This course begins by introducing and providing practice in the foundational counseling skills necessary to establish a counseling relationship with the client characterized by warmth, respect, empathy, and genuineness. These core skills include but are not limited to the following: invitational skills, attending, reflecting, paraphrasing, interpreting, confronting, self-disclosing, and summarizing. Students will engage in experiential exercises, including role plays, to develop the skills needed to create client-centered helping relationships and adhere to ethical standards. Individuals will learn to foster a therapeutic alliance, conduct an intake interview, and construct evidence-based treatment plans. Prevention strategies and strength-based approaches will also be examined. The various techniques will be discussed in reference to the diagnosis and treatment of the DSM-5 classifications. Credits: 4