METHODOLOGY

This course is an introduction to theoretical foundations and skill training that enables professional counselors, chaplains, and pastors to understand client problems and intervene effectively. The counselor-client relationship and the required skills for helping clients achieve desired changes will be examined. COURSE OBJECTIVES In keeping with the purpose of providing advanced professional and theological training, the objectives of this course are stated in terms of learning outcomes. Following this course, the student will: 1. Achieve a greater awareness of personal spiritual formation as both a personal necessity and goal of Christian counseling. 2. Appreciate the psychological benefits of sanctification. 3. Have an understanding of personality learning theories. 4. Operationally define eternal life and sin as they relate to the mental process. 5. Understand the role of counseling in the local and parachurch context. 6. Make informed decisions about referrals to mental health professionals. 7. Be acquainted with several leading schools of personality theory and critically evaluate their usefulness from a theistic presuppositional perspective. 8. Apply the principles of the solution-focused approach to counseling. 9. Be able to take a personal, marital and lifestyle case history. 10. Identify the pitfalls of the client-counselor relationship