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This course introduces students to the medical, vocational, and psychosocial dimensions of chronic illnesses and disabilities that rehabilitation counselors encounter in practice. It emphasizes understanding medical systems, disability conditions, assistive technologies, and the psychosocial impact of chronic conditions on individuals and families. Students will: (a) learn to understand the psychosocial adaptation and adjustment processes for individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses; (b) explore the vocational and functional implications of diverse disabling conditions across neurological, sensory, and developmental domains; and (c) assess the impact of cultural and societal factors on medical treatment, rehabilitation outcomes, and family systems.
Career Theory, Assessment, and Intervention
This foundational course introduces students to career theories, assessments, and interventions. Students examine classic and contemporary approaches to career development and counseling, with an emphasis on multicultural applications and evidence-based strategies for working with diverse populations. Students will: (a) understand theories and models of career development, counseling, and decision-making; (b) analyze the interrelationships among work, mental well-being, relationships, and other life roles; (c) learn to utilize career assessment tools and labor market information for client planning; (d) develop culturally relevant career counseling strategies and interventions; (e) design and evaluate career development programs tailored to client needs.
Advanced Counseling Skills and Interventions in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
This course builds advanced counseling competencies, focusing on clinical rehabilitation counseling with individuals experiencing mental health and disability-related conditions. Students engage in metacognitive skills development, case conceptualization, treatment planning, and implementation of evidence-based interventions, with special emphasis on trauma-informed care and transition-aged populations. Students will: (a) develop skills for biopsychosocial case conceptualization and treatment planning for diverse populations; (b) learn to apply research-based rehabilitation counseling interventions in practice; (c) explore community resource integration and advocacy in the rehabilitation process; (d) understand the role of psychopharmacological interventions and their indications for consultation; and (e) implement disability management strategies, focusing on the interplay between biological, neurological, and psychosocial factors.
Applied Practice I: Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Practicum
The clinical rehabilitation counseling practicum introduces students to practical counseling experiences with real clients in settings aligned with their professional interests. Through supervised sessions and university-based meetings, students will develop skills in counseling, case conceptualization, and treatment planning while meeting specified client and hourly requirements. This hands-on course prepares students to navigate the roles, settings, and interdisciplinary collaboration required in clinical rehabilitation counseling, emphasizing ethical and culturally competent practice. As a results of participating in supervised practicum, students will: (a) demonstrate understanding of theories and models relevant to rehabilitation counseling, including psychosocial aspects of disability; (b) apply principles of biopsychosocial case conceptualization, treatment planning, and documentation formats; (c) analyze the etiology and effects of disabilities, including co-occurring disabilities, on holistic client functioning; (d) explore rehabilitation service delivery systems, including housing, independent living, and vocational programs; (e) assess the impacts of crisis, trauma, and biological mechanisms on individuals with disabilities; (f) identify barriers faced by people with disabilities and the role of assistive technology in mitigating them; and (g) demonstrate competence in record-keeping, reimbursement systems, and practice management issues specific to the field.
List of Doctoral Level Courses Taught