Department of Counselor Education
About
Chair
Mary Nichter
Mission
The Department of Counselor Education prepares culturally responsive professional counselors, school counselors, and counselor educators who promote meaningful societal change.
Contact Information
(936) 294-4148
COUN 5011. Counseling Profession & Ethics. 1-3 Hours.
This course is designed to introduce graduate students to the field of counseling, its theoretical and philosophical bases, historical antecedents, eithical issues, professional elements and an overview of current practice environments. Additionally, this course examines the professional codes of ethics and their limitations, the value conflicts in counseling, ethical decision-making models, and the current major ethical issues facing the counseling profession.Variable Credit (1-3).
COUN 5088. Special Topics in Counseling. 1-3 Hours.
This course is designed to serve the needs of in-service counselors in schools and those in private practice. Topics will vary as needs demand. May be repeated as scheduled topics vary.
COUN 5089. Independent Study in Counseling. 1-3 Hours.
This is a course designed for independent study of selected topics under the supervision of a faculty member. Variable Credit (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of Department Chair.
COUN 5111. Counseling Program Orientation. 1 Hour.
The context of this course includes the history of counseling, a review of the standards for licensure and certification, and a discussion of current issues and concerns in the field of counseling.
COUN 5112. Ethics For Counselors. 1 Hour.
This course examines the professional codes of ethics and their limitations, the value clashes in counseling, ethical decision making models and the major ethical issues in the counseling field.
COUN 5113. Assmnt-Marriage & Fam Therapy. 1 Hour.
This course is designed to introduce students to assessment instruments and techniques in the field of marriage and family therapy. Students will be introduced to current assessment instruments and inventories intended to measure marriage and family function, resilience, adjustment, and adaptation for use in practice and research.
COUN 5114. Family Therapy Applications. 1 Hour.
This course is designed to facilitate graduate students in connecting practical experiences with couples and families in therapy to the marriage and family systems concepts and theories.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in COUN 6376 or COUN 6386.
COUN 5333. Schl Cnslng: Consltn,Coor,Coun. 3 Hours.
This course introduces students to the field of school counseling. Emphasis is placed on the evolution of counseling professional identity, and professional ethics. The services provided in a comprehensive program of guidance and counseling are discussed.
COUN 5334. Effective Human Behavior. 3 Hours.
A study is made of the dynamics of human behavior with emphasis on understanding dysfunction as well as the basic nature of human beings who successfully cope with the problems that confront them in everyday life. Attention is given to development of emotional health in personal and social contexts such as home, school, work, and marriage.
Prerequisite: COUN 5397 with a grade of C or better.
COUN 5364. Theories Of Counseling. 3 Hours.
A comprehensive study is made of the major theories of counseling. Attention is given to systematic ways of viewing the counseling process. Divergences and convergences among theories are examined for practical application.
Prerequisite: Admission to program and COUN 5011 orientation taken concurrently.
COUN 5370. Career Cnsling Across Lifespan. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to assist the counselor in developing and initiating a comprehensive career education program. A study is made of the world of work as well as the dynamics and developmental aspects of vocational choice. Emphasis is also placed on the use of occupational information, test scores, personal data, grades, and other pertinent information in working with students individually and in groups.
Prerequisite: COUN 5397.
COUN 5379. Methods Of Research. 3 Hours.
Study is made of types and methods of educational research, the collecting, analyzing and sharing of data with the pubic. The student is expected to complete a research project or field study utilizing appropriate methods of educational research.
COUN 5385. Pre-Practicum:Tcnq Of Counslng. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to provide experiences in the exploration and application of individual counseling techniques. Role-playing, self-exploration, and structuring of the counseling relationship are emphasized.
Prerequisite: COUN 5011 and COUN 5364 or concurrent enrollment.
COUN 5391. Chld & Adolescent Counseling. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to help students develop approaches for putting counseling theories into practice in helping children and adolescents who are experiencing difficulties in their developmental, personal and social growth.
Prerequisite: COUN 5334 with a grade of C or better.
COUN 5392. Cross Cultural Issues In Cne. 3 Hours.
This course will examine the sociocultural characteristics and counseling issues related to the varied cultures in today?s society. Hispanic, African-American, Native American, and Asian American cultures will be examined along with issues related to gender and Gay/Lesbian concerns.
COUN 5393. Community Counseling. 3 Hours.
This course provides theoretical and applied information regarding community counseling services. A variety of delivery systems, staffing procedures, emergency services, and treatment paradigms are presented.
COUN 5394. Crisis and Trauma Counseling. 3 Hours.
This course reviews crisis-counseling techniques related to a variety of crisis situations that may occur in families and with individuals in mental health agency and school settings. Students learn the foundations of successful crisis intervention to assist in prevention of crisis and encourage personal growth and coping following a crisis experience. Issues related to family violence and other issues of trauma will be discussed. Prerequisite: COUN 5364.
COUN 5397. Human Grwth & Dev Acrs Lfspan. 3 Hours.
A review of theory and research concerning the growth and development of the individual through the lifespan with emphasis placed on childhood and adolescence. The course attempts to relate theory and research to present concerns and problems of teachers through the study of physiological, psychological and social interrelationships. Experience in the procedures of child study are provided.
COUN 5398. Sandtray Therapy. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to provide students with extensive practical experience related to sandtray as a therapeutic intervention for children, adolescents, adults, and families. This course uses both didactic and experential methods to enhance a student's knowledge, skills and competence in using sandtray as a therapeutic modality with clients. The curricula for this course include knowledge of the literature of the discipline and ongoing student engagement in practice related to professional practice.
Prerequisite: COUN 5364 and COUN 5385 .
COUN 5399. Play Therapy Basics. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to enhance/increase the counselor?s understanding of the child?s world as perceived by the child, the relationship between the child?s world and behavior. The major theories of play therapy, and the utilization of play media to facilitate the child?s self-exploration, self-expression, self-understanding, and personal growth will be explored.
Prerequisite: COUN 5364 and COUN 5385 with a grade of B or better.
COUN 6098. Thesis I. 1-3 Hours.
This first phase of the Thesis includes a review of the literature, research design, collection of pilot data, and related steps. Students are required to present and defend a research proposal. Variable Credit (1-3).
Prerequisite: Admission as a Degree Candidate.
COUN 6099. Thesis II. 1-3 Hours.
The second phase of the Thesis includes data collection, manuscript preparation and defense of the Thesis. Variable Credit (1-3).
Prerequisite: COUN 6398.
COUN 6331. Advanced Play Therapy. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to provide play therapists with extensive practical research experience in regard to issues relative to the play therapy relationship. Case analysis, theoretical application, and current research issues and trends will be investigated.
Prerequisite: COUN 5399 with a grade of B or better.
COUN 6332. Theories Of Marr & Fam Therapy. 3 Hours.
This course focuses on basic concepts in marriage and family therapy, theories of therapeutic change in families, marriage and family development and foundations of family systems therapy.
COUN 6333. Techniques Of Couple Therapy. 3 Hours.
Application of the main approaches in family therapy to clinical work. This includes skill development in working with couples and families in a variety of contexts.
Prerequisite: COUN 6332 with a grade of C or higher.
COUN 6334. Ethical Issues in MFT. 3 Hours.
This course studies the current ethical issues and the professional roles of marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors and school counselors. This includes study of the Texas Family Code, the licensing acts for Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, and regulations for school counselors.
COUN 6335. Schl Cnslg:Ldrshp,Advcy,Accoun. 3 Hours.
A comprehensive study is made of contemporary practices of consultation and coordination in the school counseling profession. The course includes study of community service agencies, referral sources, legal and ethical practices and the acquisition of practical school counseling skills.
Prerequisite: COUN 5333.
COUN 6337. Counseling For Sexual Concerns. 3 Hours.
Students will develop an understanding of sexual anatomy, the physiology of sexual function, and therapeutic applicants for assessing, counseling, and referral procedures for clients who present with sexual concerns. Students will investigate various therapeutic approaches when dealing with sexual concerns. Students will explore how life experiences, sexual values, and beliefs about sexual behavior affect the therapeutic interaction and outcome.
Prerequisite: COUN 5334 and COUN 6332 with a grade of C or better.
COUN 6338. Techniques of Family Therapy. 3 Hours.
In this course students will develop skills in the application of the main approaches of family therapy clinical work, including working with familes in a variety of contexts.
Prerequisite: COUN 6332.
COUN 6362. Foundtns Substance Abuse Couns. 3 Hours.
COUN 6363. Assessment Guid. & Counseling. 3 Hours.
Study will include the principles of assessment and evaluation in counseling, assessment instruments used in counseling services, elementary statistical concepts, methods of evaluating assessment instruments, the process of synthesizing and interpreting assessment data, and the ethics of assessment.
COUN 6364. Counseling For Addictions. 3 Hours.
This course covers the theory, research, and practice of substance abuse prevention and chemical dependency counseling with special application to the functions of counselors.
Prerequisite: COUN 5334 with a grade of C or higher.
COUN 6365. Gerontological Counseling I. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: COUN 5364 and COUN 5397 with a grade of C or higher.
COUN 6367. Gerontological Counseling II. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: COUN 5364, COUN 5397, and COUN 6365 with a grade of C or higher.
COUN 6370. Family Therapy Applications. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to promote the development of student proficiencies and to deepen understanding of the standards of the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) as they are applied in practice. Connections will be made between theory and practice in a clinical setting. Co-requisite: COUN 6376 or COUN 6386.
COUN 6374. Prac Group Counseling. 3 Hours.
Participation in small group activities is a significant part of this course which has been designed to meet the needs of counselors in a variety of settings. The didactic portion of the course will focus on the knowledge, practice, skills, and person of the effective group counselor.
COUN 6376. Supervised Prac In Counseling. 3 Hours.
This laboratory course is designed to prepare the student in the practical application and integration of the principles and methods of counseling.
Prerequisite: COUN 5334 and COUN 6374 with a grade of C or higher.
COUN 6386. Internship. 3 Hours.
The course provides supervised experiences in a counseling setting. Study is made of the duties and responsibilities of the counselor at work.
Prerequisite: COUN 6376 with a grade of C or higher.
COUN 6387. School Counseling Internship. 3 Hours.
Students participate in supervised experiences in a school counseling setting. Students study the duties and responsibilities of the school counselor at work. Two semesters of this course meets the 160-hour practicum required by TEA for students seeking school counselor certification. Credit: 3.
Prerequisite: COUN 6376.
COUN 7088. Special Topics in Coun Ed. 1-3 Hours.
COUN 7089. Independent Study in Counselor Education. 1-3 Hours.
This course will provide the doctoral student an opportunity to engage in detailed and in-depth study of a program or problem in counselor supervision. The student will work under the supervision of a doctoral faculty member and will be expected to produce a written product or presentation.
Prerequisite: Admission to doctoral program in counseling and approval of doctoral director.
COUN 7110. Doctoral Seminar. 1 Hour.
This course is designed to provide an orientation to doctoral studies in counseling, topics of current interest to doctoral students, and the faculty and information regarding areas of study and research related to the doctoral program. This course may be repeated five times, for a maximum of six credits. Must make a B or better.
Prerequisite: Admission to doctoral program in Counseling.
COUN 7331. Advanced Counseling Theories. 3 Hours.
In depth study of major counseling theories, with special emphasis on comparative analysis. Must make a B or better.
Prerequisite: Admission into counseling doctoral program.
COUN 7332. Adv Counseling Appraisal Techn. 3 Hours.
This is an advanced course in assessment procedures used by counselor educators and directors of counseling and guidance in the schools. A case study approach will be utilized to guide students through the application of assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning for childhood, adolescent, and adult mental disorders and behavior problems.
Prerequisite: COUN 6363 or equivalent class and COUN 7331 with a grade of B or higher.
COUN 7334. Theories Of Counselor Supervsn. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to introduce students to models of counselor supervision. The course is conducted in a seminar-discussion format and, as part of the course students will provide one or more counselor trainees with supervision.
Prerequisite: COUN 7371 with a grade of C or higher.
COUN 7335. Practice Of Counselor Supervsn. 3 Hours.
Supervised experience in supervision of counseling. Students meet for individual supervision of supervision and in a seminar group to assess their effectiveness in their supervisory relationships, to obtain feedback on tapes and observation, and to integrate these learnings into their supervisory process.
Prerequisite: COUN 7334 with a grade of B or higher.
COUN 7336. College Teaching In Counseling. 3 Hours.
Application of planning, instructional, and evaluation skills. Doctoral students lead skill training groups, lecture to a masters level class, and guide group discussion with faculty supervision.
Prerequisite: COUN 7331 with a grade of B or higher.
COUN 7337. Adv Counslng Practicum & Techn. 3 Hours.
Supervised experience in counseling. Students meet for individual supervision and in a seminar group to assess their effectiveness in their helping relationships, to obtain feedback on tapes and observation, and to integrate these learnings into their counseling behavior. Prerequiste: COUN 7337 with a grade of B or better.
COUN 7338. Human Dynmcs & Consultn Skills. 3 Hours.
Developing effective human relations and communications skills are crucial to prepare for interactions with parents, students, staff, and school boards. Conferencing skills, active, emphatic listening skills, and knowledge of personality and family dynamics will be developed. Students will learn to network with the community and systems in broader contexts. Doctoral students only.
COUN 7339. Doctoral Internshp In Counslng. 3 Hours.
Professional service in field setting appropriate for counseling, consultation, and personnel work, under supervision. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit-hours.
Prerequisite: COUN 7337 with a grade of B or higher and permission of doctoral director.
COUN 7340. Clinical Hypnosis Applications. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to prepare doctoral students to apply clinical hypnosis in counseling, which includes using hypnotic inductions for psychological, educational, medical, and dental purposes.
Prerequisite: COUN 7337.
COUN 7362. Methods Of Counseling Resrch. 3 Hours.
Study of both quantitative and qualitative research with emphasis upon an understanding of statistical concepts and procedures necessary to create and implement effective counseling research.
Prerequisite: Admission to doctoral program in counseling, COUN 5379 or equivalent class with a grade of B or better.
COUN 7363. Application of Coun Research. 3 Hours.
Fundamental concepts and tools of research applied to educational problems. Each student will prepare a proposal for the dissertation.
Prerequisite: COUN 7332, COUN 7374, COUN 7362, and COUN 7372, with a grade of B or higher.
COUN 7372. Qualitative Methodology. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to teach qualitative research methodology within a counseling problems-based contextual framework. The course will emphasize qualitative techniques through lecture, discussion, readings, and field-based research projects using the methods learned.
Prerequisite: COUN 7331 with a grade of B or higher.
COUN 7373. Stat Methds-Counslr Edu Rsrch. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to teach students how to manage, analyze, and interpret data related to counselor education themes at the doctoral level. The course will address quantitative methods (e.g., descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way and factorial ANOVA) via lectures, exams, small and large group discussions, and computer work both in and outside of class.
Prerequisite: COUN 7362 with a grade of B or higher, can be taken concurrently.
COUN 7374. Multivariate Mthd-Cnslr Edu Rs. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to teach students how to manage, analyze, and interpret multivariate data related to counselor education themes at the doctoral level. The course will emphasize multivariate methods via lectures, exams, small and large group discussions, and computer work both in and outside of class.
Prerequisite: COUN 7337 with a grade of B or higher.
COUN 7375. Advanced Multicultural Counsel. 3 Hours.
This course focuses on the in-depth study of people from diverse cultures seeking counseling services and the critical issues involved in culturally competent counseling. Using the latest research and professional literature, students will utilize multicultural counseling models in our communities. Students will also explore pedagogies for multicultural counselor training. Can be taken concurrently with COUN 7336.
Prerequisite: COUN 5392 and COUN 7336 with a grade of B or better.
COUN 8033. Dissertation. 1-6 Hours.
The completion of an approved dissertation which will contribute to counseling. Field-based projects will be emphasized. Must be repeated for a minimum of 9 semester hours. Variable Credit (1-3).
Prerequisite: Admission to the doctoral program in counseling, completion of counseling Core, Research component and Research Tools courses, successful completion of comprehensive exam and approval of doctoral advisor.
Sinem Akay-Sullivan, PHD, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Univ of North Texas; MED, Univ of North Texas; MS, Middle East Technical Univ; BS, Hacettepe University
Rick A. Bruhn, EDD, Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, EDD, Texas A&M - Commerce; MSED, Univ of Wisconsin-Stout; BA, Univ of Wisconsin-Stout
Yvonne Garza-Chaves, PHD, Associate Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Univ of North Texas; MSW, Our Lady of Lake University; BSW, Univ of Texas-Pan American
Susan Elizabeth Henderson, PHD, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Sam Houston State University; MS, Sam Houston State University
Richard C Henriksen, PHD, Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Texas A&M - Commerce; MS, Texas A&M - Commerce; BS, Texas A&M - Commerce
David M Lawson, PHD, Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Univ of North Texas; MED, Stephen F Austin University; BS, Stephen F Austin University
Chi-Sing Li, PHD, Associate Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Texas A&M - Commerce; MED, Univ of Louisiana-Monroe; MED, Univ of Louisiana-Monroe; BA, Univ of Texas At Austin
Mary S. Nichter, PHD, Professor and Chair of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Texas Woman's University; MS, Univ of Houston-Clear Lake; BSED, Univ of Houston-Main
Rebecca A Robles-Pina, PHD, Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Texas A&M University; MA, Western Michigan University; BA, Texas A&M University
Jeffrey M Sullivan, PHD, Associate Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Univ of North Texas; MS, Univ of North Texas; BA, Univ of Texas At Austin
Richard Eugene Watts, PHD, Distinguished Professor of Counseling, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Univ of North Texas; MA, Southwest Baptist Theo Seminar; BMED, Sam Houston State University
Interim Faculty
Tina Marie Ainsworth, PHD, Lecturer of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Sam Houston State University; MA, Sam Houston State University; BS, Sam Houston State University
Ruby Rodriguez Almendarez, PHD, Lecturer of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Sam Houston State University; MS, Sam Houston State University; BACJ, Sam Houston State University; BS, Sam Houston State University
Susan Ilona Bajza, PHD, Lecturer of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Sam Houston State University; MA, Sam Houston State University; BS, Univ of Houston-Main; BA, Texas A&M-Kingsville
Stephanie Jetaime Bluth, PHD, Dir of Academic Communications; Adjunct Faculty, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Sam Houston State University; MA, Adams State University; BA, Adams State University; BA, Adams State University
Emily Annette De France, PHD, Lecturer of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Univ of Detroit; MA, Univ of Detroit; BA, West Virginia Wesleyan College
Evelyne Kimbriel Fitzgerald, PHD, Lecturer of Couselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Sam Houston State University; MA, Sam Houston State University; BA, Univ of Houston-Main
Irma Violeta Guardiola Castillo, PHD, Lecturer of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Sam Houston State University; MED, Sam Houston State University; BA, U-Houston Downtown
Steven Leon Lackey, PHD, Lecturer of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Sam Houston State University; MED, Lamar University; BS, Baylor University
Judith A Nelson, PHD, Lecturer of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Capella University; MA, Univ of Texas-San Antonio; BSED, Univ of Texas At Austin
Sheryl Anne Serres, PHD, Associate Professor of Counseling, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Texas A&M - Commerce; MED, Sam Houston State University; BS, East Texas Baptist University
Tiffany Terreyene Simon, PHD, Lecturer of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Sam Houston State University; MA, Prairie View A&M University; BS, Prairie View A&M University
Kate Mc Lellan Walker, PHD, Lecturer of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Sam Houston State University; MA, Sam Houston State University; BM, Univ of Texas At Austin