WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

SKILLS YOU WILL GAIN

Description

The Certificate in Mental Health Counselling course is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the essential skills needed for mental health counselling. Over the course of 8 weeks, participants will learn about mental health disorders, effective counselling techniques, ethical issues, and cultural competence. Through a blend of theoretical instruction and practical exercises, students will gain hands-on experience in assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions. This course is ideal for aspiring mental health professionals or those looking to expand their skills in the mental health field.

Learning Objectives

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of common mental health disorders, including their symptoms, causes, and potential treatments.
• Acquire assessment and diagnostic skills to effectively evaluate clients' mental health status and formulate appropriate intervention plans.
• Gain proficiency in a range of counselling techniques and approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.
• Explore ethical and legal considerations in mental health counselling, including confidentiality, informed consent, and cultural competence.
• Enhance cultural sensitivity and competence to provide effective support to clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Cultivate self-awareness and self-care strategies to mitigate burnout and maintain personal well-being while supporting others in their mental health journey.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of common mental health disorders, including their symptoms, etiology, and treatment options.
• Apply assessment and diagnostic skills to effectively evaluate clients' mental health needs and develop tailored intervention plans.
• Utilize a variety of counselling techniques and approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing, to facilitate client progress and resilience.
• Evaluate ethical and legal considerations in mental health counselling practice, demonstrating adherence to professional standards and guidelines.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity in counselling interactions, respecting and integrating diverse cultural perspectives into therapeutic interventions.
• Implement self-care strategies to maintain personal well-being and prevent burnout while providing empathetic and effective support to clients.

 

Weekly Lectures Plan

 

Week 1: Introduction to Mental Health, Counseling, and Neuroplasticity

1. Defining Mental Health and Mental Illness

2. Overview of Mental Health Counseling

3. Qualities of an Effective Mental Health Counselor

4. Ethics in Mental Health Counseling

5. Introduction to Neuroplasticity:

    - Definition and concept

    - Brain reorganization and adaptation

    - Implications for mental health and counseling

Week 2: Mental Health and Self-Esteem

1. Understanding Self-Esteem

2. Relationship between Mental Health and Self-Esteem

3. Factors Influencing Self-Esteem

4. Strategies for Enhancing Self-Esteem

Week 3: Mental Health Assessment and Disorders

1. Mental Health Assessment Techniques

2. Overview of Common Mental Health Disorders:

    - Depression

    - Anxiety

    - OCD

    - Schizophrenia

    - Bipolar Disorder

Week 4: Stress Management and Positive Psychology

1. Stress Management Techniques

2. Introduction to Positive Psychology

3. Gratitude Therapy

4. Forgiveness Therapy

Week 5: Evidence-Based Therapies

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

2. Cognitive Distortions

3. Mindfulness-Based Therapies

4. Commitment and Acceptance Therapy (ACT)

Week 6: Advanced Counseling Techniques and Ethics

1. Advanced CBT Techniques

2. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion

3. Ethics in Mental Health Counseling:

    - Confidentiality

    - Informed Consent

    - Boundaries

    - Cultural Sensitivity