Module 1,  12 Weeks
Foundations of Biblical Counseling, Part 1: 
​Introduction to Biblical Counseling

Biblical counseling and psychology really do not go together. This 12-week module teaches students the roots of the psychological theories, practices, and systems that drive most of the counseling available to troubled people today and how those stand in contrast to much of what the Scriptures have to say about the same matters. 

Knowing that most of the people who enter the doors of any church will have been impacted by sin is just the beginning - knowing how to help them discover and cooperate with God's redemptive plan for the specific evils they have suffered and the sins they have committed is something else entirely.

This is the most reading-intensive of the modules, but the work is well worth the results. Students who take this course will be involved in studying matters such as:

• The history of psychology and the development of Modern Psychological Theory
• The foundations of biblical counseling
• Comparing secular psychology with biblical counseling
• Basic strategies and skill-sets necessary to do biblical counseling in a variety of contexts
• Evaluating methodologies used in counseling
• Hands-on study of practical materials for one-on-one and group counseling situations, including addictions and abuse-survivor dynamics
• Formulating a solid, Biblical approach to counseling in today's world
• This course is an overview of current trends in counseling theory and practice, and the role of counseling — most specifically, Biblical counseling — in public, private, and church settings.
  
• Basic counseling skills taught in this course include interviewing, assessment, and therapeutic listening in a counseling situation. 
  
• Application is made to common matters, including premarital, family crisis, grief, substance abuse counseling, and sexual issues.
  
• Underlying emphasis is on developing Biblically consistent strategies and applying Scriptural principles. 
  
  

   Course Outline
 SESSION ONE: INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL COUNSELING

• Basic Theories
• What is Biblical Counseling?
• A Brief History of Biblical Counseling
• Why Biblical Counseling?
• What are the Differences Between Biblical Counseling and Psychological Counseling?
• Are Christians Different from Unbelievers?
• Qualifications for Biblical Counselors
• Motivations for Biblical Counselors
• Why Biblical Counseling Belongs in the Church
• Formal vs. Informal Counseling
• Biblical Counseling Model
• Counseling Theory

SESSION TWO: CONTRASTING AND COMPARING WITH PSYCHOLOGY

• Brief History of Modern Psychology
• “6 Pillars” of Psychology
• “6 Pillars” of Biblical Counseling
• Claims of Modern Psychological Theory
• The Full Sufficiency of God’s Word

SESSION THREE: GETTING STARTED WITH COUNSELING

• Biblical Counseling and Common Grace
• Gaining a Working Knowledge of the Bible
• Bible Study Resources
• Systematic Theology
• The Non-Negotiable Basics of Doctrine
• Beginning the Counseling Session
• The Counseling Environment, Prayer, the Visible Bible
• Getting a Clear Understanding of the Problem (A.S.K.)
• The Importance of Homework
• Holding Counselees Accountable

SESSION FOUR: DYNAMICS OF BIBLICAL CHANGE, Part 1

• Defining Change
• Basic Biblical Model
• Partnered with the Holy Spirit
• Biblical Case Histories of Change
• Characteristics of the Transformed Life

SESSION FIVE: DYNAMICS OF BIBLICAL CHANGE, Part 2 - INTERVIEWING AND THE COUNSELING PROCESS

• Interviewing
• Tools
• Gathering Data
• Note Taking
• Effecting Biblical Change (review)
• The Counseling Process
• Sample Forms

SESSION SIX: DYNAMICS OF BIBLICAL CHANGE, Part 3

• Redemptive Relationships in Counseling
• Courageous Listening
• Counseling for True Transformation
• Responsibility and Accountability
• Homework and Accountability
• Homework Tools & Methods

SESSION SEVEN: COMMON ISSUES ADDRESSED IN BIBLICAL COUNSELING, I

• Biblical Paradigm for Marriage
• Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

SESSION EIGHT: COMMON ISSUES ADDRESSED IN BIBLICAL COUNSELING, II

• Leadership in the Home
• God’s Organizational Plan for the Home
• Spiritual Headship
• Issues with In-Laws
• Practical Decision Making
• Financial Issues
• Priorities: Work, Ministry, Hobbies, Sports, Friends

SESSION NINE: COMMON ISSUES ADDRESSED IN BIBLICAL COUNSELING, III

• Impurity and Pornography
• Unfaithfulness
• Rebuilding Trust
• Difference Between Forgiveness and Trust

SESSION TEN: PARENTING ISSUES

• Biblical Paradigm for Parenting – Ephesians 6:4
• Shepherding vs. Behavior Modification
• Understanding the Child’s Heart
• Dealing with Rebellion
• Biblical Discipline
• Peer Pressure
• Sexual Curiosity
• Significant Behavior Problems
• Passing-on One’s Faith

SESSION ELEVEN: EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL ISSUES, PART 1

• The Reality of Organic, Metabolic, and Chemical Issues
• Removing Excuses
• PMS, Postpartum Depression
• Depression, Suicidal Thoughts
• Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, Substance Abuse
• Gluttony
• Addictions
• Life-Dominating Sins

SESSION TWELVE: EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL ISSUES, PART 2

• ADD/ADHD, Bi-Polar Disorder, Clinical Depression
• PTSD/CPTSD, FMS (False Memory Syndrome)
• Abuse Survivors
• Perpetual Victimization
• Understanding Psychiatry and Psychiatric Drugs

Book List to Purchase for this Module:
Destructive Trends in Mental Health: The Well Intentioned Path to Harm  
Mental Illness: The Necessity for Faith and Authority (Volume 1)   
How to Counsel God's Way
​Why Biblical Counseling?

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