence of attachment relationships
• The role of culture, and finding where we “fit”
• Popular theories of personality
• Identifying our core personality
• Identifying our love language
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Outline the influence that 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 Fundamental Role of Values
Topics Studied
• Core Value 1: Personal identity
• Core Value 2: Achievement
• Core Value 3: Attachment and intimacy
• Core Value 4: Self-expression, play and creativity
• Core Value 5: The search for meaning
• Core Value 6: Giving and serving
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Describe Core Values 1 & 2: Personal identity and achievement
• Discuss Core Values 3 & 4: Attachment and intimacy; and self-expression, play and creativity
• Illustrate Core Values 5 & 6: The search for meaning; and giving and serving
Module 3: The Role of Emotional Intelligence
Topics Studied
• What is emotional intelligence?
• How do you rate on emotional intelligence?
• Self-awareness and the Johari Window
• Being aware of, and in touch with, our feelings
• Challenging our faulty thoughts and beliefs
• The importance of self-regulation
• Understanding the role of motivation
• Tips for maintaining our motivation
• Understanding and developing empathy
• Some crucial social skills
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
• Outline the value of conveying empathy
Module 4: Effective Communication Skills
Topics Studied
• Understanding the communication process
• The key components in non-verbal communication
• Developing effective listening skills
• Perception management
• Creating a positive impression
• Traits that contaminate relationships
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Describe the key elements associated with non-verbal communication
• Apply effective listening skills
• Appraise traits that contaminate communication, and relationships, with others
Module 5: Effective Conflict Resolution Skills
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:
• Describe some typical responses to dealing with a conflict
• List five common conflict styles
• Summarise the key conflict resolution skills
Module 6: Appropriate Assertiveness
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 general 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
• Discuss self-esteem and assertiveness
• Suggest ways of handling aggression in others
Suggested textbook for the course (to be purchased by the student)
Geldard, K., Geldard, D., & Foo, R.Y. (2019). Counselling adolescents: The proactive approach for young people. (5th Ed.). Sage: London.