This Paraklesis Counselling Course is a level-5, twelve-credit introduction that provides pastoral and lay counsellors with an overview of the addictive process. It will introduce the lay counsellor to the latest theories of addiction counselling and the Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders.
Mention will be made of the addiction-treatment industry and a new paradigm for understanding addictions will
be suggested. From an integrative bio-psycho-social-spiritual perspective, lay counsellors will develop sufficient
knowledge concerning the etiology of addiction to come alongside and support individuals struggling with addiction, and to know when to make referrals to professional counsellors.
Wellness strategies for supporting personal growth and development, will be explored. Attention will be given to co-dependency, especially as it pertains to adult children and spouses of addicts, and to the awareness of preventing caregiver burn-out.
On completion of this course, you should be able to:
- Understand the addictive process as it pertains to Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders.
- Identify the roles and responsibilities in addiction and recovery of the people involved: the addict, the ‘significant other’, and their friends and families.
- Be aware of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual bases of addiction.
- Develop sufficient knowledge concerning the etiology of addiction to come alongside and support individuals
struggling with addiction, and to know when to make referrals to professional counsellors. - Reflect on the addiction-treatment industry while considering a new paradigm for addiction treatment
- Identify the stages of use and abuse, and demonstrate understanding of the need for ongoing relapse-prevention and support
- Explain the concept of co-dependency especially as it pertains to adult children and spouses of addicts
- Minister and support individuals and families effected by addiction from a Christian counselling perspective
- Practice good self-care and prevent caregiver burn-out