Addiction Counseling

PCN 122 – Group Experience & Self-Evaluation

The course provides students with an in depth self-evaluation for both personal development and professional development for the human services field. Student learning occurs through in-class instruction and group participation during class. The teaching method is experiential in nature. The course consists of an off campus weekend seminar during the first semester of the freshman year. Students will be required to read a textbook on spiritual formation and complete a reflection journal post seminar.

PCN 201 – Systems of Counseling I: Christian

This course examines the history of Christian counseling as it relates to the integration of theology and psychology. Consideration is given for the broad range of approaches including: biblical counseling, levels-of-explanation, integration, and Christian psychology. Course content includes study and application of the principles and methods for effective biblical change.

SOC 228 – Principles & Techniques of Counseling

This introductory course aims to apprise students of the basic tools necessary for effective counseling. As might be expected, the course covers a broad range of topics ranging from professional ethics to specific techniques used in therapy. Although most of the current theories and techniques are not necessarily derived from specific scriptural texts, a biblical worldview is foundational to the views advanced in this class. To that end, students are encouraged to interact with several sources outside the classroom setting in order to provide rich illustrations for the benefit of their classmates.

PCN 212 – Systems of Counseling II: Psychology

This course surveys the various psychological systems of counseling beginning with the early pioneers extending to the most recent therapeutic methodologies. Consideration is given for an eclectic approach that utilizes a foundational methodology with intervention strategies from various schools of thought.

CPS 541 – Group Counseling Leadership Skills

This is a clinical course designed to give students their first training in the theory and practice of group psychotherapy. Emphasis will be given to identifying and developing group leadership skills. Practical group experience outside of class will be required.

CPS 520 – Applied Counseling and Psychological Methodologies

This course will introduce the student to a variety of traditional counseling methodologies along with our appraisal from an evangelical biblical perspective. Students will also have opportunities to develop a breadth of concrete and functional skills to facilitate helping of the “whole” person. Consideration will also be given to contemporary issues facing the practitioner.

CPS 525 – Counseling and Psychological Assessment Techniques I

This course is designed to be a primer in psychological testing and assessment. Students will be familiarized to the salient clinical and ethical concerns surrounding the assessment process and not only to the content areas of specific testing techniques. The “hands on” nature of this class will furnish students with resources that will strengthen their diagnostic skills and ultimately their clinical effectiveness.

CPS 510 – Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan

This course will examine developmental theory and research as it relates to the interconnected roles of biology, family/social context and culture. The special tasks, challenges, and concerns for age-stage related issues will be considered in light of applicable biblical principles and appropriate counseling practices.

CPS 531 – Abnormal Psychology

A survey of assessment categories based on abnormal psychology classifications will be evaluated and compared to cultural norms and theological perspectives on abnormality. The application and meaning of these concerns to the practice of counseling will be considered.

CPS 572 – Addictions Counseling

This course is designed to assist the student with an understanding of addiction, the effects of addiction on the family, as well as the process of counseling these individuals toward recovery. The focus will be on alcoholism, but also pertain to all substance abuse and related addictions. The course will be beneficial to those who minister to addicts at any level, but especially those who desire a more thorough understanding of counseling the addict and their family. This course will attempt to integrate psychological findings on addiction, governing biblical principles, along with professional and practical ministry experience of the professor.