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CSL6720

Christian Counseling

The course presents an overview of counseling from a Christian perspective, introducing key terms, theories, and concepts. It provides a basic Christian counseling model that is applicable to a wide range of issues typically encountered in the local church. The course also includes professional, ethical, and legal issues related specifically to Christian counseling.

UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE COMPETENT IN:

  • Understanding personal motivations and goals for providing Christian counseling.
  • Examining personality development from a lifespan perspective.
  • Defining key concepts and terms related to the major theories of therapy.
  • Identifying and exploring the major concepts of psychoanalytic therapy in relation to Christian counseling.
  • Examining the usefulness of existential therapy as it applies to the helping relationship.
  • Defining and describing the advantages of person centered therapy as it pertains to ministerial counseling.
  • Evaluating the use of behavioral therapy and its application to Christian counseling.
  • Analyzing and applying the concepts of cognitive behavioral therapy in relation to individuals, couples, and families.
  • Discussing the strengths and usefulness of reality therapy in a pastoral counseling context.
  • Summarizing the contributions and clinical applications of post-modern approaches to Christian counseling.
  • Exploring the therapy terms and application of family systems to congregational families and the church as a larger human system.
  • Evaluating major theories of counseling and integrating them into a personal model of Christian counseling.
  • Applying one’s personal model of Christian Counseling to a given case.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of ethical and legal issues related to the practice of Christian counseling.
  • Understanding the effects of the counselor’s personal beliefs and values on the therapeutic process.

Syllabi

Winter 2024 Download