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Fall 2012
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 2:30 pm – 5:30 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, 2009. [496 pp.] ISBN: 978-0495601890, $116.95
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.