Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
Courses & Descriptions

Courses

Semester 1

  • Aboriginal History and Culture GNED0049

    Units/ Hours: 45

    This course focuses on the study of First Nations peoples in the Americas (Turtle Island), from a First Nations perspective. Study will encompass the historical, cultural, and political realities of aboriginal America. This course will respect the oral traditions of First Nations peoples as much as possible.

  • College Communications for the Helping Professions COMM0079

    Units/ Hours: 37

    This first semester course will introduce students to the essential communication skills required to be successful in their chosen post-secondary program. These skills include reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking. Through a series of written assignments, in-class discussions based on readings, and lab activities, students will improve their overall communication skills. Students of COMM79 will engage in a series of activities and assignments designed to provide the essential language skills required for academic success.

  • Counselling Skills I COUN0055

    Units/ Hours: 45

    This course provides students with an overview of introductory theory and skill pertaining to the helping relationship process. Specifically, this course emphasizes the collaborative nature of the helper-client relationship and uses a practical helping model that integrates problem-management and an opportunity-development approach to effective helping. As a foundation for the next two levels of counselling-specific courses, students will develop basic counselling skills using a Problem Management and Opportunity Development perspective and evaluate their own strengths and challenges that impact upon their roles in the helping profession.

  • Human Growth and Development SOCI0025

    Units/ Hours: 45

    This course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the normal patterns of growth and development at various stages within the life cycle from infancy through to old age. The major theories of development will be examined to enhance understanding of this field of study.

  • Introduction to Addictions COUN0016

    Units/ Hours: 45

    This course is intended to provide the learner with foundation principles and knowledge in the area of addictions. It is a core course in the Drug and Alcohol Counsellor program and a pre-requisite for upper level courses in semester three.

  • Introduction to Psychology SOCI0036

    Units/ Hours: 45

    This course offers a systematic approach to exploring human behaviour. The concepts and empirical findings are examined using a variety of theoretical approaches. Major topics include perception, motivation, learning, memory, intelligence, and personality.

  • Introductory Computing COMP0345

    Units/ Hours: 45

    Working in the Windows environment, this computer course introduces you to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software using Microsoft Office. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, you will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments.

Semester 2

  • Abnormal Psychology SOCI0001

    Units/ Hours: 45

    This course explores the difficulties in defining abnormal behaviour and develops skills in evaluating historical and current theoretical perspectives of abnormality. Issues relating to abnormality in our society today are examined after students are presented with the necessary knowledge to understand a variety of behaviours (and disorders) and their treatments. In order for a student to succeed in this course they need to have general knowledge of basic psychological theory, critical thinking skills, sound writing skills, and the ability to apply material to their field of choice.

  • Addiction and Families COUN0081

    Units/ Hours: 45

    This course is an introduction to families and the impact that addictions have on the family. Students learn to view human behaviour and behaviour problems, including addictive behaviours and mental health issues as expressions of family interactions and structure. This course includes a closer examination of family development, roles within the family, and long-term effects of addiction. Family dynamics are explored as factors in the development of addictive behaviour. Management of the family and forms of available treatment are also considered in this course.

  • Communicating at Work for the Helping Professions COMM0146

    Units/ Hours: 45

    Successful communicators use knowledge, skills and strategies to create effective messages for a range of audiences and contexts. This course emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving to meet communication challenges in today's workplace. Students will refine workplace writing, communication skills and presentation techniques through a variety of assignments, assessments and hands-on practice.

  • Ethics and Professional Drug and Alcohol Practice COUN0083

    Units/ Hours: 45

  • Field Preparation I FLPL0061

    Units/ Hours: 30

    This course is intended to help guide students toward discerning their area of interest as it will related to the fourth-semester block field work experience placement. Students will increase the knowledge, insight, and understanding of their options for placement within an environment of drug and alcohol counselling. It is intended that Field Preparation II will follow up this introductory course.

  • Management and Assessment COUN0082

    Units/ Hours: 45

  • Pharmacology Related to Addictions COUN0025

    Units/ Hours: 60

    This course identifies the classifications and complications of mood-altering substances (including alcohol) and their related physiological and psychological effects.

Semester 3

Semester 4

  • Field Work Experience FLPL0070

    Units/ Hours: 525

    Students practice counselling skills while measuring the achievement of their learning objectives during performance within an approved drug and alcohol counselling agency setting. Due to the specialized nature of the Field Work Experience, students may be required to complete their work experience in locations beyond the Peterborough area.

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599 Brealey Drive, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B1, Canada 705-749-5530