Courses

Students will participate in a process group training experience led by a trained faculty facilitator. They will grow in the critical relational skills that are necessary to lead well, have stimulating interactive times and receive targeted feedback. Students will have a confidential place for personal character development.

The study of individual and family development across the life span. An examination of cognitive, personality and moral development throughout life stages, as well as strategies for facilitating optimal development.

The study of the history, professional roles and responsibilities of the counseling profession, including ethical, legal and Christian standards/principles for conduct. An examination of professional organizations, preparation, credentialing and the creation of a plan for lifelong professional and personal development.

An investigation of significant counseling theories and models of the helping relationship. This course is a study of counseling theories, basic and advanced interventions, and techniques and client characteristics that impact change in the helping process. Additional emphasis will be placed on consultation theory and practice.

The study of the history, theory and application of tests and other assessment methods that provide an understanding and evaluation of individuals, families and groups. An examination of appraisal measures, including validity, reliability and other relevant psychometric statistics.

The study of the social and cultural foundations of the attitudes and behavior of individuals, families and diverse groups. An emphasis on multicultural awareness and strategies that promote understanding and effective interventions.

The study of group theory, dynamics, process and stages. An examination of group roles, member behaviors and leadership as well as basic and advanced group interventions.

An investigation of career development theory, including career decision-making, gender, family and social/cultural issues. Additional emphasis on career counseling theory and practice as well as the use of assessment instruments that facilitate lifelong career development.

An examination of basic research methods and practice, including quantitative and qualitative designs, research reporting and evaluation, ethical considerations and the use of computers in data collection and analysis. Additional emphasis on need assessment and program evaluation.

The study of integration models and the application of these models to the practice of Christian counseling. Included is the basic assumptions of Christianity and psychology, the nature of the Christian experience and the direct application of the major teachings of the Bible to helping relationships.
Prerequisites: CN 602 and 603

An investigation of the history, philosophy and cultural dimensions of mental health counseling, including the roles and identity of mental health counselors, ethical considerations and the training and credentialing of mental health counselors. Includes professional issues and practice guidelines for the mental health counselor, including conducting community needs assessments and creating and overseeing community interventions to address those needs.

This course is designed to help students develop an understanding of the philosophical foundations of the helping process and the application of basic (active listening, attending, building rapport, and demonstrating empathy) and advanced (the integration of skills with counseling theory, case conceptualization, treatment planning, providing corrective experiences, and the development of personal counseling approach) counseling skills within a multicultural framework.
Prerequisite: CN 610

The study of abnormal behavior, personality disorders and psychopathological conditions specific to developmental phases throughout the life span. A thorough examination of etiology and diagnosis of mental disorders according to the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for mental and emotional disorders and an understanding of the International Classification of Diseases. Students will learn advanced therapy techniques that build character structure in their clients leading to symptom reduction.
Prerequisites: CN 601 and 603

An investigation of the history, traditions and application of spiritual formation/direction. Emphasis on the knowledge and application of the spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, study, solitude, fasting, etc.; as well as the practice of directing the spiritual growth of others.

The history and philosophy of the marriage and family therapy movement, including roles and identity of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family systems and practice, ethical considerations and the training and credentialing of marriage and family therapists.

The theological and psychological study of the issues that contribute to various addictive behaviors. Assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of addictions, as well as various models of recovery.

This course is designed to introduce students to basic crisis intervention strategies. The course addresses fundamental crisis intervention theory and offers practical applications in various crisis situations. Students will explore various assessment, intervention, and crisis treatment issues. Special emphasis will be placed on the impact of trauma on the individual, family and community. Students will engage in crisis intervention role-plays and practice applying specific interventions in crisis scenarios. Also, students will learn and engage in specialized skills, methods and interventions for working with those suffering with traumatic stress.
Prerequisites: CN 609, 610 and 611

A supervised counseling experience providing the opportunity to practice individual, family and group counseling skills in a clinic setting. The 100-hour practicum requires a minimum of 50 direct client contact hours and includes weekly individual and group supervision from a University supervisor.
Prerequisites: CN 601, 602, 603, 606, 610, and 611; and 612 (or concurrent)

The opportunity to practice and provide a variety of counseling related activities that would normally be expected of a regularly employed counselor. The 300-hour internship requires a minimum of 150 direct client contact hours and includes weekly individual and group supervision from a site and University supervisor. Grading: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: CN 612 and 650

The opportunity to practice and provide a variety of counseling related activities that would normally be expected of a regularly employed counselor. The 300-hour internship requires a minimum of 150 direct client contact hours and includes weekly individual and group supervision from a site and University supervisor. Grading: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: CN 612 and 651