Introduction to Domestic Violence and Abuse

This course introduces the pastor and lay counsellor to the theory and praxis of trauma counselling from bio-psycho-social-spiritual awareness. This course endeavours to equip pastors and lay counsellors to come alongside survivors of domestic violence and abuse (the term "survivor" is preferred over victim) and help them to grow to personal and spiritual wellbeing. By the end of this course you should be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the various types of abuse
• Assess partner abuse and formulate applicable interventions from a lay counselling perspective
• Demonstrate an understanding of violence and abuse within relationships and families 
• Assist dysfunctional families and support both victims and perpetrators of family abuse
• Demonstrate understanding of the issues related to victimization and recovery, avoid iatrogenic memory recall techniques, and prevent false memory syndrome
• Assist individuals and families to practice forgiveness and explore the possibility of reconciliation

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