Introduction to Christian Counseling/SAFE
Certification
— Course Description
Introduction to Christian Counseling is an elective course that incorporates and a proven life-change curriculum (SAFE: A Journey to Freedom) that is currently in use in hundreds of venues. It is the most effective program currently in use to transform lives of even the most emotionally troubled and chemically dependent. This course is open to anyone. Hopefully students will pursue certification as a SAFE Group Leader.
This 9-week course will introduce students to the integration of Christian counseling and spiritual formation. At its core, Christian counseling parallels spiritual formation in that it is transformation of the heart and mind, as well as restoration of the soul. This is a hands-on course, not book-learning and theory.
In this course, students will be involved in studying matters such as:
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The foundations of Christian Counseling
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Comparing secular psychology with biblical counseling
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Basic strategies and skill-sets necessary to do counseling in a variety of contexts
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Evaluating methodologies used in counseling
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Formulating a solid, biblical approach to Christian counseling in today's world
Prerequisite: None
Course Outline
Session One-A: Introduction, Objectives, and Basic Principles
Session One-B: The Foundation
Session Two-A: Looking Inward
Session Two-B: God's Faithfulness; Our Assurance
Session Three-A: Emotions and a Sound Mind
Session Three-B: The Bridge
Session Four-A: Renewing the Mind
Session Four-B: Blame and Responsibility
Session Five-A: Problem Solving
Session Five-B: What is Smart and What is Not
Session Six-A: Relationship Inventory
Session Six-B: Bitterness and Self-Destruction
Session Seven-A: Processing Anger
Session Seven-B: Worth and Value
Session Eight-A: What About God's Will?
Session Eight-B: Avoiding Emotional Burn-out
Session Nine-A: Sabotage
Session Nine-B: The Next Step
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
- Define nouthetics, transformation, psychology, spiritual formation, and biblical and secular counseling methods.
- Determine the presuppositions and prerequisites of biblical counseling.
- Describe briefly the major components of the counseling relationship, the counseling environment, and the methods for determining outcomes.
- Discern common presumptive fallacies in order to improve biblical counseling skills and avoid common mistakes made by Christian counselors.
- Distinguish between biblical and non-biblical counseling methods, Christian and secular counseling strategies, and apply this knowledge to real-life situations.
- Dialogue with other counselors and counselees to discover the most personally effective means of spiritual formation and life-change.
- Demonstrate counseling strategies which will assist you in dealing with various emotional and life issues.
- Develop a passion for the careful incorporation of the Word of God in counseling methodologies, which has as its end a life transformed by the wisdom of God through proper interpretation and consistent application.
- Become certified through Truth in Love Ministries to be a SAFE Group Leader.
Course Textbooks
Smith, Troy. A Journey to Freedom. Battle Ground: SAFE Ministries, 1986.
--------- A Journey to Freedom: Leader's Guide. Battle Ground: SAFE Ministries, 1986. __________ Changing From Within. Battle Ground: SAFE Ministries, 1986
__________ Bridge of Faith. Battle Ground: SAFE Ministries, 1986
___________ Renew. Battle Ground: SAFE Ministries, 2004
__________ Saturate This! Battle Ground: SAFE Ministries, 2008
Truth in Love Fellowship. Restore. Vancouver: Truth in Love Communications, 2008
Bible
Assignment Description
1. Reading: Daily reading assignments will be given during the ten-week period. Each student will be expected to read the material according to the ten-week-session schedule provided in the syllabus. Completing the reading assignments will help you to effectively participate in the classroom discussions and assist you in grasping the concepts being taught in each lesson.
2. Scripture memorization: Each student will memorize the passages provided with each lesson. Once completed, the student will recite the memorized Scripture to the Instructor.
The preferred translation for all memorization in English is the New American Standard Bible.
3. Class Discussion: A portion of each class session involves discussion by all participants. It is an essential part of the learning process as well as a substantial aid in developing the counseling skills of each student.
4. Handouts: Each week, there will be one or more handouts for students to complete and return the following class meeting. These handouts are an important part of the hands-on approach we take to Christian counseling. Consequently, utilization of these tools is a vital part of developing the skill-set necessary to be an effective biblical counselor.
"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word."
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
