Course Number and Title:
HMS 225 Interviewing & Counseling Skills
Campus Location
- Dover
- Georgetown
- Wilmington
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: HMS 122 and DAC 141
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
0 offsite lab hours
Course Description
This course focuses on the development of the connection between the human services/addictions professional and the client. Students apply and practice various interviewing and counseling skills to begin, maintain, and end relationships with clients.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Apply the characteristics of the initial, working, and end stages of the helping process. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- Apply interviewing and counseling skills to help facilitate the process of change. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- Conduct mock counseling sessions addressing behavioral health. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 2, 3, 4, 5, 7)
- Model sensitivity to and respect for human diversity in the helping process, including the impact of race, ethnicity, class, culture, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, national origin, and the experience of social injustice. (CCC 2, 3, 4; PGC 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Examine special issues in counseling. (CCC2,4; PGC 2,4,5,7)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Apply the characteristics of the initial, working and end stages of the helping process.
- Describe the ethical principles and limits associated with confidentiality and informed consent.
- Define the initial, working, and end stages of the helping process.
- Identify the goals for both the professional and clients in each stage of change.
- Apply the helping process to assist clients in progressing from one stage to another.
- Apply interviewing and counseling skills to help facilitate the process of change.
- Identify interviewing and counseling skills used in the human services and addictions field.
- Use interviewing and counseling skills in the counseling process.
- Identify client’s needs and strengths in a counseling session.
- Identify client barriers in the process of change.
- Apply interviewing and counseling skills to address issues that prohibit client change.
- Conduct mock counseling sessions addressing behavioral health.
- Use appropriate counseling skills during a session.
- Integrate client's needs and strengths in the mock counseling session.
- Incorporate strategies for client setbacks in the therapeutic process.
- Model sensitivity to and respect for human diversity in the helping process, including the impact of race, ethnicity, class, culture, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, national origin, and the experience of social injustice.
- Apply the principles of human diversity in the helping process.
- Summarize the appropriate methods to resolve case scenarios requiring the application of the principles of human diversity in the helping process.
- Examine special issues and populations in counseling.
- Discuss ethical and legal responsibilities and limits related to confidentiality, consent, and referrals.
- Summarize the appropriate methods to resolve case scenarios for special issues and populations in counseling.
- Analyze the issues surrounding use of self as a helping professional.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
Recorded Sessions (1-2-equally weighted)
| 20% |
Capstone/Final Project | 30% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: - Quizzes
- Role play
- Discussion boards
- Assignments
| 50% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major):
- Create and maintain effective and professional documents relevant to Human Services agencies.
- Interact ethically and professionally within the Human Services field.
- Apply information to identify client’s strengths, weaknesses, and resources to create a treatment plan.
- Provide effective client services at an entry level by utilizing professional Human Services principles and practices.
- Establish effective working relationships within the Human Services arena.
- Apply basic management and leadership skills in Human Services environments, including time management, organization, and the ability to follow directions.
- Utilize feedback to assess the effect of oneself on Human Services outcomes and make adjustments accordingly.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.