This article presents a model for teaching counseling theory prior to a graduate student's first practicum in counseling. The model was developed to present current theories to graduate students in counseling, to develop student self-awareness by having students apply the theories to themselves, and to enable students to practice each theory in a structured situation. The course described incorporates many ideas already presented in the literature about the value of didactic/experiential training, modeling, written, and in vivo practice. The application of the instructional format is described, with emphasis placed on practicing skills immediately following the presentation of each theory. Four methods of student evaluation in the course are discussed: (1) evaluating student ability to apply the theory to himself or herself; (2) evaluating student ability to compare and contrast two theories in depth; (3) evaluating student knowledge of the theoretical concepts and methods; and (4) evaluating student ability to translate theory into practice. It is noted that students must demonstrate competence in all four areas before they are approved for their first practicum experience. Results are given from student ratings on course evaluations administered by a third party, the ratings being 4.72 (N=17) and 4.8 (N=17) respectively, on a 5-point scale with 5 being the highest mark. Examples of student comments are included which tend to support the quality and usefulness of the experience. (Author/NB)