GPC437 GROUP COUNSELING

Course Code:3780437
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:5.0
Department:Guidance and Psychological Counseling
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Assoc.Prof.Dr. İCLAL CAN
Offered Semester:Fall Semesters.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the students will:

  • explain basics of therapeutic groups
  • be able to develop an organizational plan for a counseling group
  • demonstrate knowledge of group counseling theories
  • demonstrate knowledge of group leader skills
  • explore the importance of linking theory with practice
  • demonstrate ethical knowledge as it applies to group counseling 

Course Content

Basic concepts and philosophies of group counseling; a survey and comparison of different theoretical approaches to group counseling; group processes, norms, and stages in the development of a counseling group; characteristics of group leadership and group members; effective group leadership skills; multicultural issues in group counseling.


Course Learning Outcomes

In this course the students will learn:

  • the the principles of group counseling dynamics, theory and techniques.
  • types of therapeutic groups,
  • the stages of counseling groups,
  • ways theories are applied to groups,
  • the role and skills of the leader, and ethical issues will be discussed. 

Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Have updated knowledge regarding basic theories and approaches of psychological counseling and guidance
2Know the necessary theories, and own the knowledge and skills to conduct individual, group and career counseling
3Effectively serve for the students' educational, social/individual and vocational guidance needs as a school counselor in the educational system
4Are sensitive about the cultural differences in counseling practices
5Follow national and international publications and developments in the field of psychological counseling and guidance
6Follow and use the technological innovations which the field of psychological counseling and guidance requires
7Know the main curriculum development approaches and procedures, and develop proposals about practices in different fields
8Choose and practice the measurement and evaluation tools in the field by evaluating their validity and reliability; and report the results by truly interpreting with an ethical sense and responsibility
9Have the knowledge and implication skills about main research methods
10Effectively use the statistical programs in the field, accurately use, interpret and report the statistical procedures
11Practice activities such as giving seminars and trainings related to their field
12Adhere to and practice the ethical values and principles in their social lives and professional activities (research, practice)
13Have effective communication skills in English and Turkish (listening, speaking, writing and reading) and effectively communicate with experts in the field, institutions, organizations and colleagues by using these skills
14Produce practical solutions to the social problems by considering conditions and cultural differences
15Adopt an advocate role in professional topics

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution