Introduction

A BIBLICAL APPROACH TO COUNSELING METHODOLOGY

Course Purpose: The purpose of this course is to increase your appreciation for the Bible as an adequate handbook for the human mind, and to supply you with a foundational system for using the Bible as a counseling model.

Course Learning Outcome: As a result of the successful completion of this online course, you will be able to identify and understand the basic five-point counseling system contained in the Bible, and therefore be equipped to transfer this understanding into a practical and effective pattern for counseling.

Course Instructions:  First, review the Applied Definitions of Key Terms below.  Listen to the audio selections for each chapter (very helpful but not mandatory).  Then, read each chapter carefully, and thoughtfully (use either the Course Navigator menu at the bottom of each page, or the Table of Contents to move from chapter to chapter).

Take the self-correcting test at the end of each chapter, and be sure to save your questions and answers in an approved file format .  After you have completed the entire course, you must send the course for grading online as instructed on the main instruction page.  NOTE:  Follow these instructions and take the self-correcting tests at the end of each chapter ONLY if you are taking this course as a part of the Graduate in Biblical Counseling Certificate Program, otherwise ignore these instructions.  They do not apply to your program.  

The Course Author
Dennis D. Frey, A.B.S., Nazarene Bible College; M.Min., M.Div., D.Min., Th.D., Trinity Theological Seminary; M.B.A., D.B.A., California Coast University.
 

Applied Definition of Key Terms

Counseling regime (concept)
A counseling regime (concept), is a regular pattern or course of action taken by a counselor in the practice of counseling which is the result of his/her general idea concerning what constitutes an appropriate counseling process.

EXAMPLE: When Jim Doe counsels he uses a non-confrontational approach based upon his belief in a non-directed approach to client-centered therapy. The potential for various counseling regimes (concepts) may be nearly limitless.

Physiological constants
A physiological constant is a known uniform characteristic whereby certain functions of mind and body interact in a generally accepted manner.

EXAMPLE: Excessive mental anxiety may produce physical manifestations, e.g. peptic ulcers, headaches, high blood pressure. Blushing may be the result of extreme excitement or embarrassment. Fear may result in temporary physical paralysis.

Ratione et via certus
This Latin phrase translates: "The method which is infallible." RATIONE ET VIA. "The method". CERTUS. "Certain or infallible."

APPLICATION: As applied in this study Ratione et via certus refers to the Scripture as the source for a counseling methodology which is infallible.

Superimposition
A superimposition refers to the process whereby two or more counseling models are integrated into a single counseling motif which results in one model being in prominence.

EXAMPLE: Jane Smith has studied several counseling models. She is fully convinced of man's evolutionary ascent, but only partially agrees with Freud's conclusions. While she has come to appreciate a non-directed approach to counseling, she still feels it is necessary to guide the counselee toward successful closure. As a result, while her counseling method involves not actually telling the client what to do, she does dominate the direction in which she allows the counselee to go. In addition, she encourages the counselee to accept personal responsibility for certain actions, but assures him that there are no real absolutes in making life choices.

Derivation
A derivation refers to the process whereby a counseling model is developed from a single or greatly restricted source. While a derivation may recognize certain physiological constants germane to most other counseling models, integration with differing models is rigorously avoided.

EXAMPLE: Bill Jones is totally committed to the concepts of Carl Rogers, and uses only Rogers' principles in his counseling. He is thus known as a "Rogerian" counselor. Betty Doe believes that Carl Rogers was mostly wrong in his approach to counseling. Her training has led her to adopt the teachings and practices of Abraham Maslow. As a disciple of Maslow she specializes in "self-actualizing" counseling. The same may be said of those who are strict disciples of Erik Erikson, B.F. Skinner, or Sigmund Freud.

Course Navigator: [Table of Contents]  [Introduction]   [Chapter One]  [Chapter Two]   [Chapter Three]  [Chapter Four]   [Chapter Five]  [Chapter Six]   [Chapter Seven]  [Bibliography]