Counselling Skills Foundations: Mental Health and Addictions
Overview
Prepare for a career or upgrade your skills in the social and community services field. The Counselling Skills Foundations: Mental Health & Addictions program prepares graduates with the knowledge and practical skills required for support counsellor positions in diverse community settings.| Tuition | N/A |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 1-3 years |
| Hours | N/A |
| Delivery | N/A |
| Campus | Downtown |
| Start Dates |
What to expect
What you will learn
- Demonstrate empathetic approaches in working with people
- Explore self-awareness by acknowledging and challenging assumptions
- Recognize the impacts of historic and systemic oppression, and commit to inclusive practices, including language, behaviour, and cultural humility
- Apply interpersonal skills to complex dynamics in social service agencies
- Develop ethical and professional practices in support positions across community settings
- Describe the benefits and potential limitations of a trauma-informed practice
- Practice effective communication skills
- Explain evidence-based models, tools, and interventions relevant to the field of counselling
- Recognize and appreciate Indigenous health models and resiliency, as well as traditional and contemporary practices
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The program can be taken part-time or full-time and can be completed in one year. Maximum time for completion is 3 years.
Admission Requirement
Program-specific
- English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade or English Language Proficiency at a minimum Grade 12 ‘C+’ level, or equivalent
- CNSK 1401 (Basic Counselling Skills) with a minimum ‘C’ grade or equivalent
- VCC Counselling Skills Reference Form and Rubric from a volunteer or employment supervisor verifying the following:
- completion of 60 hours of work or volunteer experience in the helping field (must include direct client contact), and
- personal and professional readiness for the program
- Criminal Record Check (CRC): Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC’s Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Basic computer skills
- Familiarity and comfort with basic research skills
- Ability to give, receive and incorporate feedback
- Maturity, emotional stability and a suitability to work in a helping role
- Resilience when confronted with difficult or opposing perspectives
- A sufficient level of self-awareness and personal and professional development to be able to attend to another person
- Willingness to work respectfully with people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives
- An interest in helping people and willingness to work in support positions in community settings
Program Availability
Not currently available.
Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CNSK 1502 | Foundations of Counselling | 3 |
| CNSK 1503 | Theories of Counselling | 3 |
| CNSK 1504 | Introduction to Family Systems | 2.5 |
| CNSK 1505 | Individual Counselling Skills | 3 |
| CNSK 1506 | Lifespan Development | 2.5 |
| CNSK 1508 | Assessment Practices | 3 |
| CNSK 1509 | Personal and Professional Development | 2.5 |
| CNSK 1510 | Indigenous Perspectives | 2 |
| CNSK 1512 | Introduction to Pharmacology and Concurrent Disorders | 2 |
| CNSK 1515 | Group Facilitation Skills | 2.5 |
| CNSK 1521 | Practicum: Counselling Skills | 11 |
| Total Credits | 37 | |
This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and Costs
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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Technical requirement
How to Apply
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca
Advising services for International students
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