After reviewing the course syllabus on the weekly objectives, the topics I find I have previous
knowledge on is topic 1 distinguishing between assessment and diagnosis, topic 2 active
listening responses and effective communication on information in the counseling process,
and topic 8 identifying the DSM on the criteria for Substance-related and Addictive Disorder.
When I was in the school counseling program through GCU, my CNL-500 class we had to learn
the different types of therapy and have a volunteer to use for a counseling session
assignment and record the sessions of every student interviewing our volunteers. I had to use
open-ended questions to keep the client engaged and focused while using active listening,
empathy, and effective communication skills so the volunteer client will not feel overwhelmed
or shut off from the interview. The objectives for topics 1 and 8 I received experience from my
undergraduate program for the addictions counseling undergraduate program and my time
as a sponsor with Three Doors Grace Rehabilitation and Drug Center where I was able to
study the different stages of addictions and learning how each disorder is assessed to
determine the appropriate treatments. I was an AA sponsor in the program helping other
addicts stay faithful to the program and succeed to passing the program.
The other objectives in the program I am vaguely familiar with but I have learned the different
types of diagnosis and treatments when I was in the undergraduate program. I remember
writing a research paper on Schizophrenia and Dissociate Identity Disorder and knew I
wanted to become a licensed professional counselor because I was always fascinated with the
different types of disorders. I have no prior knowledge with topic 6 objectives of
understanding the pathological disorders and process seems interesting and cannot wait to
learn more about those objectives. I do not have a particular subject I would like to discuss
because they all seem interesting and would like to learn from my instructor and classmates
as the weeks progress in this course.
