Counseling Major and Concentrations Course Descriptions

An introduction to the major theories in counseling including secular and Christian approaches. The methodology of each approach will be analyzed based upon the respective theory of psychopathology. Special attention will be given to various skills, techniques, and applications of these approaches. Three hours.

An introductory study of the principles and techniques of investigation and data collection in the social sciences. The course will deal with techniques of organizing, conducting, analyzing, and presenting such data. Three hours.

This course will examine the relationship between the fields of psychology and theology. A theory of integration will be presented, along with discussions concerning specific “psychological” topics (i.e. self-esteem, etc.) from a biblical vantage point. Three hours.

This course will provide an extensive overview of the principles and concepts of traditional and modern victimologists. This course will further examine victimology, analysis of victimization patterns and trends, and theoretical reasoning and responses to criminal victimization. In addition, this course explores the role of victimology in the criminal justice system, examining the consequences of victimization and the various remedies now available for victims. Three hours.

This course is designed to be the capstone for a psychology/counseling student at Grace College. As a capstone course, it will serve to provide a broader context about both the science and field of psychology. This course will also focus on what it means to be a psychologist, the current issues and conflicts of psychology, and future directions in the field. This seminar course will address the importance of evidence-based practice and practical applications to the field of psychology. Three hours.

(4730) A course designed to give behavioral science majors practical experience in a choice of various agencies offering psychological services. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Three hours.

(4930) This internship course in behavioral science is to provide the interns with a structured introduction to various aspects of professional work. Students are given the opportunity to observe and develop their own skills in a first-hand operational structure within a behavioral science agency. Students in the internship course will get direct supervision from an onsite supervisor in their specific field of interest. Three hours.

A study of the family as a basic social institution with its cultural variations. Emphasis is upon premarital and marital factors that contribute to a successful marriage or family disorganization. Christian ideals for wholesome courtship and family living are stressed. Three hours.

A study of mental and emotional disorders, their symptomatology, classification, and methods of treatment. Special attention is given to a Christian approach to mental health. Three hours.

This course will examine the family from a systems approach for the purpose of understanding how the family operates and how dysfunction occurs. Knowledge gained from this course will be useful in understanding and analyzing what often occurs in other systems (workplaces, churches, schools, etc.). Family counseling will also be an aspect of this class. Three hours.

An introduction to the major theories of personality and how it develops, including psychoanalysis, humanistic, existential, and behavioristic approaches. Three hours.

This course develops a theoretical base for evaluating human problems within a biblical framework. Once this has been accomplished, practical techniques will be discussed to help counselors structure the counseling session and implement change. Three hours.

This course will examine the history, theories and methods of group counseling. Students will learn about the applications of group psychotherapy through group discussions and role-playing demonstrations. This course will further examine the roles, behaviors and therapeutic factors utilized in a variety of group settings. Prerequisite PSY3440. Three hours..

This course is designed to give the student a theoretical and practical understanding of addictive disorders. The topics covered in this class will include sexual, gambling and other addictive disorders. In addition, this course will examine the addictive process and relevant treatment issues in working with a variety of addictive disorders. Three hours.

This course provides an overview of principles of therapeutic play and play therapy including history, theories, techniques, applications, and skills. The content focuses on basic therapeutic skill development within the context of ethical and cultural diversity sensitive practice. Attention is given to understanding the role of therapeutic play and play therapy in the context of the participant’s clinical responsibilities in multiple settings including: schools, counseling clinics, and/or medical facilities. Participants learn strategies for engaging children in art, music, and other alternative therapeutic strategies to assist children and teens in improving their coping skills and ability to respond to stress in a healthy manner. Three hours

A study of mental and emotional disorders, their symptomatology, classification, and methods of treatment. Special attention is given to a Christian approach to mental health. Three hours.

This course will examine the family from a systems approach for the purpose of understanding how the family operates and how dysfunction occurs. Knowledge gained from this course will be useful in understanding and analyzing what often occurs in other systems (workplaces, churches, schools, etc.). Family counseling will also be an aspect of this class. Three hours.

This course studies the relationship between identity development and primary culture(s). A variety of ethnic, social, religious, and cultural group norms are considered along with an examination of the extent of influence these may have on the individual. The environmental factors that impact people such as global markets, Internet collaborations, and multicultural neighborhoods are examined. Three hours.

This course is designed to give the student a theoretical and practical understanding of addictive disorders. At the completion of this course the student will be able to define several key concepts relative to addictions and the disease of chemical dependency, have a workable knowledge of the concepts of withdrawal tolerance and drug interactions as they relate to commonly abused drugs, and have gained a general knowledge of concepts, methods, and techniques in the area of addictive disorders, substance abuse, and/or chemical dependency. Three hours.

An introduction to the major theories of personality and how it develops, including psychoanalysis, humanistic, existential, and behavioristic approaches. Three hours

This course develops a theoretical base for evaluating human problems within a biblical framework. Once this has been accomplished, practical techniques will be discussed to help counselors structure the counseling session and implement change. Three hours.

This course will examine the history, theories and methods of group counseling. Students will learn about the applications of group psychotherapy through group discussions and role-playing demonstrations. This course will further examine the roles, behaviors and therapeutic factors utilized in a variety of group settings. Prerequisite PSY3440. Three hours..

This course is designed to give the student a theoretical and practical understanding of addictive disorders. The topics covered in this class will include sexual, gambling and other addictive disorders. In addition, this course will examine the addictive process and relevant treatment issues in working with a variety of addictive disorders. Three hours.

A study of the family as a basic social institution with its cultural variations. Emphasis is upon premarital and marital factors that contribute to a successful marriage or family disorganization. Christian ideals for wholesome courtship and family living are stressed. Three hours.

A study of mental and emotional disorders, their symptomatology, classification, and methods of treatment. Special attention is given to a Christian approach to mental health. Three hours.

This course will examine the family from a systems approach for the purpose of understanding how the family operates and how dysfunction occurs. Knowledge gained from this course will be useful in understanding and analyzing what often occurs in other systems (workplaces, churches, schools, etc.). Family counseling will also be an aspect of this class. Three hours.

A psychological study covering the life span from early childhood to the adult stage. This course stresses practical applications for working in family, educational, and counseling settings. Three hours.

This course will focus on the human experience of grief and loss that occur across the lifespan. Current theories and research will be examined, as well as the evidence-based practices of grief therapy. Three hours.

This course develops a theoretical base for evaluating human problems within a biblical framework. Once this has been accomplished, practical techniques will be discussed to help counselors structure the counseling session and implement change. Three hours.

This course provides an overview of principles of therapeutic play and play therapy including history, theories, techniques, applications, and skills. The content focuses on basic therapeutic skill development within the context of ethical and cultural diversity sensitive practice. Attention is given to understanding the role of therapeutic play and play therapy in the context of the participant’s clinical responsibilities in multiple settings including: schools, counseling clinics, and/or medical facilities. Participants learn strategies for engaging children in art, music, and other alternative therapeutic strategies to assist children and teens in improving their coping skills and ability to respond to stress in a healthy manner. Three hours.

This course fulfills all of the Associate of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) requirements for the Child Life course. A course exploring the hospitalized child and family. Psychosocial and developmental needs of infants, children, adolescents and families in health care context, with a focus on the role and interventions of the child life specialist. Applies theories of child development and family systems to effective child life practice in hospitals. Three hours.