Adler School of Professional Psychology Catalog 2008 – 2009

multiple traumatic experiences. Included is education on various types of
trauma and the potential effect of the traumatic experience on the whole
person. The frequent co-morbidity observed in trauma clients will be looked at
in detail. The course includes an emphasis on assisting clients with skills of
pacing and containment as they learn to reintegrate feelings. Also includes
techniques to aid in the safe expression of intense effect through expressive art
techniques.
814 Psychology and Consumer Culture 3 Credits
This elective course is intended to be an examination of the historical roots and
contemporary consequences of materialistic culture on the psychological wellbeing
of human beings and society-at-large. The course will examine the roots
of consumer culture in historical, political and economic factors and the many
ways in which consumer culture impact our lives. Topics include the impact of
materialistic values on well being, the impact of commercialism on children, the
relationship between consumerism and psychological dysfunctions, the ole of
globalization, and ways in which psychology can challenge the impact of
consumerism and help to effect social changes that diminish the adverse impact
of materialism.
815 Mental Health Disaster Response Counseling 2 Credits
The purpose of this course is to educate the mental health professional in the
mental health disaster response crisis counseling program model. This model
differs significantly from the traditional mental health model. The mental health
disaster response crisis counseling model is a specialized approach which
requires distinct training. The skills, knowledge, and attitudes required for
mental health disaster response and recovery crisis counseling are quite
different from those needed in traditional clinical settings. This course will
introduce the student to the mental health disaster response crisis counseling
program model, the scope and limits of the program, and the elements required
for effective service system design, and the delivery of those services in an allhazards
disaster environment.
822 Death, Dying, Bereavement, and Loss-Focused 3 Credits
Approaches to Intervention
This course covers the psychological theories, cultural responses, individual and
family system reactions, and treatment relevant to individuals facing death,
dying, life-threatening illness, bereavement, other losses, and long-term care
giving. Students will learn about the range of events associated with these
experiences across the lifespan, the major risk factors for emotional, cognitive,
behavioral, social, and spiritual dysfunction, cultural factors that exacerbate or
ameliorate dysfunction, and research-supported approaches to treatment. The
awareness and effective management of the clinician's emotional and
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