3 hours. An introductory level course on neurobiology and psychopharmacology for students preparing for a career in counseling, this course introduces the nervous system and how/why the body acts as it does on drugs. The pharmacodynamics & pharmacokinetics for each major class of psychotropic medications is covered along with the psychosocial treatments recommended to be concurrent with medications. Approaches to talking with clients about medication and medication compliance are presented as are models for collaborating with prescribing professionals. Other topics introduced are social and cultural issues that impact responses to psychotropic medication; research on common medication issues for children, the elderly, and individuals with alcohol or drug-related disorders; and current research on the use of herbaceuticals. The course concludes with an examination of the neurobiology of sleep, of attachment in the psychotherapy relationship, and of wellness. Core (CSR, D)

Required Texts

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7^th ed.). ISBN 13: 9781433832161

Ingersoll, E. & Rak, C. (2015). Psychopharmacology for mental health professionals: An integrative approach (2^nd ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. ISBN-13: 978-1285845227

Recommended Reading

Dana, D. (2018). The polyvagal theory in therapy: Engaging the rhythm of regulation. New York, NY: Norton.

Dana, D. (2020). Polyvagal exercises for safety and connection: 50 client-centered practices. New York, NY: Norton.

Maté, G. (2003). When the body says no: Exploring the stress-disease connection. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Miller, A. (2005). The body never lies. New York, NY: Norton.

Phifer, L. W., & Sibbald, L. K. (2020). Trauma-informed social-emotional toolbox for children & adolescents. Eau Claire, WI: PESI.

Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. New York, NY: Norton.

Preston, J., & Johnson, J. (2020). Clinical psychopharmacology made ridiculously simple (9^th ed.). Miami, FL: MedMaster.

Rathus, J. H., & Miller, A. L. (2015). DBT skills manual for adolescents. New York, NY: Guilford.

Shapiro, F. (2012). Getting past your past. New York, NY: Rodale.

Siegel, D. J. (2011). Mindsight. New York, NY: Bantam Books.

Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. New York, NY: Penguin.

By the end of the course, students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of the following learning outcomes:

Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice (2016 CACREP 2.F.1)

b. the multiple professional roles and functions of counselors across specialty areas, and their relationships with human service and integrated behavioral health care systems, including interagency and interorganizational collaboration and consultation

Human Growth and Development (2016 CACREP 2.F.3)

e. biological, neurological, and physiological factors that affect human development, functioning, and behavior

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Foundations (2016 CACREP 5.C.1)

d. neurobiological and medical foundation and etiology of addiction and co-occurring disorders

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Contextual Dimensions (2016 CACREP 5.C.2)

e. potential for substance use disorders to mimic and/or co-occur with a variety of neurological, medical, and psychological disorders

g. impact of biological and neurological mechanisms on mental health

h. classifications, indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications for appropriate medical referral and consultation