CO310

THEOLOGY OF COUNSELLING

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Elements of this outline which may change with subsequent offerings of

the unit include Content, Required Texts, Recommended Readings and

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for the relevant semester from the unit lecturer.

Unit Name Theology of Counselling

Unit Code CO310

Award Bachelor of Social ScienceBachelor of Social Science (Counselling)

Credit Points 10

Core/Elective Core - Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling)

Prerequisites CS125 Foundations of a Christian WorldviewCO253 Introduction to Schools of Counselling

Modes IntensiveExternal

Delivery/Contact hrs Intensive

Intensive contact hours 35 hoursReading, study and preparation for lectures 43 hoursAssignment preparation 52 hoursTOTAL 130 hours

External

Engagement with study materials 78 hoursAssignment preparation 52 hoursTOTAL 130 hours

Teaching Staff Paul Jensen

Unit Rationale Students of Counselling, in addition to a range of knowledge and skills, need to beable to reflect on theological and philosophical underpinnings of their practice. Itcan be claimed that all action proceeds from belief, whether known or tacit.Consequently, it is important to examine implicit beliefs in any given professionalsetting. While students have a knowledge of counselling theories they also need,within a Christian context, to be challenged to integrate their faith with theirlearning. It is important that psychological issues be integrated with theologicalprinciples, where appropriate, so that there is not a separation between espousedbelief and practice.

In this unit, students will be encouraged to investigate foundational themes withinChristian theology especially as they apply to the counselling context. It will beimportant that any theological considerations be applied practically to counsellingand not be abstractly attached. Appropriate examination of theology andpsychology will encourage practitioners to integrate their faith and practice.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this unit of study, students will have provided evidence that they have:

1. Recognised and understood from theological and psychological perspectives, the multi-dimensionalityof humankind;

2. Reflected on the nature and character of God, including the different functions of the Holy Spirit, in newand challenging ways;

3. Considered the essential principles of Christian doctrine with relation to conceptions of life and healthas relevant to the counselling context;

4. Reflected on the nature and place of suffering in the healing and redemptive process;5. Conceptualised the function of the church and the faith community in the healing process;6. Written at an appropriate tertiary standard with special attention to correct grammar, punctuation,

spelling, vocabulary, usage, sentence structure, logical relations, style, referencing and presentation.

SAMPLE

Content:

No. Topic

1 Theology, theological methods and sources

2 Landmarks – Periods, themes and personalities of Christian theology

3 God – Trinity, creation I

4 God – Trinity, creation II

5 The person of Christ

6 Review and assignment work

7 Humanity, sin, suffering and grace I

8 Humanity, sin, suffering and grace II

9 Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, sacraments and heaven I

10 Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, sacraments and heaven II

11 Hope and processes of change I

12 Hope and processes of change II

13 Integration and course review

Set Text Requirements:

McGrath, A. (2007). Theology: The basics. (2nd ed.). Melbourne, VIC: Blackwell-Wiley.

Recommended Readings:

Bloesch, D. G. (2005). Holy Scripture: Revelation, inspiration and interpretation. Downers Grove, IL:InterVarsity Press.

Bridger, F. & Atkinson, D. (2007). Counselling In context: Developing a theological framework. London:Harper Collins.

Entwistle, D. N. (2010). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction toworldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration. Eugene, OR: Cascade.

Grant, B. W. (2001). A theology for pastoral psychotherapy: God’s play in sacred spaces. Binghamton,NY: Haworth Press.

Lake, F. (2005). Clinical theology. London, UK: Darton, Longman and Todd.

McGrath, A. E. (2006). Christian theology: An introduction. (4th ed.). Oxford, UK: Blackwell.

Nelson, R. R. (2004). “Faith Discipline Integration: Compatibilists, Reconstructionists, andTransformationalists Strategies”. In H. Heie & D. L. Wolfe (Eds.). The Reality of Christian Learning.Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Palmer, S. & Woolfe, R. (Eds.). (2001). Integration and eclectic counselling and psychotherapy. London,UK: Sage.

Pembroke, N. (2006). Renewing pastoral practice: Trinitarian perspectives on pastoral care andcounselling (Explorations in practical, pastoral and empirical theology). Aldershot, Hants, UK: Ashgate.

The Holy Bible: New King James Version. (1982). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

SAMPLE

Journals

Journal of Psychology and Theology

Journal of Psychology and Christianity

Journal of Pastoral Counselling

Spiritual Life

Assessment:

Assessment Item Topic/s Learning Outcomesassessed Week Due Weighting

Concept Map

1500 words

Choose one of the theologicalthemes studied in the unit and usea concept map to illustrate itsrelevance in understanding humannature, problems and thecounselling process.

1-4, 6 Internal:Week 8

Intensive:Two weeks

after firstsession

30%

Case study

1750 words

Select one counselling case studyfrom a list presented in class andbriefly explain how a theologicalunderstanding can be applied toassist with case conceptualisationand counselling response.

1-6 Internal:Week 10

Intensive:Two weeks

after firstsession

35%

Research Paper

1750 words

Prepare a research paper thataddresses a question raised fromone of the topics examined in thissubject.

1-6 Internal:Week 14

Intensive:Two weeks

after firstsession

35%

SAMPLE