CNS - Counseling

This course will investigate a range of counseling theories and techniques to prepare parish nurses/ministry caregivers to assist individuals and families to deal with the complexities of life. Skills for assessing and helping different age groups will be included. Experiential or virtual learning will be part of this class. Prerequisite: PSY-150

This course will provide the parish nurse/ministry caregiver with the necessary skills to collaborate with community and professional agencies. Helping with specific family problems will be explored. Self-care for parish nurses/ministry caregivers will also be included. Experiential or virtual learning will be part of this course. Prerequisite: PSY-150

The study of individual and family development across the life span. An examination of cognitive, affective, personality, and moral development throughout life and family life-cycle stages. Attention is given to cultural, gender, and spiritual influences on development.

The study of the social and cultural foundations of the behavior of individuals, families, and diverse groups. Strategies that promote understanding and effective intervention will be stressed.

An investigation of the major counseling theories and their applications to the helping relationship. Major therapeutic techniques are studied, practiced, and applied to various theories.

The study of group theories, dynamics, process, and stages. Group roles and leadership are examined as well as basic and advanced group interventions. Students are required to participate in a therapy group while enrolled in this class. Prerequisites: CNS-503 or by permission of the instructor.

An investigation of career development theory including career decision-making; gender, family, and social/cultural issues, and the use of techniques and assessment instruments that facilitate lifelong career development.

Studies that provide an understanding of the evaluation of individuals and groups. An investigation of appraisal methods that include validity, reliability, and psychometric statistics. Students will be completing several instruments on themselves which will facilitate self-awareness.

Studies that provide a broad understanding of quantitative and qualitative research designs, research reporting and evaluation, and the use of computers in data collection and analysis.

An examination of professional roles and responsibilities with regard to the counseling profession. Includes ethical, legal, and biblical standards for conduct, professional organizations, credentialing, and developing a plan for lifelong professional and personal development and integrity.

A study of integration models and the application of these models to the practice of Christian counseling. This study includes integration at the presupposition, theoretical, empirical and application levels. Additional emphasis is given to the use of prayer, scripture, healing, and deliverance. Prerequisites: CNS-501, CNS-502, CNS-503, CNS-504, CNS-508 or by permission of the instructor.

Issues In Addiction and Recovery is an introduction and general overview to the major areas of substance abuse counseling and behavioral syndromes. This course will focus on areas of pharmacology, neurology, assessment, treatment protocol documentation, and differentiation between process and substance addictions. The course will also review gender, developmental, group and family counseling dynamics, and program administration. Special addiction issues will examine cultural, gambling, eating disorders, sexual addiction, and co-occurring disorders.

The basic classifications and indications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications. The study of the appropriate uses of these medications, as well as the identification of their effects and side effects.

The study of the development and practice of spiritual growth. An emphasis will be placed on the application of the spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, study, solitude, etc. Personal application, as well as directing the spiritual growth of others, will be stressed.

The study of the advanced integration of psychology and theology including an in-depth examination of the use of the Bible and prayer in the counseling relationship and the doctrine and application of the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

The study of the role and function of the school counselor as a professional team member. The various roles of the school counselor will be presented within a comprehensive framework. Special emphasis will be given to the role of the school counselor as consultant, counselor, and coordinator.

The study of human interaction in relationships with emphasis on intimacy and sexuality. Additional areas of study would include gender issues, sexual disorders, sexual orientation, and sexual abuse. Strategies for counseling intervention will be explored.

This course offers students a comprehensive introduction to clinical mental health counseling. The history and philosophy of mental health counseling, including professional identity, legal and ethical considerations, and credentialing are explored. Students gain an understanding of models and theories related to mental health counseling as well as the operation of mental health services and programs. Additional emphasis will be placed on pastoral counseling and church settings. Prerequisites: CNS-501, CNS-503, and CNS-508.

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to complete clinical mental health assessments and diagnostic interviews. Students learn various assessment techniques for individuals, couples, families, children, and adolescents. Emphasis will be placed on mental status examinations and procedures for ensuring the safety of suicidal clients. This course will also explore theory and practice of various crisis intervention models and the use of emergency management systems. Culturally responsible interventions for clients and communities will also be explored. Prerequisite: CNS-522

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the impact of ecological systems on consumers of mental health services. An examination of preventive counseling and positive psychological theories will be explored. The ecological view of diagnosis and assessment will be emphasized and a wellness model of counseling is considered. In addition, theoretical models of consultation and advocacy within the community and clinical mental health settings are presented. Prerequisite: CNS-522.

This course will supply theoretical and practical direction to contemporary issues. Attention will be given to etiology, theory, research and practice. Topics will be discussed from psychological and Christian perspectives, with an eye towards how therapists can more helpfully conceptualize and respond to various relevant issues. Topics will vary to meet the needs/interests of students, professors, and contemporary culture.

The purpose of this course is to equip future counselors to effectively respond to the unique needs of children and adolescents in a variety of settings. Developmental theory, interventions, and prevention strategies will be presented relevant to this population. Coordination and consultation will be encouraged in order to respond to the needs of the child and adolescent using a comprehensive team approach.

Theories and Techniques of School Counseling II is a continuation of the first course, Theories and Techniques of School Counseling I, and will include additional tools for building and sustaining a successful school counseling program. While School Counseling I focused on the role of the school counselor, this course builds on that introductory course with philosophy and mechanics of building relationships with key individuals and groups in the school community. Additionally, it will help establish tools for developing and maintaining your counseling office, assessing and meeting needs in the community, improving in consultation and collaboration skills, and using technology. You will also be explore theories, best practices, and integrating Biblical principles into your school counseling program. Prerequisite: CNS-519 or by permission of instructor.

The principles of etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders. An examination of the assessment and interpretation of mental disorders as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV).

This course will address major themes (concepts) in the field of addictions and how these themes might be connected to the student's evolving sense of "life calling." A Christian understanding of the human dilemma of addiction and healing will be developed. It is intended to be a practically oriented survey course, which offers a useful overview of the field of addictions integrated with the concept of life calling. The course is for individuals who are currently employed in counseling, ministry, or other helping professions and who find themselves in need of additional knowledge and training in the area of addictions. Perhaps there will be others who will also take this course as a means of understanding addictions in terms of their personal, relational, and family experiences.

The major theories and accepted treatment options of addiction and other compulsive behavior syndromes will be examined. Students will critically evaluate the major theories and treatment methods of addiction counseling to formulate their own working theory and treatment approaches of addictions counseling. Prerequisite: CNS-511.

This course is an introduction to the field of play therapy for both graduate students and clinical practitioners working with children, adolescents and adults. This course will familiarize participants with the history of play therapy, its primary theoretical models, and general applications. This class will provide hours that can be applied to therapy instruction necessary to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).

This course serves as an introduction to the field of marriage and family therapy and is designed to help students conceptualize the family in systemic terms. It includes history and development, key underpinnings and concepts, techniques, and an overview of the theoretical models typically used in the field of marriage and family therapy as well as pertinent sociological theories of the family. A focus will be on the cultural and spiritual contexts and how these impact couples and families. Upon completion of the course students should be well oriented to the discipline and equipped to pursue more advanced studies in family therapy. Prerequisites: CNS-501, CNS-502, CNS-503 and CNS-504.

This course is designed to further the student's knowledge of the history, theory, techniques of marital and family therapy. The focus is on the underlying philosophy, theory, and practice of classic approaches to marital and family therapy as they inform the professional identity and practice of the therapist. Throughout the class, social, cultural, spiritual and ethnic diversity will be addressed with attention to their impact on resources available to families. Prerequisite: CNS-541.

This course examines widely implemented and empirically validated postmodern marriage and family theory and treatment approaches. There is an emphasis on integrating knowledge and practice of marriage and family theory in the process of treating couples and families. The postmodern movement and its influence on the family, family therapy and theories will be examined. Throughout the class, social, cultural, spiritual and ethnic diversity will be addressed with attention to their impact on resources available to families. Prerequisite: CNS-542.

A directed, independent research project designed by the student, in cooperation with a faculty member. The project includes considerable research resulting in a publishable paper and/or presentation. This course is normally taken toward the end of the student's program. Prerequisite: by permission of instructor.

The family systems approach to therapy with addicted people in the context of their families, from the perspectives of addiction and recovery. This will require an understanding of family systems and addictions, and a blending of the two. Prerequisite: CNS-511.

This class will explore challenges facing today's contemporary family. A significant part of the class is devoted to understanding and treating normative and catastrophic stress in the context of individuals, families, and society. Theoretical biological, emotional, and spiritual wellness will be emphasized. Effectiveness research literature as it relates to marriage and family therapy across a multitude of disorders and populations will be presented. Throughout the class, social, cultural, spiritual, and ethnic diversity will be addressed with attention to their impact on resources available to families. This class will culminate in the development and writing of a personal philosophy of marriage and family therapy. Prerequisite: CNS-543.

This course provides students with a supervised counseling experience in the graduate counseling clinic providing the opportunity to practice individual and group counseling skills. The 100-hour practicum includes a minimum of 50 direct contact hours (10 of which are group hours) and weekly individual and group supervision. Prerequisites: CNS-501, CNS-502, CNS-503, CNS-504, CNS-508, and CNS-533.

A supervised counseling experience in the graduate counseling clinic providing the opportunity to practice individual and group counseling skills. The 100-hour practicum includes a minimum of 40 direct contact hours and weekly individual and group supervision. Prerequisites: CNS-501, CNS-502, CNS-503, CNS-504, CNS-508, and CNS-533.

A supervised counseling experience in the graduate counseling clinic providing the opportunity to practice individual and group counseling skills. The 100-hour practicum includes a minimum of 40 direct contact hours and weekly individual and group supervision. Prerequisites: CNS-501, CNS-502, CNS-503, CNS-504, CNS-508, and CNS-533.

This course provides the opportunity to practice and provide a variety of counseling related activities in an off-campus setting that would normally be expected of a regularly employed staff member. The 300-hour practicum includes a minimum of 120 hours of direct service (150 for MFTs) and weekly individual and group supervision. Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-550.

The opportunity to practice and provide a variety of counseling related activities in an off-campus setting that would normally be expected of a regularly employed staff member. The 300-hour practicum includes a minimum of 120 hours of direct service (150 hours for MFTs) and weekly individual and group supervision. Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-550.

The opportunity to practice and provide a variety of counseling related activities in an off-campus setting that would normally be expected of a regularly employed staff member. The 300-hour practicum includes a minimum of 120 hours of direct service and weekly individual and group supervision. Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-550.

The opportunity to practice and provide a variety of counseling related activities in an off-campus setting that would normally be expected of a regularly employed staff member. The 300-hour practicum includes a minimum of 120 hours of direct service and weekly individual and group supervision. Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-550.

This course provides students with the opportunity to practice and provide a variety of counseling related activities in an off-campus setting that would normally be expected of a regularly employed staff member. The 300-hour practicum includes a minimum of 150 hours of direct service and weekly individual and group supervision. Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-550.

The opportunity to practice and provide a variety of counseling related activities in an off-campus setting that would normally be expected of a regularly employed staff member. The 300-hour practicum includes a minimum of 120 hours of direct service and weekly individual and group supervision. Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-550.

This course provides the opportunity to practice and provide a variety of counseling related activities in an off-campus setting that would normally be expected of a regularly employed staff member. The 300-hour practicum includes a minimum of 120 hours of direct service (150 hours for MFTs) and weekly individual and group supervision. Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-551.

See CNS-551A.Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-551A.

The opportunity to practice and provide a variety of counseling related activities in an off-campus setting that would normally be expected of a regularly employed staff member. The 300-hour practicum includes a minimum of 120 hours of direct service and weekly individual and group supervision. Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-550.

The opportunity to practice and provide a variety of counseling related activities in an off-campus setting that would normally be expected of a regularly employed staff member. The 300-hour practicum includes a minimum of 120 hours of direct service and weekly individual and group supervision. Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-550.

See CNS-551M.Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-551M.

See CNS-551S.Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-551S.

The opportunity to practice and provide a variety of counseling related activities in an off-campus setting that would normally be expected of a regularly employed staff member.The 300-hour practicum includes a minimum of 120 hours of direct service and weekly individual and group supervision. Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite:CNS-550.

The advanced supervised internship continues to provide opportunities to integrate their knowledge, personal growth, faith and clinical experiences and refine competencies as a counselor/therapist with greater emphasis on professional identity and skill level of an entry level practitioner. The 300-hour practicum includes a minimum of 120 hours of direct service (150 hours for MFTs) and weekly individual and group supervision. Upon completion of the advanced internship, students are ready to enter the field of their chosen specialization. Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-552.

See CNS-554. Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-552A.

The opportunity to practice and provide a variety or counseling related activities in an off-campus setting that would normally be expected of a regularly employed staff member. The 300-hour practicum includes a minimum of 120 hours of direct service and weekly individual and group supervision. Prerequisite: CNS-550.

See CNS-554. Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-552M.

This course will be the culmination of the students graduate course work. The student will assimilate the knowledge and skills from all previous course work to complete a cogent and relevant thesis of individual written research in the area of addictions. The thesis is to be original and should use accepted research methods of inquiry. The thesis will contribute to deeper understanding or new knowledge to the field and professional practice of addictions counseling. The topic of investigation must have signed prior approval of the course professor and the graduate Director of Addictions Counseling. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and division chair.

An individualized study agreed upon by the student and faculty member that allows the student to focus on a specific area of knowledge or service to a particular population. The study would normally include the components of research, theory, and practice with the integration of Christian faith. Prerequisite: by permission of instructor.

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT), a contemporary empirically validated approach, offers a comprehensive theory of adult love and attachment, as well as a process for healing distressed relationships. It recognizes that relationship distress results from a perceived threat to basic adult needs for safety, security, and closeness in intimate relationships. This course will thoroughly explore the theory and application of EFT with couples and families. Emotional engagement and attachment theory will be compared/contrasted to a Christian anthropology of being created as relational beings. This elective is open to all students who have completed Practicum (CNS-550) and are currently enrolled in Internship, or by permission of the instructor.