Goldey-Beacom College announces new graduate psychology courses

WILMINGTON – Goldey-Beacom College (GBC) announced the addition of the following courses for the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree program, which was introduced in fall 2019.

• Career Counseling
• Human Sexuality
• Research Methods/Statistics
• Counseling Theories and Techniques

“Becoming a skilled mental health clinician requires that one be exposed to a variety of topics that impact the human experience as well as to develop ways to effectively work with clients,” Dr. Colleen Perry Keith, GBC’s president, said in a statement. “The new coursework in our Counseling Psychology program helps the College provide exposure and skills so that our graduates achieve even better outcomes with their future clients. Mental health and wellness require skilled clinicians, and I believe that GBC is providing the most appropriate and effective education.”

Dr. Gerard Hoefling and Dr. Erin-Lee Kelly led the effort to enrich the Psychology Department’s curriculum to reflect changes in the industry as well as student needs.

Dr. Hoefling and Dr. Kelly stated the new courses will explore the interrelationships among and between work, family and other factors, including the role of diversity and gender and career development as well as relevant ethical and legal considerations. Courses will also offer career counseling processes, techniques and resources, including those applicable to specific populations.

Career Counseling PSY 644
This course is designed to provide students with a depth of understanding of relevant theories, issues and practical applications of career counseling. Students will develop understanding of foundational theories and their respective applications within the diverse field of foundational theories and their respective applications within the diverse field of Counseling Psychology. Students will gain insight into aspects of career counseling, including but not limited to: how to apply career development theories and decision-making models.

Human Sexuality PSY 640
This course will provide students with a developmental model of sexuality and investigate the following topics: developmental impacts on sexuality, intimacy, sexual desire, sexual dysfunction, sexual trauma and sexual identity. This course includes readings to challenge students, conversations to engage them and assignments to help them develop as counselors and scholars. Engagement in the course with respect for different views and concern for others from all walks of life is integral to the learning process. Students will be able to demonstrate counseling skills appropriate to meet the needs of individuals and couples.

Research Methods and Statistics PSY 632
This course is designed to expose students to the essential elements of scientific inquiry within psychological research through exploration of accepted practices for effective behavioral research. Students will incorporate methods of quantitative and qualitative design including but not limited to: methods of observation, correlational research, surveys, archival research and quasi-experimental and ex post facto designs. This exploration of scientific research will lead to the ability to apply the basic concepts of probability, common distributions, statistical methods and data analysis. Students will learn how to interpret and perform statistical tests to design experiments and interpret the results.

Counseling Theories and Techniques PSY 610
This course is designed to bridge theory with practice. This course links the theoretical foundations to the application in the practice of counseling. This course will have students explore, Psychodynamic, Person-Centered Theory, Existential Theory, Gestalt Theory, Constructivist Theories, Integrative Theory, Feminist Theory and other diverse theories. Each theory will be considered critically within a cultural context inclusive of gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, ability and age. This course is intended to be hands-on with role-play and practice therapy sessions serving as the vehicle for students to begin laying the foundation for their unique identity as counselors and therapists while considering the principles and history of these selected theories.