Biblical Basis and Introduction to Christian Counselling

This course will explore the concepts of lay, pastoral, and professional Christian counselling, explain why there is a need for counselling, and provide a practical introduction to the foundations of a biblical approach. Topics covered will include the concept of Christian counselling, the call to the counselling ministry, characteristics of Christian counsellors, the integration of theology and psychology, and an introduction to the Paraklesis model. This course will lay the foundation for an integrative Christian counselling approach that is Christ-centred, biblically-based, Spirit-led, and psychologically sound. By the end of this course you should be able to:

• Evaluate one’s worldview and the effectiveness of one’s calling in counselling ministry in your context
• Demonstrate an understanding of Christian counselling, it’s principles, unique characteristics and goals
• Understand the etiology of problems
• Recognise the Spirit’s work as the proprium of Christian Counselling
• Consider the need for a dynamic, integrative bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach to Christian counselling
• Integrate theology and psychology to evaluate the effectiveness of the Paraklesis Model of Christian counselling

You will be required to purchase the following textbooks in order to complete all counselling courses:

• Collins, G. 2007. Christian Counseling - a Comprehensive Guide (Third Edition). Thomas Nelson.
• Meier, Minirth, Wichern & Ratcliff. 1999. Introduction to Psychology and Counseling: Christian Perspectives and Applications. 2nd Baker Books.
• Tan, S. & Scalise, E.T. 2016. Lay Counseling: Equipping Christians for a Helping Ministry (Revised and Updated).
• Tan, Siang-Yang, 2011. Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective. Baker Publishing