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2012-2013 Graduate Programs Academic Catalog
CNS 6432
Counseling Children & Adolescents..........................(3)
This course provides the basic principles of coun-
seling children and adolescents within the context
of family, school, socio-cultural and religious sys-
tems, and is based on the case conceptualization
and treatment planning developed in CNS 6431
Assessment & Treatment of Childhood Disorders.
The emphasis is on helping students develop
their own individual style in forming therapeutic
relationships with children or adolescents, and in
using effective therapeutic skills and techniques,
including therapeutic mediums such as toys,
audio/visual aids, games, cognitive treatment,
and behavioral programs. A special focus is given
to parent training and parents as co-therapists.
Legal and ethical issues specific to working with
children are addressed.
Prerequisite:
CNS 6431
Assessment & Treatment of Childhood Disorders.
CNS 6440
Group Counseling ......................................................(3)
This course is an introduction to the practice of
group counseling. The process of doing group
counseling and the application of group counsel-
ing in a variety of settings and situations is dis-
cussed. The counselor as a group leader is
emphasized. The course relies heavily on the
component of an actual group counseling experi-
ence, both as a group member and co-leader.
Course group experience enrollment is limited to
nine students.
CNS 6710
Marriage Counseling ................................................(3)
This course provides students with a biblical,
sociological and interpersonal framework from
which to study and counsel couples. Practical
tools are presented for how to work with couples
through the ups and downs of life together. The
course content is designed with the understand-
ing that students will be working with couples in
clinical, multicultural, church and para-church set-
tings. Students are encouraged to be working
with couples while taking this class.
CNS 6810
Career Counseling and Decision Making ................(3)
This course provides an understanding of career
development theories; occupational and educa-
tional information sources and systems; career
and leisure counseling, guidance, and education;
lifestyle and career decision making; and career
development program planning, resources and
evaluation. Attention is given to clients making
career and education decisions for the first time,
those who are making mid-life or end-of-life
changes, as well as those who need help with the
career they have chosen. Special application
includes counseling missionaries, pastors, lay
ministers and church leaders in regard to their
career and calling. Fee: Additional purchase of
assessment materials is required for this course.
CNS 6820
Family Systems Theory ............................................(3)
This course provides a foundational understand-
ing of family systems theory as it relates to clini-
cal concerns. Course content helps students to
conceptualize and distinguish the critical episte-
mological issues in marriage and family therapy.
Students are introduced to historical develop-
ment, theoretical foundations and contemporary
conceptual directions in the field of marriage and
family therapy. An overview of the different mod-
els of family systems theory are addressed.
Students are expected to examine their own fam-
ilies in light of theory and to assess these theories
from a biblical perspective.
CNS 6821
Family Therapy ..........................................................(3)
This course focuses on conceptually applying the
foundational family systems theory and counsel-
ing techniques taught in CNS 6820 Family
Systems Theory into clinical practice. The course
provides a comprehensive survey and substan-
tive understanding of the major models of mar-
riage and family therapy, and addresses a wide
variety of clinical problems. Special emphasis is
given to the therapeutic models of Murray Bowen
and Salvador Minuchin. Students are expected to
integrate both biblical and cultural understanding
of family into their therapeutic approach.
Students are also educated about appropriate
collaboration with related disciplines.
Prerequisite:
CNS 6820 Family Systems Theory.
Course Descriptions (Counseling)
continued…