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From the Desk of the Dean…
Welcome, from the faculty and staff team of the College of
Counseling (COC)! Have a seat, take a look around. What’s
on your mind, or more importantly, what’s on your heart?
We are delighted that you are interested in our counseling
program at Columbia International University. We pray
that as you view our catalog and participate in our program
you will come to understand what we mean when we say that COC is a professional,
passionate, and personal program of training in the clinical mental health counseling
field.
As a
professional
program we provide the academic coursework and clinical training
for students to earn the Master of Arts in Counseling, to apply for national certification
through the National Board for Certified Counselors, and to apply for South Carolina
State Licensed Professional Counselor Intern (LPC/I) licensing. We also offer a
Postgraduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Counseling for professionals who seek
advanced training in marriage and family counseling from a systems perspective. This
postgraduate certificate can provide eligibility to apply for South Carolina State
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (LMFT/I) licensing.
As a
passionate
program we are committed in all our coursework and training to the
written and living Word of God. Christianity is not just an add-on or side note; Jesus
Christ is our passion. We believe the foundation, source, guiding principle, and ultimate
goal of our work is the wisdom and love of Christ that compels us to serve others and
share His good news. Our faculty, students, and graduates are involved in
compassionate care in both local and international settings, in private practice,
nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and church and missions‐related
ministries.
As a
personal
program we focus not only on the head (biblical and professional
knowledge and research) and the hands (effective interpersonal and clinical skills), but
also the heart (personal and spiritual development). God’s primary instruments in
counseling are the counselor and the relationship developed with the client. We focus
on the student and his or her ability to develop relationships that bring positive change
within various cultures and settings, for different individuals, couples, families, and
groups with diverse struggles and strengths. There is no “one size fits all” counseling
relationship!
Hopefully this catalog will give you a positive introduction to our program, courses,
training, and faculty. If we can help you personally, please e-mail our Director of
Professional Relations, Dr. Leah Herod, at
lherod@ciu.edu
so we can answer your
questions or discuss your specific needs.
God’s blessings on the next steps of your journey,
Harvey I. Payne, Psy. D.
Dean of the College of Counseling
58| Columbia International University
College of Counseling