Biblical Counseling

In this course the centrality of the Bible in its relationship to counseling is explored. Emphasis is given to embedding theological truth as the sine qua non of an effective biblical counseling relationship so that biblical change can be embraced by the counselee. The student will develop a foundational theology of counseling that promotes personal and professional growth as a skilled people-helper.

You will formulate and articulate a personalized philosophy of Biblical counseling. The Scripture’s sufficiency in meeting human needs is emphasized. Various Christian counselors’ perspectives are analyzed and critiqued in relation to Biblical counseling. Historical perspectives are considered relative to contemporary issues and milieu in counseling.

This course will help students understand the various biblical truths, spiritual disciplines, and processes that provide a foundation for personal spiritual formation. Students will be challenged to personally pursue godliness through regularly practicing and participating in the various disciplines and process associated with spiritual formation. The class will help students understand how spiritual formation helps the Christian develop a biblical concept of self and identity. Theological concepts like union with Christ will help students grasp the significance of Jesus’s identity in the spiritual formation of a Christians’ identity.

An exploration of difficulties experienced by children (up through age 12) and their parents as understood from the perspective of healthy development and biblical guidelines for parenting. Emphasis will be on incorporating parents in the intervention process, supporting their primacy as God’s intended agents for discipling children toward spiritual, emotional, and behavioral health. Additional topics will include interviewing, assessment, treatment planning, how children learn, parent training programs, and research support for biblical wisdom on child rearing.

A survey of developmental theories, decision–making paradigms, and principles for vocational guidance. Factors involving choice of colleges and/or other educational options as they relate to career planning, and information service tools as they relate to the career counseling process are included.