This course prepares students for the application of a case management model for his/her clinical practice of addiction and mental health counselling. Through an understanding of the provincial addiction and mental health system, this course helps students develop an awareness of the crucial role of case management in facilitating clients through various stages of their recovery and treatment modalities. The core functions of case management are applied generally and also to sub-population groups with distinct needs, with emphasis on how the model is applied across varied treatment settings.  Particular attention is devoted to ethical, legal and other professional practice issues that accompany the far-reaching responsibilities and complexities of case management.  Detailed instruction in addictions and mental health assessment is included.

This course provides students with theory, skills and practice that are necessary for effective interviewing and counselling from both individual and group based modalities. Students will learn about the necessary building blocks for rapport and relationship building, principles of good clinical assessment, and how to effectively create a treatment plan with clients. The specifics of setting up therapeutic groups and theoretical stages of group process are studied. Students will learn about various types of interventions and how these can be utilized to facilitate change in both individual and group settings. Emphasis will be placed on experiential learning and students will have the opportunity to integrate theoretical concepts with their emerging counselling skills.

This course examines addictive behaviour as it relates to women specifically. It provides the prospective counsellor with a gender-specific perspective that will equip them to intervene effectively on issues related to women.  The course takes into account gender-sensitive and multicultural issues and examines women’s substance use and related problems, treatment characteristics, experiences and outcomes and how they differ from those of men.

This subject provides students with  an overview of the additions-related agencies available for field placement in Durham Region.  Students are also introduced to the role of the counsellor, the field placement process, the forms and paperwork required for field placement, and the selection process for field placement.

This course provides students with an introduction to human hormonal and neurochemical processes as they relate to human behaviour substance use/abuse, and mental health.  Students integrate their understanding of the organization and functioning of the central nervous system with its relationship to addictive behaviour.  The course focuses on the fundamental concepts associated with the study of addictive behaviour and mental health and relates them to personal and societal biases regarding psychoactive drugs and drug use.  The information gained in this course provides students with the ability to assess the impact of drug use on psychosocial functioning and plan and implement interventions.

This course examines relapse prevention models, strategies and determinants of relapse. Special attention is paid to the role of self-efficacy in relapse prevention and the practical application of harm reduction interventions. The course also reintroduces students to the stages of change as they apply to relapse prevention.  A multitude of group and individual-based interventions are explored, including structured relapse prevention and guided self change.

This course introduces students to the history of mental illness and drug dependence that led to the development of current theories and models of these disorders. Students examine the treatment methodologies derived from these theories and models and the current clinical practices used with clients who present mental health and substance abuse-related issues. The course covers a full range of psychiatric diagnoses and dependences related to both substances as well as other behaviours such as gambling and sex.

This course is an introduction to families from a family systems and family therapy perspective.  Students learn to view human behaviour and behaviour problems, including addictive behaviours and mental health issues as expressions of family interactions and structure.  Several models of therapy are contrasted with a family systems approach.  Family dynamics are explored as factors in the development of addictive behaviour.  Students are introduced to assessment and treatment planning strategies for families affected by substance abuse and/or mental illness.

This course provides students with an introduction to the Brief Therapy Model developed by researchers at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto, California.  Students learn and gain practise in applying concepts associated with two of the most popular Brief Therapy models, including the Solution-focussed and Narrative approaches.

This course focuses on youth as a “special population” at risk for the development of addictive behaviours. Students will learn about current drug use trends among Ontario’s young people, the various factors that may influence adolescent substance use and abuse, including developmental changes; familial factors and mental health; how youth differ from adults regarding substance use; and participation in gambling behaviours. The course introduces students to specific models of youth addiction; key treatment considerations in working with youth who have substance abuse issues; and specialized interventions and counselling strategies for working with youth.

This subject provides students with  an overview of the additions-related agencies available for field placement in Durham Region.  Students are also introduced to the role of the counsellor, the field placement process, the forms and paperwork required for field placement, and the selection process for field placement.

This course examines wellness models in and introduces students to lifestyle counselling. Special attention is paid to the workshop model and instructional strategies that allow the counsellor and client to develop and maintain a balanced and healthy way of life. Students will develop and conduct psychoeducational sessions with a client population.

This course is divided into two parts (Phase 1 and 2).  In Phase 1 (Weeks 1 through 7), students learn the information required to deliver an effective community presentation on gambling.  Topics include education about Ontario’s gaming marketplace; characteristics of problem gamblers; and factors that contribute to problem gambling including a discussion of odds, cognitive distortions and information on special populations of problem gamblers such as women, youth, the elderly and those with co-existing gambling and mental health conditions.  In Phase 2 (Weeks 8 through 14), students are introduced to the various approaches used in the treatment of problem gambling, with a primary emphasis on the cognitive-behavioural model.  They learn to apply brief interventions with problem gamblers and special populations of gamblers (e.g. women, youth, the elderly and affected family members).  Students will also be introduced to “mindfulness” in counselling practise.

This course focuses on the needs and circumstances of older Canadians with addictive behaviours and mental health issues. Students learn to apply the continuum of care to this population and use the case management model when working with older people.

This course prepares students to identify and assess symptomatology as it applies to mental health disorders. Through a general understanding of DSM-IV criteria, this course helps students develop an awareness of common psychopathologies, treatment methodologies and current mental health related issues.

This course examines the particular needs and circumstances of specific marginalized groups within our society including the gay and lesbian community, native Canadians, ethnic minorities, the physically disabled and the homeless.  Students explore biases towards these special populations and learn to address their needs as a counsellor, advocate and case manager.

This course examines several forms of abuse including family, gang and bar violence and their links to alcohol, drug abuse and mental health. Students learn to identify forms of abuse and respond professionally and therapeutically. In addition, students will be introduced to various theoretical frameworks, treatment methodologies, and resources for both victims and perpetrators to assist in their roles as case managers.

Students are required to complete 490 hours of supervised field work in a community setting that provides direct client service.  Field placement provides an opportunity for the further development of competence in all areas contributing to graduate-level knowledge and skills, as well as the attitudes and values of an addiction counsellor or mental health worker.  Direct links to the courses in the Addictions Counselling program give students an opportunity to demonstrate an application of classroom content and theories in observable and measurable ways.