Christian and Spiritual Counseling Concentration Courses
Christian and Faith Based Counseling | PYC 7320 (3 Credits)
The relevance of religion and spirituality in the lives of a continually increasing number of clients seeking counseling is the inspiration for this introductory course. Psychology’s origin is rooted in the word, psyche, meaning soul, and –ology meaning scientific study of. The inclusion of the soul and spirit in the mind/body connection is an under-explored area of inquiry and research. Students will learn the differentiation between religion and spirituality, using modern approaches to establish clear definitions. This course includes the study of Fowler’s Six Stages of Faith Development, Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development, and the mastery of practical skills such as conceptualization and appropriate questioning, using a variety of treatment modalities. Prerequisite: 18 semester credit hours of graduate counseling coursework.
Grief Counseling | PYC 7420 (3 Credits)
This course is an active theory, skills and discussion course for professionals heeding the call to help clients through the stages of grieving by exploring the cosmologies and theologies which relate to clients’ specific cultures and beliefs about a variety of losses, choices and dilemmas. This course will engage students to explore developmental topics of understanding Self and the finality of life, “real life” situations in the grieving stages, expectations of terminal illness, and moving beyond grief and loss, incorporating the death and dying fundamentals of Kubler-Ross. Prerequisite: 18 semester credit hours of graduate counseling coursework.
Study of Religions: Life, Death, and Afterlife | PYC 8020 (3 Credits)
The sacred texts of the world’s religions are a fascinating mix of history, advice, rules, mythology and ritual and are used for guidance, encouragement, healing, and inspiration. Familiarization with these writings provides the student with a broad overview of their origin, form, and content especially as they impact the lives of their clients’ beliefs in the purpose of life and the existence of an afterlife. Understanding how these texts convey spiritual truth, establish a connection with the divine, and align with a life span/developmental perspective provides the groundwork for counselors to utilize skills that help clients to internally process issues that can shake their faith. Integrating hermeneutical skills, to interpret and understand sacred texts through an objective, social and subjective approach, can also assist beginning counselors in their development of microskills such as reflection, attending and observing, and empathy. Prerequisites: 18 semester credit hours of graduate counseling coursework.
Ethics in Christian and Spiritual Counseling | PYC 8114 (3 Credits)
There is a growing recognition of the importance of the spiritual domain in the counseling process and the need for training materials and strategies for integrating the ASERVIC competencies into the field of counseling. The Competencies for Addressing Spiritual and Religious Issues in Counseling are the groundwork for professionals to effectively and ethically communicate with their clients on religious and spiritual questions and issues. The competencies include such topics as: counselor self-awareness by exploring attitudes, beliefs, and personal values; various models of spiritual and/or religious development and their relationship to human development; and, diagnosis and treatment recognizing the client’s spiritual and/or religious perspectives. This course is grounded in a spiritually-based application through a multi-modal approach of theories and competency-based strategies and interventions for ethical practice – honoring the sacred in the lives of those seeking spiritual counseling. Prerequisite: 18 semester credit hours of graduate counseling coursework.
Integration of Positive Psychology and Spirituality | PYC 8094 (3 Credits)In a complex world, people are struggling to nurture and maintain their mental well-being, self-fulfillment and hope. Counseling practices which include positive states and traits assist a person’s spiritual belief formation regarding life and fulfillment of his/her purposes and goals in life. This course examines the relationship between religious faith and optimal psychological functioning. By the strengthening of bonds between positive psychology and the science of religion and spirituality, there is evidence that by focusing on positive emotions, an individual’s spiritual practices can influence their physiological as well as psychological wellbeing. Prerequisite: 18 semester credit hours of graduate counseling coursework including PYC 7320 Christ Counseling.
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