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Theories of counseling and psychotherapy

Course Description: This course covers the concept of theory and its characteristics, the characteristics of a good theory, the difference between a theory and a model, and the justifications for using theory in the field of counseling and psychotherapy. It also covers counseling theories according to different psychological orientations in terms of their assumptions, view of psychopathology, and key techniques and methods used, as well as the counselor's role in each counseling approach. Furthermore, it addresses various applications of these approaches in treating some psychological problems.

Credit hours: 3

Prerequisites: PSY2203

Objectives of the course :

The course aims to:
• The concept of theory and the justifications for its use in the field of psychological counseling and therapy.
• Theoretical foundations and principles of each theory of guidance and psychotherapy.
• Overview of each theory and its interpretation of mental disorder.
The nature of the counseling process and the role of the counselor in every counseling aspect.
Key guidance techniques and methods, and their implementation procedures for various disorders.
• Evaluate theories and understand their similarities and differences, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using them.

Course outputs :

The student should mention the justifications for using the theory and its importance in the field of counseling and psychotherapy.
The student summarizes the assumptions and principles of each theory separately.
To explain the nature of disturbances in light of each perspective individually.
To explain the nature of the counseling process and its goals in every therapeutic approach.
The student will analyze the stages of the counseling process and the nature of the relationship between the counselor and the client in each therapeutic approach.
The student compares and contrasts different counseling and therapeutic theories.
The student will evaluate counseling and psychotherapy theories by presenting the advantages and disadvantages of using each theory.
The student will classify guidance and therapeutic theories according to the different approaches in the psychological field.

Additional information:

Last updated: 2026-04-30