A counseling theories class covers the entire breadth of established and accepted counseling theories. Theories such as Sigmund Freud's psychodynamic theory to post-constructivist theories like solution-focused counseling are presented. Learning theories and how to apply them within a counseling session is important, as an effective counselor draws from many theories. Each client is different and so each requires a unique therapy plan by drawing from techniques that will work effectively with that specific client.
Counseling techniques courses involve application of the basic tenets of counseling, as well as theories and theory-specific techniques learned in a counseling theory class. Students learn how to use body language to convey empathy and interest in what the client is saying. Students also learn to read the client's body language. Clients may have difficulty articulating their feelings and thoughts, so counselors must use techniques from different theories to help clients express themselves as well as gain insight into their issues.
Family counseling involves a different group of theories and so is often presented as a separate course. Family counseling theories focus on group interactions, how to correctly read those interactions and then help to correct them. Family counseling courses also include application of the theories by requiring students to conduct mock family counseling sessions so that students may use the techniques that are taught.
All counselors must know how to confidently and correctly diagnose a client, should the need arise, as not all counselors work in settings that require diagnosis. In order to do this, students take abnormal psychology in order to understand the different diagnoses that are available in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV (DSM-IV). According to the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM-IV is the standardized classification of mental illnesses. Knowing how to diagnose appropriately is important, as insurance companies require diagnosis in order to approve claims; diagnosis also assists in formulating a therapy plan, as there are approved or encouraged forms of therapy for different disorders.