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.

Addictions Counseling will introduce and define the broadening scope of addictions and related issues. There will be a comparison and contrast between the biblical view with the secular understanding and treatment programs. Special attention will be given to address the ‘disease model’ concept, twelve step programs, dual diagnosis, and the Christian responses. Emphasis is placed on the biblical principles and approaches to counsel addicts and families. Consideration will be given to the proactive responsibilities of the church. Classroom activities will include the recovery program and the opportunity to interview representatives from adolescent and adult treatment facilities.