Master's Course Contents

• PDR500 Scientific Research Methods and Ethics
  This course aims to understand the theoretical foundation of the steps of methods used in research and to comply with publication ethics. It includes topics such as literature review, problem identification, hypothesis formulation, method determination, data collection, sample selection, validity, reliability, data preparation, analysis methods, presenting analyses, and interpreting data. The course also covers what constitutes ethical violations in publications and general ethical issues encountered in publication processes.

• PDR501 Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
  This course aims to ensure that students gain detailed knowledge about psychopathologies frequently encountered during childhood and adolescence. The objective is to present the basic theories and approaches developed regarding child and adolescent psychopathologies. Students are expected to have foundational knowledge about commonly encountered problems such as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, learning disabilities, autism, and anxiety disorders.

• PDR502 Individual Psychological Counseling and Applications
  The course aims to provide students with the experience of individual psychological counseling with real clients through a total of 12 sessions using fundamental psychological counseling skills and techniques. The scope of this course allows counseling candidates to conduct counseling sessions under the supervision of the course instructor. Particularly, this course introduces students to create therapeutic alliances with clients, conduct pre-intervention sessions, prepare session reports for each session, and effectively use counseling skills and techniques throughout the process. This course emphasizes addressing students' concerns regarding individual psychological counseling, the problems they encounter during sessions, and developing skills to handle potential difficulties throughout the process.

• PDR503 Therapeutic Skills
  The necessary knowledge and skills regarding session management in the psychological counseling process, assessing and conceptualizing client problems, goal setting, using advanced psychological counseling skills, determining strategies and selecting interventions, termination, and monitoring concerning the topics addressed.

• PDR504 New Approaches in Psychological Counseling
  This course covers new and different psychological counseling approaches and models, the concepts, principles, and techniques that constitute their foundation; students learn to assess and conceptualize client problems within the framework of these approaches and models, along with example applications.

• PDR505 Psychosocial Program Development and Implementation
  This course addresses the theoretical foundations, strategies, and practical implementations of psychosocial education, an important component of the psychological counseling process. Students develop the abilities to design and implement effective training programs tailored to the psychological needs of individuals or groups. The course content includes learning the process of creating psychosocial programs, which includes steps like conducting needs analysis, setting objectives, developing content and materials, selecting evaluation methods, and implementing the program. Students also learn how to appropriately adapt psychosocial programs for different target audiences (e.g., children, adolescents, adults).

• PDR506 Career Counseling and Applications
  This course covers factors influencing the career development process; individual differences, theories related to career counseling: trait-factor fit theories, psychodynamic approaches; career counseling theories: developmental approaches; social-cognitive approaches; new approaches and models, occupational values, and evaluation in career counseling (scales and applications), activities in career counseling (individual and group), vocational guidance practices in preschools and elementary schools, vocational guidance practices in middle schools, resume preparation, job interviews, vocational guidance practices in high schools, and career counseling practices in universities, family genograms, multiculturalism in career counseling, and career counseling for individuals with disabilities.

• PDR507 History of Psychology
  The "History of Psychology" course provides students with a broad perspective on the historical development of psychology and significant theoretical approaches. This course examines the evolution of psychology from ancient times to modern psychology, key figures, and periodic changes. Students learn to understand the role of philosophy, science, culture, and social interactions in shaping psychology's current scientific and professional identity. Additionally, the course explores major movements of psychology (e.g., structuralism, functionalism, psychoanalysis, behaviorism, cognitive psychology) and fundamental concepts, offering students an opportunity to understand various perspectives of psychology. This way, students establish a foundation to evaluate the complex nature of the discipline and its future developments.

• PDR508 Theories of Couple and Family Counseling
  This course aims to familiarize students with couple counseling theories, identify the differences between counseling approaches and techniques, demonstrate effective and reflective listening and counseling skills, and acquire the ability to work with couples. The course encompasses the historical development of couple therapy, its theoretical underpinnings, key concepts and processes, various therapy approaches, and applications.

• PDR509 Trauma and Grief Counseling
  The course includes definitions of trauma and traumatic events, the history of trauma studies, the effects of trauma, the relationship of trauma with other psychological disorders, trauma and memory, risk factors relating to trauma and epidemiology, psychological theories explaining trauma, secondary trauma, complex trauma, and traumatic grief, post-traumatic growth and psychological resilience, assessment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), early interventions, and treatments concerning PTSD.

• PDR510 Crisis Intervention
  The "Crisis Intervention" course aims to help students develop effective intervention strategies in crisis situations. This course focuses on the definitions, types, and causes of crises, enabling students to understand the psychological, emotional, and behavioral responses encountered during crises. It also teaches the essential principles and techniques used in crisis intervention and equips students with skills to assess and intervene in crisis situations. Students are provided with practical experiences to identify and utilize resources needed to support individuals, families, and the community during crises. This course enables students to develop crisis management skills, allowing them to work effectively in counseling, psychotherapy, and emergency intervention fields.

• PDR511 Development of Psychological Measurement Tools
  Examination of psychological evaluation used in measuring human behavior and the psychometric models utilized in developing scales, including working on scale adaptation and development.

• PDR512 Solution-Focused Psychological Counseling
  The "Solution-Focused Psychological Counseling" course teaches students approaches that prioritize solutions and recovery instead of the problems that individuals face. This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and techniques of the solution-focused counseling process. Students learn how to assist individuals in coping with issues by exploring their strengths and resources. Additionally, students experience hands-on applications of techniques used in the solution-focused counseling process, such as determining, goal setting, scaling, and solution creation. This course equips students with effective counseling skills that help individuals discover their potential and manage their change processes.

• PDR513 Psychodrama
  The "Psychodrama" course aims to equip students with understanding, applying, and directing psychodrama techniques. This course teaches students the fundamentals and techniques of psychodrama and enables them to manage psychodramatic group processes. Students gain practical experiences in exploring individuals’ inner worlds using the psychodrama method, enhancing emotional expression, resolving conflicts, and developing new perspectives. Moreover, the course provides information on how psychodrama can be used within group therapy, individual therapy, and educational settings. It helps students understand how psychodrama can serve as an effective therapeutic and personal development tool, rendering them competent practitioners in managing psychodramatic processes.

• PDR514 Culturally Sensitive Psychological Counseling
  The "Culturally Sensitive Psychological Counseling" course aims to equip students with skills to provide psychological counseling in diverse cultural contexts. This course examines how various cultural elements, such as cultural diversity, ethnicity, religion, gender, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors, influence the psychological counseling process. It provides students with tools to understand and apply important concepts such as cultural sensitivity, empathy, respect, and attention. Additionally, students acquire the ability to create culturally appropriate intervention strategies and establish a counseling environment that respects cultural differences. This course aims to increase intercultural compatibility in the field of psychological counseling by empowering students to work more effectively and sensitively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

• PDR515 Graduate Seminar
  This course aims to enhance students' skills in conducting research in accordance with scientific research rules on specific topics. In this scope, students are expected to undertake and present a research project following established scientific research guidelines on a selected topic.

• PDR516 Current Issues in Psychological Counseling
  The "Current Issues in Psychological Counseling" course aims to engage students with new developments and current discussions within the field of psychological counseling. This course examines social, cultural, technological, and economic changes affecting psychological counseling practices. It provides knowledge on contemporary topics such as digital psychology, online counseling, multicultural counseling, trauma intervention, social justice, sexuality, and gender diversity. Furthermore, students gain awareness of the ethical, legal, and professional standards related to these subjects. This course enables students to adapt to the changing needs and trends in psychological counseling, thus maintaining their professional practice in a current and effective manner.

• PDR517 Psychological Counseling in Aging, Death, and Grief
  The course on "Psychological Counseling in Aging, Death, and Grief" aims to help students understand the processes of aging, death, and grief and provide psychological support in these areas. It discusses the psychological, social, and physiological aspects of aging while informing students about how to best support the quality of life of elderly individuals. Moreover, the course examines the psychological impacts of death and grief and how individuals cope with these processes, equipping students with counseling skills for conducting grief counseling.

• PDR518 Applications of Couple and Family Counseling
  The "Applications of Couple and Family Counseling" course aims to equip students with the ability to understand relationship issues faced by couples and families and to intervene effectively. This course studies the dynamics, interactions, and problems of couple and family relationships while providing theoretical and practical knowledge on managing the relationship counseling process. Students learn skills for counseling on issues such as communication problems, conflict management, relationship development, family systems and roles, divorce, and separation. In addition, students are given opportunities to learn and apply the therapy approaches used in couple and family counseling, thereby developing their competency in understanding and intervening with challenges faced by couples and families through supportive, constructive, and solution-focused approaches.

• PDR519 Mental Health and Spirituality
  The "Mental Health and Spirituality" course aims to develop a holistic approach by addressing the concept of mental health alongside its spiritual dimensions. The course explores the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of mental health and examines the effects of spirituality on mental health. It provides students with skills to understand and evaluate the importance of spirituality in human quality of life, psychological well-being, and personal development. Additionally, students receive practical knowledge about managing spiritual counseling and guidance processes, recognizing spiritual needs, and utilizing spiritual resources. This course aims to allow students to understand the significance of the spiritual dimension in mental health and to develop counseling approaches that will support individuals in finding meaning, purpose, and connection in their lives.

• PDR520 Advanced Statistics
  The "Advanced Statistics" course aims to enhance students’ understanding of complex statistics-related topics and provides them with skills to apply advanced statistical techniques. The course addresses advanced topics in statistical theory and methods, teaching students more sophisticated techniques used in statistical analysis. Students learn the theoretical foundations and applications of statistical methods such as regression analysis, analysis of variance, factor analysis, and cluster analysis. Furthermore, it equips students with capabilities to conduct data analysis using statistical software and programs. This course helps students develop the competencies needed to analyze complex data sets, interpret results, and make decisions based on statistical findings.

• PDR521 Addiction Counseling
  This course aims to discuss addiction within a theoretical framework and provide information on existing services for prevention. The topics include defining addiction, its scope and classification, substance abuse and problems related to substance use, legal and illegal substances, mental disorders caused by substance use, alcohol-related issues, addiction to alcohol, hallucinogens, narcotics, stimulants and their effects, technology use problems, technology addiction, state policy and legal processes, and topics on prevention of addiction.

• PDR522 Contemporary Development and Personality Theories
  This course aims to compare developmental and personality theories in detail, particularly focusing on how learning theories shape personality development. It takes a comparative approach to research methods used in developmental and personality studies alongside developmental and personality theories.

• PDR523 Group Psychological Counseling and Applications
  The course addresses the fundamental elements of group psychological counseling, the phases and characteristics of groups, and the use of techniques within group psychological counseling. It prepares students to convert theoretical knowledge about group psychological counseling into practice, become group leaders, create a group from scratch, plan a program, prepare members, manage the first session, and provide feedback about the group process.

• PDR524 Positive Psychology and Applications
  The "Positive Psychology" course offers students a new perspective in psychology focusing on discovering human potential, supporting personal development, and enhancing happiness. This course explores topics such as positive emotions, character strengths, mental health, well-being, and life satisfaction while teaching the fundamental concepts and theories of positive psychology. Students also have the opportunity to learn personal and professional development strategies, such as positive thinking, acceptance, commitment, the use of strengths, and the pursuit of meaning, through the applications of positive psychology.

• PDR525 Qualitative Research Methods
  The "Qualitative Research Methods" course aims to equip students with skills to understand and apply qualitative research processes. It introduces students to the fundamental principles, approaches, and methods of qualitative research. Students learn about data collection techniques (such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, observation, content analysis, etc.), data analysis methods, and interpretation strategies from both theoretical and practical perspectives. The course also provides guidance for students to design, execute, and report qualitative research projects, allowing them to grasp the depth and richness of qualitative research.

• PDR526 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Applications
  The "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Applications" course aims to teach students the fundamental principles and applications of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This course provides students with an understanding of how individuals’ thought processes and behaviors interact. They learn theoretical knowledge about essential components of CBT, such as diagnosing cognitive disorders, determining therapy goals, cognitive restructuring techniques, and behavioral strategies. Additionally, students gain hands-on experience applying cognitive behavioral therapy methods, understanding how to practically implement the cognitive model. This course enhances students' comprehension of how CBT can be an effective therapeutic approach for improving individuals' mental health.

• PDR527 Metacognitive Therapy
  The "Metacognitive Therapy" course aims to teach students an alternative approach to cognitive-behavioral therapy, focusing on managing mental processes and altering thinking habits. This course addresses metacognitive strategies that allow individuals to increase their awareness of their thoughts and learn to manage their thinking processes. It provides theoretical knowledge on how to deal with mental processes such as anxiety, obsessive thoughts, and rumination. The course also offers students the opportunity to practice metacognitive therapy methods, enhancing their skills in understanding and managing their mental processes. This course equips students with various strategies for improving individuals’ mental health alongside cognitive behavioral therapy approaches.

• PDR528 Play Therapy
  The "Play Therapy" course aims to teach students how to establish therapeutic relationships with children and adolescents while supporting their emotional, social, and mental development. This course provides a theoretical foundation on how play can be utilized in the therapy process and how it can serve as a medium for children to express their emotions and liberate themselves. The course also presents appropriate play therapy techniques and play materials for different age groups. Students gain skills in building therapeutic relationships, conducting observations, assessments, and intervention planning. This course presents students with opportunities to enhance their therapeutic competencies while utilizing the power of play to support children's emotional well-being.

• PDR529 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  The "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" course aims to equip students with skills to cope with emotional challenges and lead a valued life. This course focuses on developing individuals' abilities to accept their inner conflicts and manage negative emotions. It provides theoretical knowledge about the fundamental principles of acceptance and commitment therapy, the importance of living in accordance with one's values, and techniques related to mindfulness and acceptance. Additionally, students acquire practical skills in applying this approach, encouraging individuals to make decisions based on their values and act in alignment with these decisions. This course aims to assist students in self-acceptance, utilizing their strengths, and progressing in meaningful directions in life, while also equipping them to provide their clients with these skills.

• PDR530 Rehabilitation Counseling
  This course covers the areas and sub-areas of rehabilitation, including intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, speech and language disorders; learning disabilities and giftedness; hearing and vision impairments; physical disabilities/chronic illnesses; multiple disabilities; emotional/behavioral disorders, addictions; classification, prevalence, causes, psychological tests, and assessment in special education; characteristics of families with children needing rehabilitation; attitudes towards individuals and families in need of rehabilitation; services and supports provided to families; and rehabilitation law and ethics in the context of guidance and psychological counseling while discussing the competencies, skills, roles, and responsibilities of rehabilitation psychological counselors.