IJC 402 Counseling Skills
This comprehensive course offers students an in-depth exploration of counselling skills from an Islamic perspective. It aims to equip students with a solid foundation in the fundamental elements of counselling while incorporating Islamic principles and values. By integrating theoretical approaches and practical techniques, students develop the necessary knowledge and skills to engage in effective counselling practice within an Islamic framework. Throughout the course, students delve into key concepts and theories within the field of Islamic Counseling, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the unique aspects and considerations involved in providing counselling services to individuals from diverse backgrounds within an Islamic context. They examine the theoretical perspectives that underpin counselling practice, including the integration of Islamic teachings and principles. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the course strongly emphasizes the development of practical skills essential for effective counselling. Students are guided through various skill-building activities designed to enhance their ability to attend to clients, observe non-verbal cues, actively listen, and respond with accuracy and empathy. They also learn to identify and address inappropriate or unhelpful practices, ensuring ethical and culturally sensitive counselling services are provided. The course fosters a supportive and structured learning environment where students have ample opportunities to apply their counselling skills. Through interactive exercises and simulated counselling scenarios, students gain hands-on experience in applying appropriate ethical standards and utilizing a variety of counselling techniques derived from multiple counselling models discussed throughout the course. This experiential approach allows students to develop their counselling proficiency, building confidence in their ability to address the unique needs and concerns of individuals seeking counselling from an Islamic perspective. By the end of the course, students will have acquired a comprehensive understanding of counselling principles and practices from an Islamic standpoint. They will possess the skills necessary to engage in effective counselling interactions, demonstrating cultural competence and sensitivity within an Islamic framework. Through the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students will be well-prepared to provide compassionate and effective counselling services that align with Islamic principles and values.
Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate comprehensive understanding and application of effective communication techniques, active listening, and empathic responding in the counselling interview.
Identify and maintain an effective helping relationship by attending to the cognitive, affective, and meaningful dimensions of the client’s experience.
Integrate psychological theory into counselling practice, applying various theoretical frameworks to facilitate client exploration and personal growth.
Outline the role of psychological theory in application to the helping process, and develop foundational skills essential for counsellors across diverse settings and task foci, including assessment, goal setting, and intervention planning.
Describe ethical issues for helpers and ways of committing to ethical professional practice.
Utilize a range of counselling theories and models to inform and tailor interventions based on individual client needs and contextual factors.
Foster personal growth and self-development to become a strong and effective therapeutic agent, demonstrating cultural competence and empathy.
Demonstrate proficiency in interviewing and counselling skills, employing appropriate techniques to facilitate client change and growth.
Conduct research and present solid arguments on counselling topics, utilizing scholarly resources and critically evaluating research literature to inform evidence-based practice.
Engage in critical reflection to integrate theory, evidence, and research findings into counselling practice, continuously evaluating and refining approaches.
Demonstrate proficiency in research skills by effectively gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing relevant information from diverse sources, and demonstrate effective oral and written presentation skills in communicating research findings and ideas in a clear, organized, and compelling manner.
Evaluate and self-assess personal progress in counselling, identifying areas for improvement and demonstrating increased confidence in researching Islamic philosophy.