219 / 272
CNS 6430
Assessment
This course presents students with an understanding of the psychometric theories and practical approaches concerning the assessment of
individuals, couples and families, while equipping the student with the skills and competencies necessary to incorporate assessment
strategies into the helping process. Assessment, including marriage and family therapy methods and major mental health assessment
methods and instruments, are covered. Focus is placed on information-gathering methods, evaluating test validity and reliability
(controlling for factors that may influence assessment results), and application of assessment practices as an integral part of counseling
and marriage and family therapy. (3
) Additional fee for assessment material; Prerequisite: Candidacy
CNS 6431
Assessment & Treatment of Childhood Disorders
This course introduces students to developmental, self-regulation, and systems perspectives used to understand, diagnose, and treat
disorders of childhood and adolescence. Students will gain an understanding of the normal and abnormal developmental issues of
children, the process of mastering self-regulation throughout development in various domains, the impact of relational dynamics within
various systems (family, school, church), and the trend of the self’s consolidation and conceptualization of these various vectors of life. The
student is then able to form diagnosis and treatment plans that flow from their relational understanding of the child’s life based on the
above models. Treatment issues are covered within the confines of treatment planning (as opposed to how to do therapy), including such
areas as applied behavioral analysis, cognitive-behavior treatment, interpersonal treatment, psychopharmacology, community and school-
based treatment. Additional assessment material fee charged. (3)
Prerequisite: Candidacy
CNS 6432
Counseling Children & Adolescents
This course provides the basic principles of counseling children and adolescents within the context of family, school, and socio-cultural
and religious systems, and is based on the case conceptualization and treatment planning developed in CNS 6431. 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, which are empirically sound, highly
efficacious, and cost-effective intervention strategies for treating behavior disorders in children. Legal and ethical issues specific to
working with children are addressed. (3)
Prerequisite: CNS 6431
CNS 6440
Groups
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of group counseling. The process of doing groups and the application of the
group process to a variety of settings and situations is discussed. The counselor as a group leader is emphasized. The class relies heavily
on the component of a psycho-educational group experience, both as a group member and co-leader. (3)
CNS 6710
Marriage Counseling
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 understanding that students will be working with couples in clinical, multicultural, church, and para-church settings. Students are
encouraged to be working with couples while taking this class. (3)
CNS 6810
Career Development
This course introduces students to career development theory and its application. Students will have the opportunity to learn the history
of and current trends in career development counseling. Students will be offered training in the use and application of career counseling
strategies, assessment tools, and resources (including web-based resources). Students will also learn about the relationship between
work and mental health, career development across the lifespan, and issues with diverse populations, as well as ethical issues and
competencies for professional practice. (3)
Additional fee for assessment material
CNS 6820
Family Systems Theory
This course provides a foundational understanding of family systems theory as it relates to clinical concerns. Course content helps
students to conceptualize and distinguish the critical epistemological issues in marriage and family therapy. Students are introduced to
historical development, theoretical foundations, and contemporary conceptual directions in the field of marriage and family therapy. An
overview of the different models of family systems theory is addressed, and students are expected to apply this understanding of systems
theory to their family of origin and other systems. (3)
CNS 6821
Family Therapy
This course focuses on conceptual applications of foundational family systems theory and counseling techniques taught in CNS 6820. The
course provides a comprehensive survey and substantive understanding of the major models of marriage and family therapy and
addresses a wide variety of clinical problems. 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. (3)
Prerequisite: CNS
6820
CNS 6912
Advanced Counseling Techniques and Practicum
This course focuses on the further development of counseling skills and professional knowledge needed for doing effective individual,
marriage, and family therapy. Its aim is to help students to integrate their clinical coursework by presenting opportunities to develop
clinical competencies in the areas of diagnostic interviewing, case conceptualization, cultural contextualization, goal setting, treatment
planning, counseling intervention, and case management. A supervised practicum experience is required, comprised of a minimum of 150
hours, of which 40 are direct services. Successful completion of this course is contingent upon competent demonstration of key core
competencies listed under the course objectives and a practicum experience. (4) (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
Additional fee for
technology use; Prerequisite: CNS 6410
219 │Columbia International University
Course Descriptions