Counseling Programs

I. Counseling Program Overview

The counseling and human development program at St. Lawrence University fosters a stimulating and supportive learning environment dedicated to the personal and profes­sional development of the counselor. Respect for the dignity, uniqueness and potential of the person are enduring values of the program. A commitment to the advancement of individuals, especially those who are less able, is a program premise that encourages the counselor to contribute to meaningful issues and endeavors.

Inquiry into provocative ideas and scholarship is a fundamental component of the program. Contemporary theories and practices are examined, and a broad range of counseling orientations are incorporated into the scope of the curriculum. Human development, in all of its richness and complexity across the life span, is studied, and applications are focused upon improving the lives of individuals. Understanding persons from a multicultural perspective is emphasized in order to provide equitable service in a pluralistic society.

The counseling and development curriculum is grounded in current theory and empirical research. National and state guidelines for program accreditation and student certification are considered in formulating course content and experiential programming. Examples of this content include the counseling process, group counseling, human growth and development, evaluation and appraisal, consultation, research, and professional orientation. Program elements are flexible in order to allow for personal interests and needs in addition to responding to current research developments and innovations in the field.

Program graduates are prepared to accept the challenge of addressing established and emerging needs of clients in schools, colleges and universities, agencies, clinics and related counseling locations. Societal expectations for the counselors are increasingly complex and demanding, requiring understanding and proficiency in providing counseling services. A practitioner-oriented emphasis enables counseling students to understand the expectations and functions of the counseling profession. Affiliations with counselors in the field are indispensable to the maintenance of practical and pragmatic focus to the program.

Field-site placements are required for program participants, and linking the classroom experience to the contemporary practice of the counselor is a continuous effort. Competencies are developed that facilitate program graduates to assume productive and purposeful counselor roles. Continuing education is essential to enable a practitioner to maintain and expand skills, as in many ways, the process of becoming a counselor is a lifetime pursuit. Advanced course work and certifications are available for the practicing counselor.

The process of learning in the program is based on the principles of participation, communication, and cooperation. Counseling students are actively involved in advancing purposeful and scholarly conditions for inquiry. Relevant and current issues are constantly examined within a sequential and integrated curriculum. As counselor self-understanding contributes to effective counseling, students will examine their values, goals and needs through various experiences. Thus, the program is designed to facilitate the student’s personal growth through the process of gaining the skills and orientation of a professional counselor.

To apply or request further information regarding the counseling program, contact Dr. Arthur Clark, Coordinator, Counseling and Human Development Program, 315-229-5863.

II. Placement

Many of the program’s graduates choose a path leading to the New York State certification a s a School Counselor. These individuals are employed in public and private school settings as school counselors, directors of guidance, and related positions in pupil personnel services. Other graduates are employed in social services, community mental health and corrections positions. Student personnel work in higher education is another source of employment for graduates in services that include admissions, financial aid, career planning and placement, counseling centers, and residence facilities. Graduates choosing to continue their education have been accepted and completed doctoral studies at numerous universities and institutes in counseling and development and counseling psychology. Others have progressed in various career directions including law, medicine and teaching.

III. Candidate Entrance Requirements

1. Complete and submit the education department’s standard application form.

2. Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.

3. Arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to the program coordinator. These letters are to be written by individuals who have first-hand knowledge of the candidates’ professional and/or academic potential.

4. Complete the Graduate Record Examination and have scores forwarded to the program coordinator. Individuals who have completed a master’s degree may petition to have this requirement waived.

5. Complete the Personal Statement for Admissions. Responding to the questions clarifies the orientation of the program and the candidate’s assumptions and values.

6. Participate in an interview with members of the Counseling Admissions Committee after submitting application materials. Candidates will be advised as to the time and date of this meeting.

All applications must be completed and submitted by April 1 of each year.

IV. Degree Options in Counseling and Human Development

Students may pursue either a 36 sem. hr. M. Ed. degree in School Counseling or a 60 sem. hr. M. S. degree in Mental Health Counseling.  All work for either degree must be completed within a six-year period.  Students completing a M. Ed. degree in School Counseling may apply for the 24 sem. hr. C.A.S. in School Counseling.

A. School Counselor Concentration (provisional certification)-- 36 sem. hours

Individuals complet­ing the school counselor concentration are eligible to obtain provisional certification as a school counselor in New York State.

EDUC 519 Educational Statistics and Research
EDUC 507 Philosophy of Education
EDPS 510 Theories of Counseling
EDPS 510 Theories of Counseling
EDPS 510 Theories of Counseling
EDPS 582 Techniques of Counseling
EDUC 581 Principles and Practices of Guidance OR
EDPS 518 Guidance in the Elementary School
EDPS 547E* Relationships between Schools and Families
EDPS 510 Theories of Counseling
EDPS 582 Techniques of Counseling
EDUC 581 Principles and Practices of Guidance OR
EDPS 518 Guidance in the Elementary School
EDPS 549 Evaluation and Appraisal Techniques
EDPS 584 Group Procedures in Counseling
EDPS 585 Occupational Information and Occupational Choice Theory
EDPS 589 Counseling Practicum

(Select two courses – 6 sem. hrs.)
EDPS 535 Mental Health in the Schools
EDPS 536 Individual Differences in Children
EDPS 538 Learning Disabilities
EDPS 547A* Counseling Children and Adolescents
EDPS 550 Human Development and Life Span Counseling
EDPS 574 Psychopathology in CounselingEDPS 574 Psychopathology in Counseling

* New course to be approved in 2007-2008

B. School Counselor Concentration (permanent certification) – 60 sem. hrs., total

Students seeking permanent certification in school counseling must apply (again) to the Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) Program in Counseling.

Entrance Procedures

1. The individual must hold a New York State provisional certificate in school counseling.

2. Graduates of the counseling and development progra m at St. Lawrence University with a New York State provi­sion­al certificate in school counseling must complete an application form for the C.A.S. program in counseling and meet with the coordinator to deter­mine appropriate courses and experiences.

3. Applicants who hold a New York State provisional certificate in school counseling earned at an institution other than St. Lawrence University must complete an application form and meet with the coordinator to determine appropriate courses, experiences and any additional documentation that may be required.

Internship Procedures

The purpose of the internship is to provide counselors with an opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and skills in field-based settings. Each internship is designed on an individual basis as part of a full-time learning experience. As an advanced component of the permanent certification program, the practicing counselor works directly with the coordinator of the program to develop, implement and evaluate the process. Goals and objectives of the internship are cooperatively determined by the counselor and the coordinator. The counselor submits written plans and provides product documentation to the coordinator for evaluation purposes. This may include a log of counseling activities and materials pertinent to the intern’s professional development.

The internship is planned for a period of two semesters in an elementary or secondary public school. During the intern­ship, the student is expected to attend scheduled meetings with the coordinator, supervisor and other interns. In addi­tion, special meetings may be called by the intern, a super­visor or the coordinator whenever such a meeting is desired. Internship arrangements are made by the coordin­ator, the chief school administrator, the designated counselor under whose immediate supervision the intern will work, and the intern. Details relative to workload, working condi­tions, professional contracts and financial arrangements are considered.

Recommendation for Permanent Certification

The candidate will be recommended for a New York State permanent certificate in school counseling when all of the following requirements have been met:

1. Completion of a minimum of 24 semester hours of course work beyond the requirements for provisional certification. This course will include the internship, a practicum, and specific courses agreed upon by the student and the coordinator.

2. Completion of a master’s degree in counseling and development or a related field.

3. Completion of two years of employment as a school counselor prior to, during, or after meeting the other two requirements.

Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) in Counseling

Candidates recommended for the C.A.S. in Counseling must meet the following requirements:

1. Completion of a 36 semester-hour master’s degree in counseling within six years at St. Lawrence. Courses beyond the 36 hours and within the six years that are not counted toward the master’s degree can be credited toward the 24 hours needed for the C.A.S..

2. The master’s degree in counseling may be from an accredited institution other than St. Lawrence. In this case, the student must complete 24 hours beyond the master’s degree.

3. The student may receive the C.A.S. in School Counseling using any combination of courses acceptable to the New York State Education Department for permanent certification in school counseling.

To apply or request further information regarding the Certificate of Advanced Study in Counseling, contact Dr. Peter Ladd, Coordinator, 315-229-5869.

C. Mental Health Counseling Concentration -- 60 sem. hours

The M. S. Program in Mental Health Counseling at St. Lawrence University is a new program registered and approved by the New York State Education Department in 2006 to provide all academic coursework required for eventual licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in New York State. Full licensure will be granted after successfully completing 3,000 hours (post-Master’s) of supervised experience and passing the licensure examination.

The program educates students to provide therapeutic interventions in a range of clinical settings. The program is designed to prepare graduates to assess, diagnose, and treat clients with mental disorders as well as those with problems in living. The emphasis is on developing skills in counseling individuals, families, and groups by using the best theoretical and research based practices. Graduates of the program will have a solid foundation in understanding developmental issues and practices in mental health counseling. The program’s curriculum and field placements provide the requisite skills for graduates to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Mental health counseling students are trained in: human growth and development; social and cultural foundations of counseling; counseling theory and practice; psychopathology; group dynamics; lifestyle and career development; assessment and appraisal of individuals, couples, families, and groups; research and program evaluation; professional orientation and ethics; foundations of mental health counseling and consultation; and clinical instruction. Program participants also complete practicum and internship placements in mental health settings.

The program is designed to be in compliance with training guidelines from the National Board for Certified Counselors, the American Mental Health Counselors Association, the American Counseling Association, and the newly developed guidelines for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in New York State. The program educates students to provide therapeutic mental health services in a variety of clinical settings including: community mental health centers; psychiatric hospitals; university counseling centers; substance abuse treatment centers; residential treatment and rehabilitation settings; employee assistance programs; career counseling centers; and private practice. Counseling students will also be trained to work cooperatively with other mental health specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and psychiatric nurses. Graduates of the St. Lawrence University program will meet advanced coursework requirements for eligibility to become a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC). Both certifications are issued by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

Sequence of Courses for full-time students in Mental Health Counseling – 2 years

First Fall Semester – 12 sem. hrs.
EDPS 510 Theories of Counseling
EDPS 582 Techniques of Counseling
EDPS 550 Human Development and Life Span Counseling
EDPS 573 Introduction to Mental Health Counseling
EDUC 519 Educational Statistics and Research

First Fall Semester – 12 sem. hrs.
EDPS 510 Theories of Counseling
EDPS 582 Techniques of Counseling
EDPS 550 Human Development and Life Span Counseling
EDPS 573 Introduction to Mental Health Counseling
EDUC 519 Educational Statistics and Research

First Spring Semester – 12 sem. hrs.
EDPS 589 Counseling Practicum
EDPS 584 Group Procedures for Counselors
EDPS 549 Evaluation and Appraisal Techniques
EDPS 512 Marriage and Family Counseling
EDPS 523 Aging, Death, and Bereavement Counseling

First Summer – 6 sem. hrs.
EDPS 574 Psychopathology in Counseling
EDPS 575 Clinical Interventions in Mental Health

Second Fall Semester – 12 sem. hrs.
EDUC 515 Conflict Resolution
EDPS 594 Counseling Internship I
EDPS 570 Substance Abuse Counseling
EDPS 516 Issues and Ethics in the Human Service Professions

Second Spring Semester – 12 sem. hrs.
EDPS 595 Counseling Internship II
EDPS 524 Multicultural Education and Counseling
EDPS 585 Occupational Information and Occupational Choice Theory
EDPS 535 Mental Health in the Schools

Sequence of Courses for part-time students in Mental Health Counseling – 4 years

First Fall Semester – 6 sem. hrs.
EDUC 515 Conflict Resolution
EDPS 510 Theories of Counseling
EDPS 582 Techniques of Counseling

First Spring Semester – 6 sem. hrs.
EDPS 535 Mental Health in the Schools
EDPS 584 Group Procedures for Counselors
EDPS 549 Evaluation and Appraisal Techniques

First Summer – 6 sem. hrs.
EDPS 574 Psychopathology in Counseling
EDPS 575 Clinical Interventions in Mental Health

Second Fall Semester – 6 sem. hrs.
EDUC 519 Educational Statistics & Research
EDPS 573 Introduction to Mental Health Counseling

Second Spring Semester – 6 sem. hrs.
EDPS 589 Counseling Practicum
EDPS 512 Marriage and Family Counseling

Third Fall Semester – 6 sem. hrs.
EDPS 550 Human Development and Lifespan Counseling
EDPS 570 Substance Abuse Counseling

Third Fall Semester – 6 sem. hrs.
EDPS 550 Human Development and Lifespan Counseling
EDPS 570 Substance Abuse Counseling

Third Spring Semester – 6 sem. hrs.
EDPS 523 Aging, Death, and Bereavement Counseling
EDPS 524 Multicultural Education and Counseling

Fourth Fall Semester – 6 sem. hrs.
EDPS 594 Counseling Internship I
EDPS 516 Issues and Ethics in the Human Service Professions

Fourth Fall Semester – 6 sem. hrs.
EDPS 594 Counseling Internship I
EDPS 516 Issues and Ethics in the Human Service Professions

Fourth Spring Semester – 6 sem. hrs.
EDPS 595 Counseling Internship II
EDPS 585 Occupational Information and Occupational Choice Theory