Course Syllabus
ISI Website | indepst@uidaho.edu | 208-885-6641
PSYC 4780: Independent and Group Therapy in Chemical Addictions Counseling
Sponsoring Institution: University of Idaho
3 Credits
Instructor Information
Course Instructor: Cathy Weeks Ph.D
- Email: cweeks@uidaho.edu
- Phone: 509-336-4811
- The best way to contact me is through email or text.
- Copy the ISI office at indepst@uidaho.edu on all communications.
Course Description
Techniques related to individual and group counseling of chemical addictions clients; helping skills such as active listening, problem solving, paraphrasing; numerous role plays and other practicum exercises; information about group therapy with actual experience of being part of a group. (Joint-listed with PSYC 578. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit.)
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology
Course Learning Outcomes
By the completion of this class you should:
- Understand the difference and similarities between group and individual counseling techniques.
- Have a basic understanding of group process and techniques
- Have an understanding of how it feels to participate in a group.
- Have a basic understanding of individual counseling technique
Required Materials
- Treatment Improvement Protocol 41 – Substance Abuse Treatment: Group Therapy. SAMHSA.
- This is a free online book. The easiest way to access it is to google TIP 41. Here is a link to the 2015 Edition.
- The Elements of Counseling, 8th edition. 2019 Meier, Scott T and Davis, Susan R. ISBN 13: 978-1-4786-3850-6
- Counseling Strategies and Interventions for Professional Helpers, 9th Edition. 2016 Cormier, Sherry. ISBN-13 976-0-13-390522-9
- Each student is also required to attend a group as a participant for at least ten sessions.
Course Rules and Requirements
Assignment Guidelines
- There is not a limit to how many assignments you can submit per week; however, assignments and exams must be submitted consecutively, in the order outlined in the course.
- Submit assignments and receive grades via Canvas.
- Keep a copy of every assignment submitted. Write your name, V number, course subject and number, and assignment number on every submission.
- An instructor may take up to three weeks to grade so plan accordingly to meet personal deadlines.
- The final course grade is issued after all assignments and exams have been graded.
- Acts of academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism, may result in a grade of “F” for the course.
Exam Guidelines
- Exams are online in Canvas.
- Graded exams are not returned to the student.
Email Standards
- Subject line: include your name, V number, course subject and number, and assignment number(s)
- Example: Joe Vandal, V01234567, BUS L321, Assignments 1, 2
- Email body: place questions or comments for the instructor
- Copy the ISI office at indepst@uidaho.edu
Lesson Schedule
| Topic | Reading | Assignment | Points Possible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groups in Substance Abuse Treatment | Chapter 1 Tip 41 | Assignment 1 | 25 |
| Types of Groups | Chapter 2 TIP 41 | Assignment 2 | 25 |
| Client Placement in Groups | Chapter 3 TIP 41 | Assignment 3 | 25 |
| Phases of Groups | Chapter 4 TIP 41 | Assignment 4 | 25 |
| Group Leadership | Chapter 6 Tip 41, Handout on Group Leader Characteristics | Assignment 5 | 25 |
| General Counseling Techniques I | Chapters 1 and 2 Elements of Counseling | Assignment 6 | 25 |
| General Counseling Techniques II | Chapters 3 and 4 Elements of Counseling | Assignment 7 | 25 |
| Ethics | Chapters 5 and 6 Elements of Counseling | Assignment 8 | 25 |
| Therapeutic Relationship | Chapter 2 Counseling Strategies | Assignment 9 | 25 |
| Client communication patterns | Chapter 3 Counseling Strategies | Assignment 10 | 25 |
| Attending/listening skills | Chapters 4 and 5 Counseling Strategies | Assignment 11 | 25 |
| Counselor skills | Chapter 6 Counseling Strategies | Assignment 12 | 25 |
| Conceptualizing client issues | Chapter 8 Counseling Strategies | Assignment 13 | 25 |
| Integrating strategies | Chapter 9 Counseling Strategies | Assignment 14 | 25 |
| Reflections on Group experience | n/a | Assignment 15 | 50 |
| Final Exam | n/a | Exam | 50 |
Grade Information
- 14 Assignments @ 25 points each = 350
- Group Reflection paper (Assignment 15) = 50 points
- You are required to attend a group as a participant for at least 10 sessions. Assignment 15 is a reflection on your group experience.
- Final Exam = 50 points
- There is not a midterm, but there is a final that gives you the opportunity to apply information learned throughout the course.
Total Points Possible = 450
Grade Scale
| Points | Percent | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 405-450 | 90-100% | A |
| 360-404 | 80-89% | B |
| 315-359 | 70-79% | C |
| 270-314 | 60-69% | D |
| 0-269 | Below 60% | F |
Course Policies
Refer to the ISI website's Current Students page for the most current policies and procedures, including information on setting up accounts, student confidentiality, exams, transcripts, course exchanges, refunds, academic integrity, library resources, disability support and other services.
AI Use Prohibited
As artificial intelligence tools become more widely available, it is important to clarify how they may or may not be used in this course. The following policy is designed to support your learning and ensure academic integrity.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools—including but not limited to ChatGPT, Copilot, Perplexity, Grammarly, image generators, and automated coding/writing assistants—is not permitted in this course.
Unauthorized use of AI tools is considered a form of unauthorized assistance and undermines the core learning objectives of the class. This course is intentionally designed to build foundational skills—such as critical analysis, discipline-specific reasoning, original writing, and independent problem-solving—that require your direct engagement. Using AI tools to generate or revise work may hinder the achievement of these objectives and may compromise the integrity of your academic development.
Any use of AI tools for coursework, unless explicitly allowed by the instructor for a specific assignment, will be treated as a violation of academic integrity and may result in sanctions as outlined in the University of Idaho Student Code of Conduct. Students are responsible for reviewing and adhering to all university policies regarding academic honesty and should consult the Student Code of Conduct for further guidance.