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

This required non-credit course provides new gradaute counseling students with important information, resources, and training necessary to successfully navigate and complete courses and programs offered in the Division of Graduate Counseling. Credit/No Credit only.

This required non-credit course provides new graduate counseling students with important information, resources, and training necessary to successfully navigate and complete courses and programs offered in the Division of Graduate Counseling. Credit/No Credit only.

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, families 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 the application theological concepts in professional counseling. The course explores the foundations of faith, fundamental theological concepts, and specific models of integration. Ethical implications are explored.

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.

This course will study the process of spiritual growth. An emphasis will be placed on the study and 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 emphasized.

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 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, collaborator, and coordinator. An onsite intensive is required.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Students will develop and demonstrate skills in school counseling, including best practices, consultation, collaboration, and use of technology. An onsite intensive is required. Prerequisite: CNS-519 or by permission of instructor.

This Expressive Arts Therapies course will instruct students in using experiential methods with individuals, couples, families and groups in therapy. Various expressive therapies and techniques will be introduced and discussed, including art, music, drama, dance, movement, poetry, play and sand tray. Students will also discover and practice specific expressive therapeutic methods and gain experience in particular therapeutic activities which may be useful and appropriate to their particular career path.

Introduction to Music Therapy provides an overview of the field of music therapy and is designed for students interested in grasping a clearer understanding of music as a therapeutic agent. The course surveys professional characteristics and organizations as well as processes and principles of music therapy as used by practicing music therapists. Special emphasis is placed on music therapy in mental health settings.

This course is an in-depth survey of the fundamental concepts, history, and uses of the visual arts in a therapeutic context

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.

Theory and Techniques in Play Therapy is a didactic course using both traditional and experiential learning. The course will instruct the basics in experiential counseling with children of all ages, using the mode of play and relational counseling. Various play therapy theories and techniques will be used such as sand tray therapy, art therapy, symbolic play, family play therapy, and trauma interventions. An experiential Play Therapy Onsite Intensive is required.

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, CNS-504 and CNS-508.

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 examines special issues encountered in the treatment of individuals, couples and families experiencing affairs, divorce and remarriage. Theoretical and empirically validated approaches will be covered as well as addressing developmental, cultural and spiritual impacts on the family.

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. Group hours are not required for MFT students.

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 provides 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 10 direct hours of group work. Prerequisites: CNS-502, CNS-503, CNS-504, CNS-508, CNS-511 and CNS-533.

This course provides students with a supervised counseling experience in the graduate counseling clinic or an off-campus setting (for online students) providing the opportunity to practice individual, couples, family, and group therapy 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, CNS-533 and CNS-541.

A supervised school counseling experience provides the opportunity to practice individual and group counseling skills. The 100-hour practicum includes a minimum of 40 direct contact hours, 10 hours of group counseling, and weekly individual and group supervision. Prerequisites: CNS-501, CNS-502, CNS-503, CNS-504, CNS-508, and CNS-519.

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. Students are expected to provide direct clinical services and attend weekly individual and group supervision as they work towards the required number of hours as set by the program and state requirements where they plan to license (whichever number is greater). Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisite: CNS-550

Supervised Internship 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 and weekly individual and group supervision. This internship is graded on a credit/noncredit basis. Prerequisite: CNS-550S.

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.

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

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of curriculum design, lesson plan development, classroom management strategies, and instructional strategies that include technology for facilitating classroom guidance and supporting classroom teachers.

This course will help School Counselors more fully understand Career and College Development, which is one of the three domains of School Counseling, intertwined with the other two, Academic and Dispositions and Behavioral Domains. Career development begins early, encouraging youth to consider their future, based on numerous considerations, including their unique backgrounds, interests, giftedness, goals, and opportunities. School counselors collaborate with students, families, school staff, communities, and colleges to assist youth into their future. College Access Professionals hold the unique position to assist youth by working solely with college placement, to establish collaboration with community-based and college-access organizations and professionals.

This course emphasizes (a) the history of, process of, and characteristics of mental disorders, (b) cultural and contextual aspects of the diagnostic process (c) strategies for consultation with parents, teachers, and other caretakers regarding mental health diagnoses and (d) special focus on mental diagnoses that affect children and adolescents.

Students will increase awareness and understanding of the impact of trauma on the lives of individuals and their families. Students in will be able to analyze trauma in the body and brain and learn strategies for management of trauma and grief, to create positive growth and change. Finally, students will learn how their own experience with trauma can allow for connection to those with whom they serve.

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.

Students will increase awareness and understanding of the impact of trauma on the lives of individuals and their families. Students will be able to analyze trauma in the body and brain and learn strategies for management of trauma and grief, to create positive growth and change. Finally, students will learn how their own experience with trauma can allow for connection to those with whom they serve. This course serves as an elective and will be offered in alternating years. Prerequisites: CNS-503, CNS-508, and CNS-558.