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Fall 2010
FSW – Phoenix
CN522
Retts
CN522:
BASIC COUNSELING SKILLS. William
Retts
DESCRIPTION: This course is designed for people
involved in a variety of relationships who want to
improve their skills as effective helpers and lay
counselors. The model used as a guide takes the student beyond the
initial phase of listening and accepting and suggests ways to define and
motivate practical, positive change. Emphasis will be on developing a
uniquely Christian approach to helping.
SIGNIFICANCE
FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Because
many in our world have been significantly damaged by abuse, addictions,
destructive habits, and a lack of healthy relationships, the challenge of being
genuinely helpful often seems overwhelming. For ministers, as well as
layperson, the desire to help will lead us into relationships with people whose
problems are critical and sometimes chronic. Knowing how to help as well
as when we cannot help is important. This course seeks to offer practical
help to persons in this process.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES: Students completing this
course will have demonstrated (a) a better
understanding of and an ability to interpret individual
experience, family relationship patterns, culture, and congregational life; (b)
skills in counseling individuals, families, and congregations; (c) the ability
to more deeply empathize with people to whom they minister; (d) more motivation
to engage in ministries of giving care, prevention education, and the healing
of persons; and (e) more commitment to self-development and self-care.
COURSE
FORMAT: Course will meet on
Thursdays from 2:45 pm – 5:45 for a total of 30 hours. Each class
session will be divided into two parts: Discussion and Practice. The
worship environment will offer students the opportunity to experiment with new
strategies and improve already existing skills. Application of new skills
will be stressed. Class participation is essential. Students will
be expected to come to class having read the assigned material from the text.
REQUIRED
READING:
The reading requirements will be
divided into three parts.
A
total of 1200 pages is the minimum requirement.
I. Required reading:
á
Egan,
Gerard. Skilled Helper: A
Problem-Management Approach to Helping. Brooks-Cole Publishers, 1997.
[377 pp.] ISBN: 053434948X, $71.95
á
Augsberger,
David. Pastoral Counseling Across
Cultures. Westminster John Knox Press, 1995. [408 pp.] ISBN:
0664256163, $29.95
á
The
Gospel of John
II. Select two books from
the following list:
á
James,
S. and Butman, R. Modern
Psychotherapies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal. Intervarsity Press,
1991. [425 pp.] ISBN: 0830817751, $32.00.
á
Cloud,
H. and Townsend, J. How People Grow: What
the Bible Reveals About Personal Growth. Zondervan, 2001. [368 pp.] ISBN: 0310257379, $12.99.
á
Kornfield,
M. Cultivating Wholeness: A Guide to Care
and Counseling in Faith Communities. Continuum Press, 2000. [400 pp.] ISBN: 0826412327, $26.95.
á
Patton,
John. Pastoral Care in Context.
Westminister Press, 1993. [274
pp.] ISBN: 0664220347, $39.95
III. Select readings that
reflect your personal areas of interest and influence.
á
An
extensive bibliography will be provided for suggestions
á
All
books will be approved by the instructor.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Attendance and class
participation (25%)
- A short description of each
outside book read will be required. (30%)
- A journal will be kept throughout
the course. Details provided. (20%)
- Students will be asked to
write an integration paper (12-15 pages) reflecting significant learning
in the class. The paper will be due at the end of the course. (25%)
PREREQUISITES:
None
RELATIONSHIP
TO CURRICULUM: M.Div.: MIN 5; MA: Elective; MACL: Laity Elective
FINAL
EXAMINATION: None
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to
modification.