THE COUNSELING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE CURRICULUM
Counseling is a practice oriented profession that involves some academic/theoretical and lengthy periods of practicum after which a student practitioner is supervised until he/she is licensed to practice on his/her own. Licensure involves a review of most of the academic courses covered during the years of lectures. It is therefore a huge professional concern to see how counselors are trained in Ghana. The most important aspect of the counselor training - practicum, is omitted or treated minimally. Also “Supervision” is not taught during counselor training. Thus, most practitioners of counseling in the country were taught only the theoretical aspects of counseling and have challenges in assisting their clients. Also, there is the proliferation of so-called counseling courses mounted by amateurs who have no knowledge of how counseling is done. Some of these so called counselor training courses last for short periods of theoretical training. Our goal at the institute is to provide the missing link – the opportunity to practice, provide a hands-on opportunity for individuals who want to improve upon their practice. Please note: this is not an academic course and no degrees will be offered, only a certificate of participation. Overview
The Diploma in Professional Counseling, offered through Counseling Skills Development Institute (CSDI) prepares competent, socially conscious, semi trained and reflective counselors who are able to meet the needs of a diverse society. Students will learn to promote optimal human development and empower clients to solve personal/social, interpersonal, family, educational, career and other mental health problems, using a wellness model to diagnose, counsel and implement treatment for these clients. Course Description:
This course will treat the nature and scope of counseling practice. A review of various procedures, processes, stages, the theoretical basis of various counseling approaches and their associated techniques and skills and practical application to counselees’ needs and issues. The emphasis is on counseling practice and participants will spend five months in the practice of counseling.
