"The thing I love most about this course was the experiential feel. I learned and retained information without even realizing it!"
-Student
"I enjoyed all of the activities we did throughout the semester, and I like how you had us consistently model how to be effective group counselors. Also, you always had a positive attitude and provided us with encouraging words."
-Student
"Catherine has such a warm and natural style that is very encouraging and fun! I can absolutely tell that the students respect her and enjoy the class."
-Colleague
Teaching Philosophy
Research tells us there is no one superior method of counseling. Therefore, I implement a social constructivist approach in my classrooms in order to benefit from a necessary level of flexibility when working with a variety of counselors-in-training in diverse environments. Specifically, I seek to create learning environments that: (a) avoid oversimplification and represent the complexity of the real world; (b) provide multiple interpretations of reality; (c) emphasize authentic tasks in a meaningful context in real-world settings rather than abstract instruction out of context (i.e., experiential learning); (d) support collaborative construction of knowledge through social negotiation and recognition of mutual expertise; and (e) encourage thoughtful reflection on experience in order to strengthen critical thinking skills. Essentially, my students learn that “many roads lead to Rome” as the saying goes, and that as counselors there is room to be congruent with their own personalities while practicing ethically and effectively.
Experience
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
EDUC 688: Social & Cultural Foundations of Counseling
A study of the personal, social, political, affective, and behavioral considerations of diversity, explored through critical reflection on structural privilege and oppression. Intercultural competencies in counseling are emphasized with a focus on school settings, intersectionality, and personal bias.
EDUC 631: Theories & Techniques in School Counseling
This experiential course provides students with a foundation in counseling theories and skills. The primary focus is on counseling children in schools and on integrating theory and practice.
EDUC 886: Group Counseling in Schools
Studies that provide an understanding of group development, dynamics, and counseling theories; group leadership styles; group counseling methods and skills; and other group approaches.
EDUC 698: Pre Practicum in School Counselor Education
Provides students with opportunities to practice their developing skills and ensures both students and the consumers of program services that students will be prepared for the duties and responsibilities of the full practicum experience.
EDUC 305: Educational Psychology (undergraduate, online)
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the major historical and contemporary theories of human development and learning and their educational implications.
EDUC 293: Love & Work (undergraduate, 100+ students)
An exploration of the complex components of human relationships, career decisions and life values, with an assumption that part of being an effective adult is an ever increasing self-awareness of one's strengths and deficits.
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA (2011-2014)
MHS 6500: Group Procedures and Theories in Counseling
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the role of theories in group counseling as well as the many process applications of groups.
MHS 6401: Techniques of Counseling
This course provides students an understanding of the nature of counseling and its relationships to theoretical concepts, and of basic counseling skills and techniques.
MHS 2442: Marriage & Intimate Relationships
Examination of the dynamics of intimate relationships, dating, courtship and challenges of establishing stable and satisfying marriage, impact of divorce, premarital preparation and marital education.
MHS 6421: Foundations of Play Therapy & Play Process (Guest Lecturer (Psychodrama & Sociodrama; Sandtray)
This course provides students experiential learning opportunities of theories and application of the principles of play in the counseling process with children.
MHS 6380: Practicum in Counselor Education (Co-Teacher)
This course provides opportunities for counseling students to practice intervention skills under supervision. Students apply the knowledge and techniques learned in previous course work to the resolution of individual, group, and systems level problems. Provided live, bug-in-the-ear supervision.
MHS 5005: Introduction to Counseling (Co-Teacher)
Overview of the philosophy, organization, administration, and roles of counselors in various work settings.
EDUC 688: Social & Cultural Foundations of Counseling
A study of the personal, social, political, affective, and behavioral considerations of diversity, explored through critical reflection on structural privilege and oppression. Intercultural competencies in counseling are emphasized with a focus on school settings, intersectionality, and personal bias.
EDUC 631: Theories & Techniques in School Counseling
This experiential course provides students with a foundation in counseling theories and skills. The primary focus is on counseling children in schools and on integrating theory and practice.
EDUC 886: Group Counseling in Schools
Studies that provide an understanding of group development, dynamics, and counseling theories; group leadership styles; group counseling methods and skills; and other group approaches.
EDUC 698: Pre Practicum in School Counselor Education
Provides students with opportunities to practice their developing skills and ensures both students and the consumers of program services that students will be prepared for the duties and responsibilities of the full practicum experience.
EDUC 305: Educational Psychology (undergraduate, online)
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the major historical and contemporary theories of human development and learning and their educational implications.
EDUC 293: Love & Work (undergraduate, 100+ students)
An exploration of the complex components of human relationships, career decisions and life values, with an assumption that part of being an effective adult is an ever increasing self-awareness of one's strengths and deficits.
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA (2011-2014)
MHS 6500: Group Procedures and Theories in Counseling
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the role of theories in group counseling as well as the many process applications of groups.
MHS 6401: Techniques of Counseling
This course provides students an understanding of the nature of counseling and its relationships to theoretical concepts, and of basic counseling skills and techniques.
MHS 2442: Marriage & Intimate Relationships
Examination of the dynamics of intimate relationships, dating, courtship and challenges of establishing stable and satisfying marriage, impact of divorce, premarital preparation and marital education.
MHS 6421: Foundations of Play Therapy & Play Process (Guest Lecturer (Psychodrama & Sociodrama; Sandtray)
This course provides students experiential learning opportunities of theories and application of the principles of play in the counseling process with children.
MHS 6380: Practicum in Counselor Education (Co-Teacher)
This course provides opportunities for counseling students to practice intervention skills under supervision. Students apply the knowledge and techniques learned in previous course work to the resolution of individual, group, and systems level problems. Provided live, bug-in-the-ear supervision.
MHS 5005: Introduction to Counseling (Co-Teacher)
Overview of the philosophy, organization, administration, and roles of counselors in various work settings.
Sample Syllabi
| Theories & Techniques in School Counseling |
| Social & Cultural Foundations of Counseling |
Course Ratings and Comments
| Evaluations - Teaching & Supervision (Catherine Griffith) |
© Catherine Griffith. All rights reserved. Last updated 5-21-2013.
