The following is a listing of required courses, content, activities and assignments
for the three study options. Audit (*A), Basic (B) and Certificate
(C) Programs.
* An Audit student attends classes, but does not
complete any written assignments.
- Introduction to Biblical Counseling
Observation of Biblical Counseling
Marriage and Family Counseling
Advanced Seminar on Biblical Counseling
I. Introduction to Biblical Counseling
(For Study Options *A, B, C)
Prerequisite: Admission to the Audit, Basic or Certificate program.
Content:
- Overview of the basic steps in biblically consistent counseling applied to typical problems such as depression, fear, worry and anger. Distinctions between psychotherapy, Christian psychology and biblical counseling are presented and illustrated.
Texts:
- Adams, J. (1970). Competent to Counsel: Introduction to Nouthetic Counseling.
Grand Rapids, MN: Zondervan.
Adams, J. (1973). Christian Counselor's Manual. Grand Rapids, MN: Zondervan.
Adams, J. (1974). The Christian Counselor's Casebook. Grand Rapids, MN: Zondervan.
Activities: Lecture, illustrations and discussion.
Assignments:
- 1. Interaction Paper: Read the two required texts and write a two-page
interaction paper for each book. Produce a paper that reflects your agreement or
disagreement on important issues, suggest areas that need clarification and react
to the style of teaching.
2. Position Paper: Write a ten-page paper which presents a biblical position on the relationship between the Bible and psychology.
3. Case Studies: Review two cases from The Christian Counselors Casebook; one from Part One, one from Part Two. Avoid cases covered in class. Use the following format:
a. Significant Data: What do you have and why is it significant?
b. Data Needed: What additional information is required to counsel?
c. Problems: Answer the questions under this section in the text.
d. Homework: Give actual assignments to the counselees.
4. Final exam: Give concise answers to thirty essay questions which show a biblical understanding as well as scripture proofs.
5. Type all assignments and submit within two months after the conclusion of class. Send a portfolio of all required work to the La Mesa office. All assignments are graded on a pass/fail basis only.
II. Observation of Biblical
Counseling (For Study Options *A,
C)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Biblical Counseling
Content:
- There will be observation and discussion of actual cases of biblical counseling. The principles and practices presented in the Introduction course will be applied to people with real problems typical of those faced in any church.
Texts:
- Adams, J. (1986). Handbook of Church Discipline. Grand Rapids, MN: Zondervan.
Blanchard, J. (1971). Right with God. Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust.
Kinneer, J. (1981). How to Grow in Christ. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed.
Miller, J. (1980). Repentance and the 20th Century Man. Fort Washington, PA: Christian Literature Crusade.
Activities:
- Participate in weekly counseling sessions and weekly "Supper Seminar" where all cases will be reviewed; confidentiality protected.
Assignments:
- 1. Attend ten weekly seminars.
2. Write a brief statement of purpose for participation for second meeting.
3. Contact IBCD secretary each Monday concerning that day's schedule for participation.
4. Submit your "Observer's Organizer" at each class.
5. Keep a weekly journal of what you learn to be submitted at final class.
6. Write a two page reaction paper on what you have learned about counseling and yourself Submit at last "Supper Seminar".
7. Complete all assignments by the last class meeting. Graded on a pass/fail basis only.
III. Marriage and Family
Counseling (For Study Options *A,
B, C)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Biblical Counseling.
Content:
- Biblical perspective on marriage and family as God-ordained institutions will be presented. There will be special treatment of childhood problems in education and discipline. Techniques and homework assignments for family counseling will be explained.
Texts:
- Adams, J. (1972). Christian Living in the Home. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian
and Reformed.
Adams, J. (1980). Marriage. Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible. Grand Rapids, MN: Zondervan.
Adams, J. (1983). Solving Marriage Problems: Biblical Solutions for Christian Counselors. Grand Rapids, MN: Zondervan.
Mack, W. (1977). Strengthening Your Marriage, Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed.
Mack, W. (1980). A Homework Manual for Biblical Counseling: Volume 2. Family and Marital Problems. Phillipsburg,NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed.
Ray, B. (1978). Withhold Not Correction. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed or
Tripp, T. (1995). Shepherding a Child's Heart. Wapwallopen, PA: Shepherd Press.
Scipione, G. (1993). The Biblical Battle for the Family. San Diego: IBCD.
Assignments:
- 1. Interaction Paper: Read the required texts and write an interaction
paper for each book.
2. Case Studies: Review two cases from The Christian Counselor's Casebook; one from Part One, one from Part Two. Avoid cases covered in class. Use the following format:
a. Significant Data: What do you have and why is it significant?
b. Data Needed: What additional information is required to counsel?
c. Problems: Answer the questions under this section in the text.
d. Homework: Give actual assignments to the counselees.
3. Ministry Paper: Write a 15-page paper on an approved topic relating to marriage and family life.
a. Definition: Describe the problem with biblical categories and terms.
b. Solution: Give biblical solutions to the problem.
c. Accountability: Specify homework assignments for the problem.
4. Final Exam: Complete a take-home test of knowledge of principles and practices.
5. Type all assignments and submit within two months after the course. Send a portfolio of all required work to the San Diego office. Graded on a pass/fail basis only.
IV. Advanced Seminar on
Biblical Counseling (For Study Options *A,
B, C)
Prerequisites: Introduction to Biblical Counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling.
Content:
- Personal Christian growth of counselors is a primary concern in this course. Special topics such as bizarre behavior, sexuality, life-dominating problems, and the secular mental health system will also be covered.
Texts:
- Adams, J. (1979). A Theology of Counseling: More than Redemption. Grand
Rapids, MN: Zondervan.
Adams, J. (1982). Insight and Creativity in Counseling. Grand Rapids, MN: Zondervan.
Kruis, J. (1988). Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling. Grand Rapids, MN: Baker Book House.
Mack, W. (1979). Homework Manual for Biblical Counseling. Vol.1. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed.
Scipione, G. (1991). Timothy, Titus and You. San Diego. CA: IBC&D.
Assorted articles.
Assignments:
- 1. Interaction Paper: Complete Timothy, Titus and You and present
the highlights in a two-page paper.
2. Case Studies: Write two-page reviews of two counseling cases of your own: a success and a failure. Incorporate material from each of the above texts.
3. Ministry Paper: Write a 15-page paper on an approved topic relating to special issues in biblical counseling.
a. Definition: Describe the problem with biblical categories and terms.
b. Solution: Give biblical solutions to the problem.
c. Accountability: Specify homework assignments for the problem.
4. Improvement Plan: Present a plan to improve your counseling over the next six months and a two-year program to continue your training.
5. Type all assignments and submit within three months after the course. Send a portfolio of all required work to the La Mesa office. Graded on a pass/fail basis only.
V. Methodologies of Psychological
Counseling (For Study Options *A,
B, C)
Prerequisites: Introduction to Biblical Counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling,
Advanced Seminar on Biblical Counseling.
Content:
- A Christian view of the human condition will be outlined. With the biblical perspective in mind, various secular and Christian integrationist theories of counseling will be evaluated.
Texts:
- Adams, J. (1986). The Biblical View of Self-Esteem. Self-Love. Self-Image.
Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House.
Corsini, R. & Wedding, D. (1995). Current Psychotherapies (Fifth Edition). Itasca, IL: Peacock.
Crabb, L. (1987). Understanding People. Grand Rapids, MN: Zondervan.
Machen, J. G. (1937). The Christian View of Man. London: The Banner of Truth Trust.
Assignments:
- 1. Paper #1: Describe and critique the theory and practice of a major
theorist or school of secular psychology in a ten page paper.
2. Paper #2: Describe and critique the theory and practice of a major Christian "integrationist" psychologist or therapist in a ten page paper.
3. Reaction Dialogues: Imaginary discussion about counseling with a secular psychologist.
4. Final Exam: Demonstrate a mastery of important facts and critique of theories along with biblical alternatives. Closed-book portion taken last hour of class. Open-book portion due one week after completion of course.
5. Type all assignments and submit within three months after the course. Send a portfolio of all required work to the La Mesa office. Graded on a pass/fail basis only.
VI. Role Play Counseling
(For Study Option C)
Prerequisites: Introduction to Biblical Counseling, Observation of Biblical
Counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling, Advanced Seminar on Biblical Counseling,
Methodologies of Psychological Counseling and Interviews with Staff
Content:
- Application of biblical principles to a simulated problem.
Materials:
- Syllabi and texts from previous courses. Blank video tapes.
Activities:
- Role-play counseling will be done with the instructor or another student who will simulate a counselee. The thirty-minute session will be videotaped for review by the student. Instructor and observers will complete an evaluation form for each session. The student will lead a discussion on the counseling at the subsequent class meeting. Each student will counsel the simulated counselee for three sessions. Graded on a pass/fail basis only.
VII. Tutorial Counseling
(For Study Option C)
Prerequisites: Introduction to Biblical Counseling, Observation of Biblical
Counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling, Advanced Seminar on Biblical Counseling,
Methodologies of Psychological Counseling, Role Play Counseling, and Interview with
the staff
Content:
- A tutorial course is offered to those who have successfully completed all of the courses listed above, demonstrated gifts for counseling, completed an interview by the staff and lived an exemplary Christian life. The tutorial includes supervision of counseling with actual cases from the center's caseload or cases brought by the student. Staff will observe student's counseling and give feedback after each session. In addition, evaluation of other cases, outside of the IBCD context will be required, until a total of fifty hours of supervised counseling has been completed.
Materials:
- Blank audio tapes.
Activities:
- Counseling, note taking, consultation and direct supervision.
Assignments:
- Maintain case files for all supervised cases. Take the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors (NANC) theological exam. Graded on a pass/fail basis only.
VIII. Electives
The following two courses are electives. They are not required, but we highly recommend
that you take both courses if you plan to become a Biblical counselor. These classes
are available only on tape. All the videotapes and syllabi can be purchased from
IBCD. (See our resource catalog.)
A. Legal Issues in Biblical Counseling
Content:
- Ken Sande, attorney and Director of Peacemaker Ministries, presents two seminars on legal matters. The first presentation covers topics such as legal risks, confidentiality and reporting sexual abuse. The second outlines specific procedures that should be followed by every church to resolve conflict biblically and reduce legal liability.
Assignments:
- Watch Biblical Counseling and the Law (3 1/2 hours), and read the syllabus.
- Write a 5-page paper summarizing the seminar.
- Watch Managing Conflict in Your Church (6 hours), and read the syllabus.
- Write a 5-page paper summarizing the seminar.
- Write a 10-page paper setting policies to ensure legal protection for yourself and your church in regard to Biblical Counseling.
B. Medical Issues in Biblical Counseling
Content:
- Five physicians and an assistant professor of Social Work present a total of 17 hours of lectures designed to help you counsel people struggling with physical and spiritual problems, including depression, fatigue, ADHD and substance abuse. Advice is given on working in conjunction with medical professionals. Call the IBCD office for individual titles of the tapes.
Assignments:
- Watch the lectures on video tape and read the three syllabi.
- Write a 5-page paper summarizing the content of the tapes.
- Write a ten-page paper comparing and contrasting a purely medical protocol for a medical/physical problem with a biblical approach to that same problem.