When designing my courses, I specifically chose to construct them as an array of incremental learning about clinical issues and research. Abnormal Psychology and Child Psychopathology are typically the starting point, as they introduce students to the overall field of clinical psychology and the major DSM-5 diagnoses in adult and youth populations. Then Counseling Theories and Methods addresses the major schools of psychotherapy and theory-based case conceptualization and treatment planning. In addition, in this class, I have a group presentation assignment which is designed to mimic the process of evaluation, case conceptualization and treatment plan development in an interdisciplinary clinical setting. The series continues with my senior level courses that are specifically geared to preparing students for graduate school. For example, in Tests & Measurements, we alternate lectures and research focused discussion, and in Psychopathology Seminar, students take on the role of ‘instructor’ by teaching their classmates about a chosen DSM-5 topic and leading the research-based discussion. Finally, in line with my multicultural expertise, Multicultural & Diversity Counseling: Theory & Practiceintroduces students to cultural and diversity issues in psychotherapy.
Across all my classes, as much as possible, I include discussion and illustration based on my real clinical cases. Finally, I include an ongoing discussion of ethical and diversity focused issues in all my lectures, as I believe these should be a staple part of the curriculum and not just reserved for one ‘ethics and diversity’ lecture. My varied teaching, training and clinical supervision experiences have been immensely positive and have shaped my teaching philosophy. I believe it is important to promote an environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, enthusiasm, rigorous methodology, collaboration, creativity and confidence building. My wide-ranging experience with young people from multiple backgrounds and cultures, allows me to customize my class content to include examples and vignettes that resonate with my students. In smaller classes, I seek to create a “safe space” where the exploration and informed discussion of ideas are encouraged.
State University of New York, Potsdam
PSYC 375 Abnormal Psychology This course addresses such questions as: What is abnormality? How do we define it? How do we measure it? How do we treat it? We cover current knowledge in the etiology and diagnosis of adult mental disorders & relative evidence-based treatments. Students learn the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and how these apply to case material. In addition, we discuss gender, ethnicity & culture, ethical issues and stigma surrounding each mental disorder.
PSYC 376 Child Psychopathology This course addresses such questions as: What is psychopathology in children & adolescents? How do we define it? How do we measure it? How do we treat it? We cover current knowledge in the etiology and diagnosis of child and adolescent mental disorders and relative evidence-based treatments. Students learn the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and how these apply to case material. In addition, we discuss gender, ethnicity & culture, ethical issues and stigma surrounding mental disorders.
PSYC 364 Counseling Theories & Methods This course covers the main theories of counseling and psychotherapy, related concepts and methods, contemporary interpretations and approaches, theoretically driven clinical case conceptualization and treatment plans. Students learn the principles of the main schools of psychotherapy and how they apply to case material. In addition, they complete a group assignment including a case conceptualization and the elaboration of a treatment plan. Finally, we also explore diversity issues in relation to case conceptualization and effective treatment planning.
PSYC 390 Tests & Measurements This course covers the principal theoretical underpinnings for psychological tests and measurements. We review the evolution of testing theory, historical, ethical, legal & cultural issues, in addition to, a specific focus on the main areas of psychological assessment, including intelligence, personality, clinical, neuropsychological and business-related assessment. Students learn the core principles of assessment and measurement theory. Finally, they complete a course assignment involving measurement development, data analysis and evaluation leading to an APA-style paper.
PSYC 493 Seminar in Psychology: Special Topics in Psychopathology This course focuses on furthering student’s knowledge and critical thinking about mental disorders through informed discussion on such questions as: What is abnormality? What are the consequences of the different ways that we define, assess and measure mental disorders? How do these conceptual issues shape treatment? In addition, we explore gender, ethnicity & culture, ethical issues and stigma surrounding mental disorders. In the second portion of the course, students present a DSM-5 disorder of their choice to their classmates. Presentations cover definitional criteria, current knowledge in etiology, assessment & diagnosis, and relative evidence-based treatments. In addition, students are expected to address relevant diversity, ethical and stigma issues, specific to their chosen topic. Students also lead an informed discussion, integrating current and pertinent readings on their chosen topic.
PSYC 495 Multicultural & Diversity Counseling: Theory & Practice This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to counseling in multicultural and diversity contexts. We examine how individual lives and communities are shaped by culture and context, with particular attention to the intersections of culture, power, and inequality. We discuss how factors such as ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, disability, nation, and religion constitute our individual cultural identities in complex ways. Emphasis is on developing knowledge, skills, and attitudes for more effective multicultural and diversity counseling with persons different from the counselor regarding characteristics such as culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and religious preference. Attention is also focused on developing awareness of one’s own values, attitudes, and beliefs as they relate to counseling in an increasingly diverse society.