MHPS 1700

The focus of this course is to prepare students to develop therapeutic relationships using communication skills such as empathy, warmth, genuineness, caring confrontation, and immediacy. Assessment, communication, and motivational interviewing skills will be discussed as they relate to individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. Conflict resolution, problem-solving, and leadership skills are also presented. Group therapy and stress management theories and techniques will be discussed. Therapeutic use of self, self-awareness, and trauma informed approaches as critical elements of developing therapeutic relationships are the foci of this course. Students will practise communication skills with actors in communication labs.