Examples of courses in this major:
CPY505, CPY 505I Theological Foundations of Counseling
This course will examine the theological foundation of counseling specifically as it pertains to Scriptural truth and principles. Topics such as the historical relationship between counseling and theology; attributes of God as the author of counseling; key concepts of biblical counseling; therapeutic process of biblical counseling; and therapeutic techniques of biblical counseling will be explored. Three hours.
CPY635, CPY 635I Group Counseling
This course will examine the history, theories and methods of group counseling as applied in a multicultural society and as viewed from a Christian perspective. Learners will be trained in applications of group psychotherapy through group discussions, a group experiential simulation, and role-playing demonstrations for the purpose of developing and growing their group leadership proficiency. Three hours.
CPY550, CPY 550I Psychotherapy and Trauma
This course will examine the nature and practice of psychotherapy as it pertains to the topic of crises, disasters, and other trauma causing events. The nature of trauma, trauma resolution, and the standard of care in responding to trauma survivors will be explored. The course includes an emphasis on the study of Scripture to gain a biblical understanding of the process involved in grappling with suffering and how this applies to trauma survivors. Three hours.
CPY525, CPY 525I Psychopathology
This course provides an introduction to the concepts of psychopathology and to the major diagnostic categories of the current DSM and their etiologies. Learners will examine issues of psychopathology and normalcy through the lens of Scripture, providing an opportunity for students to develop diagnostic skills. Emphasis is placed on understanding how cultural, biological, social, psychological and spiritual factors are all necessary components when developing an ethical model of assessment and treatment planning. Three hours.
CPY620, CPY 620I Ethical/Legal Issues
This course is designed to develop a broad biblical knowledge base, critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills for mental health counseling practice. A focus on the development of student desire and diligence as practicing counselors and the development of a high degree of personal and professional ethics to enhance clinical work will be emphasized. Three hours.
What others are saying:
I came to Grace in the fall of 2010 to begin the Masters in Mental Health Counseling Program. As a non-traditional student I remember thinking “will this program really work for me?” My worries were immediately proven to be for not; the faculty of the Counseling Department welcomed each student graciously and with intent to speak to each person’s concerns and needs. The course work has challenged me both academically and spiritually and I feel well prepared to begin my career as a mental health counselor. I will leave Grace when I graduate in May and I will miss the interactions with my professors and classmates, they have been pivotal in expanding my faith during this time of academic training. I think that’s what makes Grace’s counseling program so alluring, they rigorously train their students following CACREP standards yet remain accessible to each student and focus on each student’s heart as well. I am leaving Grace a changed person; I leave without a doubt that I am a daughter of God That knowledge, above all book and clinical learning, is what will truly provide a compass for my counseling career.
--Lisa Harris, MA, Mental Health Counseling, May 2012
It is impossible for me to express accurately how this program has affected not only my professional development, but also who I am becoming as a person. Since beginning this stage of my life last fall, I have had the divine opportunity to grow and learn under individuals who are exceptionally equipped to prepare students in the skills and practice of the profession, and, perhaps more importantly, to usher others, as they have me, into the presence of the King where healing is abundant. I did not anticipate that my entrance into this program would change me at the depths of my core and I am eternally grateful that I was incredibly wrong.
--Natalie Hubartt, M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2012
I remember looking down at my desk during class one day and seeing my lecture notes on top of my textbook on top of my Bible and thinking, "What a great picture this is of the grad program." As a student in the Graduate Counseling program at Grace College, I was exposed to the latest research, treatment options, and information pertaining to the counseling field, and was taught and challenged to view and examine all of it through the lens of God's truth. I also had the great privilege of learning from truly competent professors who modeled what they taught, who readily invested in me, and who created a space for me to grow as a person, young professional, and one who continues to be healed and restored by the Wonderful Counselor Himself.
--Molly Coonrod, M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2011
Having been called by God to become a marriage counselor, obtaining a degree in the Graduate Program in Clinical Mental Health was an obvious choice. I was challenged to stretch and grow in every class and by every professor and clinical supervisor. The focus on prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit in counseling was deeply engrained during my opportunity to be blessed at Grace, and as a counselor I daily use the heart and soul of the training I received.
-- John Rife, M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2011
While pursuing a graduate degree in counseling, I have had several opportunities to become involved with members of the community of the college. This has challenged and stretched me in ways that have expanded my capacity as a vessel of God’s mercy. The growth I have experienced in the pursuit has led to a growing belief that God is able to affect change in the soul, bringing healing and perspective that cannot be granted through technique alone. Compassion is at the heart of service in this counseling program which combines skill development and spiritual growth.
—Josh Topel, M.Div., Grace Theological Seminary, 2009; M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2010
Perhaps the aspect of the program I most appreciate is the one I was least looking for. Throughout my time here I’ve not just learned, I have changed. I have changed not only as a counselor, but also as a husband, Christian, employee- as a whole. At Grace I have been challenged not only to adapt my mind to the world of counseling, but also to alter my life in such as a way to make me more suitable to serve God in this way. Though someday I may need to re-learn some of the details of various coursework I’ve had, I don’t think I will ever forget what it means to perceive hurt, extend compassion, and love people well.
--Andrew Boekstein, M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2010
My Grace College Graduate School experience has been an amazing and life changing journey both personally and professionally. What I love most about the program is the wisdom and servant leadership that the instructors modeled in their lives and in their teaching. Having the opportunity to be a part of a God-centered community has been a gift and has forever changed the direction of my life as I was lovingly challenged and blessed through education, supervision, and leadership opportunities.
--Angela C.R. Semonis, B.S., Psychology and Sociology, 1998; M.A in Counseling, 2006
Having been out of the master’s program for over a year now, I can confidently say that I can’t imagine what kind of counselor—or person, for that matter—I would be without the life-changing education I received at Grace. The program does an amazing job of living in an indescribable tension: affirming and refining the gifts God has lovingly bestowed on us to become effective counselors all the while acknowledging that we’re not going to be “enough” for our clients, and that we are called to represent the Wonderful Counselor in helping draw people one step closer to Jesus. I feel especially equipped (and appropriately limited) to work with victims of abuse and other types of trauma, as this is a distinctive of the program—teaching us how to sit with someone in their “death,” and hope and pray and invite them to a life more abundant. Oh, how we pray and pray and pray . . .
--Hannah Hermiz, M.A. in Counseling, 2007
