Human Development

We will examine the developmental models of early psychologists; Erik Erickson's (1902-1994), Stages of Psychosocial Development and Jean Piaget's (1896-1980), Theory of Cognitive Development along with the Vortex Model of Human Development as understood by theorist Mikel Kelly. It will be used to establish a framework for understanding Life Paradoxes as they relate to the universal struggles of humanity and for informing our approach to Post-Modernism as well as all areas of problem solving including the field of counseling itself. Here you will discover the broad answers of "how" and "why." More specifically, we will determine together the, "how to" of counseling and "why we do it."

The Eden Ideal

Using our newly developed Vortex Model paradox resolving skills from week one, we will begin developing several doctrines from the Biblical accounts of Adam and Eve in order to establish our understanding about: the lopsided nature of mankind; God's original design intent for how people were meant to relate to and function together. Through examining the writings of early church fathers such as Josephus and Augustine as well as modern authors, you will gain Biblical truths that you can use to uncover human dysfunction where it exists. Here you will discover specific answers to the "what" question. More specifically, we will determine together the treatment question of "what" needs to be mended.

The Genesis of Psychological Pathology

Christian author Gary Foster once wrote, "Three apples changed the world. The one that dropped on Newton’s head, the one that Steve Jobs built, and the one that that Eve ate." We will discuss how the "shame" of self and others changed the world. 

The Male & Female Brain

Dichotic listening and life span development. How the function of the male and female brain affects behavior, personality, function and family roles.

God's Law as Redemptive

Looking past the restrictiveness of the law we see that God has something He wants to accomplish through it that helps to redeem mankind from what happened in the garden.

The Healthy Pathway

Will establish a framework for communication and build the confidence of the lay counselor for talk therapy

The Purpose of Marriage

Early church fathers such as Augustine believed sex was only for procreation. Umbrella Model

Codependency in Relationships

Humans were designed for addiction. Can addictions be truly overcome or do they simply morph into some other form? How do we find healthy coping? These questions and others will be discussed and answered.

Self Image versus Imago Dei

We will discuss the difference between the concept of self and how God wants us to view ourselves as well as why that is important to resolving unhealthy addictions.

DSM 5, Diagnosis

The American Psychological Association (APA) recently revised its diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. This massive book has become the standard for evaluating and diagnosing people with various mental health symptomologies. The student will become aware of how to use this manual and learn when to refer a client for professional care.

Counseling Theory and Therapy

Treatment modalities: Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Emotionally Focused, Solution Focused

The Covenant

First announced to Abraham and now extending to Christians and demonstrated through marriage

The Sinful Nature

We will discuss this little understood aspect of human nature. We will also examine a long-standing church controversy as to whether we were born guilty of sin or whether we start life with a bent toward sinning.

Counseling Techniques and Methods-1

American Association of Christian Counselors presentation of: building a therapeutic alliance with clients; the power of intentional listening and counselor responses in the helping relationship. This is a three hour video series completed over two class periods.

Communication

The existence of Protoconversation and Metamessages that occur naturally in human interactions.

Conflict Resolution

Men and women approach conflict quite differently. We will examine why values must be exposed in order to come to full agreement.

How the Mind Works: Understanding Anxiety & Depressive Disorders

The biology of the brain works in concert with thoughts of the mind to produce biochemical reactions. We will explore how hormones are involved in thinking and their role they play in the production of emotions.

Assessing Dangers in the Counseling Room *

The participant with learn to assess suicide risk using the Five T Model of assessment in order to protect clients from harming self or others. Participants will learn the signs of elder & child abuse as well as the laws regarding the requirements of reporting. Participants will also discuss counselor ethical issues such as client confidentiality, counselor transference, client countertransference, dual relationships, and sexual misconduct.

* This class is mandatory. You will not receive your certificate without attending this class and passing the quiz.

Understanding Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar disorder is now one of the most common mental disorders diagnosed. We will uncover the stigma behind the disease and how best to treat it.

The Cycle of Marriage-2

Having uncovered the concept of lopsidedness in The Cycle of Marriage-1 we will discuss the best practices for dealing with inherent deficits in that relationship.

The Genesis of Values

While Adam and Eve were able to distinguish between good things and better things their encounter with the fruit added moral reasoning with the capability of calling things right or wrong. We will discuss how Dr. Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages coupled with emotional injuries along with ranking create our Values Systems.

Personality

Through examining the parable of the Good Samaritan we will expose five damaging personality traits to watch for in clients

How the Mind Works: Dreams and the Subconscious

Not all mental health clients are able to articulate the cause of their distress. Sigmund Freud referred to dreams as the "royal road to the subconscious." We will discuss the significance of dreams and how the lay counselor can use those to uncover what a client is really struggling with mentally.

Counseling Techniques and Methods-2

American Association of Christian Counselors presentation of: building a therapeutic alliance with clients; the power of intentional listening and counselor responses in the helping relationship. This is a three hour video series completed over two class periods

The Cycle of Marriage-1

We will unlock the marriage secrets of Genesis 2:24.

* US 40

God's sovereignty and the meaning of the cross of Jesus Christ

* This class is mandatory. You will not receive your certificate without attending this class and passing the quiz.