Courses

An overview of philosophy and theology systems as ancient and contemporary behavioral sciences. Students will understand the application of theology as a counseling application as distinct from an apologetic system. (3 Units)

An examination and explanation of current laws and ethical issues affecting pastoral counselors and church-based counseling applications. (3 Units)

A general overview of life development following the Biblical Stages from birth through death with emphasis on the relational skills, roles and rituals associated with each stage. (3 Units)

A general understanding of the dynamics of congregational life to personal development and adjustment necessary in maintaining healthy marital, family and personal relationships in community context. Emphasis will be placed on the congregational structure and dynamics necessary for the application of life-to-life and other congregational counseling models. (3 Units)

The course examines the content and approaches to Marriage and Family Ministry within the local congregation. It surveys the approaches presently used by various congregations and compares their respective strengths and weaknesses. It also addresses the present controversy and battle between civil and religious marriage, the emergence of Gender-Neutral marriage, and the implications for religious traditions which do not treat marriage as a sacrament. (3 Units)

A survey of Christian approaches to counseling and relational healing with application to a life-to-life model of counseling in the congregation. Theology as a counseling theory will also be addressed. (3 Units)

A survey of specific programs of church-based counseling and their application in a congregational setting. (3 Units)

An examination of the relational skills and settings that establish and maintain an effective counseling relationship in a congregational setting. (3 Units)

This course introduces the student to the general categories and theories of physical illness, mental health and spiritual transgression. The student will become familiar with theories of psychology related to the DSM, related health issues and the Biblical theology of hamartiology. General concerns include the relationship of illness and mental health to righteous behavior and the use of holistic models of the person in addressing repentance, restitution and reconciliation of relationships with self, others, and God. (3 Units)

Students apply counseling ministry theory and practice through a thorough examination of their own congregation as a healing community including the church's ministry philosophy, vision and mission, ministries and organization, leadership, and approach to people helping. (1 Units)

Students apply counseling ministry theory and practice by conducting a comprehensive analysis of three congregations (excluding their own) as healing communities including the church's ministry philosophy, vision and mission, ministries and organization, leadership, and approach to people helping. Prerequisite: CBSC5700 (1 Units)

Students apply counseling ministry theory and practice by creating a plan for establishing a counseling ministry in a local congregation including counseling ministry philosophy and goals, administration, personnel, internal and external resources, and training. Prerequisite: CBSC5700 (1 Units)

Examination of the effects of therapeutic interventions on culturally distinct populations. (3 Units)

Designed for the beginning student, this is the first of a two-course sequence that serves as an introduction to the counseling profession. The focus of this course is the development of foundational knowledge of the history, scope, and the critical issues that relate to the counseling profession at large. The course emphasizes the development of basic therapeutic skills, empathy training, and the structure of the therapeutic process through a lecture/discussion/small group format. As part of the course, students will participate in a part one of a two-part professional development review that contributes to clearance to begin practicum training. Please review MSCP student handbook for detail. (3 Units)

This course is the second in a two-course sequence that serves as an introduction to the counseling profession and is a continuation of PSY 501 Professional Practice I: Basic Skills. The focus of this course is on building upon the basic therapeutic skills introduced in PSY 501 through a continued lecture/discussion/small group format. Students are introduced to several foundational theoretical orientations and emphasis is placed on various clinical, legal, and ethical issues related to the practice of psychotherapy. This includes 6 hours of suicide risk assessment, prevention, treatment, and intervention, as well as 3 hours of training in the law, ethics, and clinical considerations related to the provision of mental health services via telehealth. As part of the course, students will participate in part two of a two-part professional development review which contributes to clearance to begin practicum training. Please review MSCP student handbook for detail. Prerequisite: PSYC5010 (3 Units)

The student is introduced to the theoretical foundations of Family Systems Theory, Behaviorism, Humanism, Existentialism, and Psychoanalytic Theory. (3 Units)

A study of the developmental cycle of the human organism from a cognitive, psychological, sociological, and moral perspective. Emphasis is placed on theories and research related to child development. (3 Units)

This course will address the principles and techniques of effective therapy with couples. Various couples treatment models will be described with a focus on applicability to different client needs in a variety of settings. Intimate partner violence detection, prevention, and treatment will be integrated into the treatment of couples. (3 Units)

Human sexuality focuses on the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction with an overview of physiology. It further examines the clinical, social and ethical issues in counseling persons with AIDS-related problems. (3 Units)

Application of group treatment models to various forms of interpersonal communication. (3 Units)

Theoretical and practical applications of research methods of psychotherapy. (3 Units)

Supervised counseling experience in a professional setting. A required course either for students who begin counseling prior to PSY 555 - Practicum I OR needed to continue in practicum after completing PSY 570 - Practicum II. Prerequisite: PSYC5010 (0 Units)

Nature and causes of reactions to social, biological and psychological stress, maladaptive development, and faulty learning. Includes an in-depth study of anxiety disorders, character personality, and the psychoses. (3 Units)

Applications of Intelligence Testing and Personality testing to diagnosis and treatment. (3 Units)

Processes of diagnosis, dynamics, and treatment of children and adolescents. (3 Units)

Supervised counseling experience in professional settings. Prerequisite: PSYC5010 (3 Units)

An examination and explanation of current laws and ethical issues affecting psychotherapists. (3 Units)

A continuation of PSY 555 - Practicum I. Prerequisite: PSYC5550 (3 Units)

An examination of the philosophical and theoretical suppositions of the major schools of family therapy. Emphasis on the historical and contemporary context of systems theory and family therapy. (3 Units)

Concentration on the therapeutic techniques of the various schools of family therapy discussed in Family Therapy I. Students are encouraged to develop specific family therapy skills through the use of videotape feedback, coaching, and classroom demonstration. Prerequisite: PSYC5800 (3 Units)

Faculty and student dialogue on issues and topics related to the integration of Christianity and psychology. (3 Units)

This course is designed for the non-medical psychotherapist. The major categories of medication used in psychiatric intervention and issues related to consultation and collaboration with treatment teams, including medical staff, will be discussed. (3 Units)

This course provides the student with an overview of the addictive process, including substance dependency and behavioral compulsions. The course emphasizes the etiology of addiction, the systemic impact of co-occurring disorders, the standard of care treatment modalities, and concepts of resiliency and recovery. (0 Units)

This seminar addresses mental health issues in aging populations. (0 Units)