This course is designed as an experimental laboratory for the purpose of learning foundational counseling and interviewing skills. Students are expected to master the microskills approach to counseling and a basic structure of the counseling session that can be applied to many different theories of counseling. Simulations, observations, role-play, video recordings, transcribed sessions, exercises, and pre- and post-evaluation of skills are an integral part of this course. The course is non-transferable and must be taken at Southern for any degree, emphasis, and/or certificate program. Students must earn a grade of B+ or higher before progressing to COUN 580 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum II or COUN 585 School Counseling Practicum II.