Intro to Pastoral Counseling

Catalog description

Taught by SKSM. This online course introduces students to culturally responsive counseling practices and multicultural awareness. Students examine societal and institutional structures of power and privilege, and become more aware of biases, prejudices, and microaggressions detrimental to the growth of the human spirit. Students study major counseling theories and practice basic helping skills centered on Person-Centered (Rogerian) counseling and Bowen Family Systems Theory. Pastoral elements will include individual, family, and congregational contexts. Asynchronous course with written lectures, videos, and links to online resources. Weekly personal reflections and skill-practice exercises, with some academic writing. Possible synchronous skills-practice opportunities. Intermediate/advanced course intended for MDiv students, and with doctoral upgrade possible. It relates to Thresholds #2 and #5. MFC Competences #2 and #4. Students must contact the instructor via e-email prior to enrolling in order to receive permission to register. Registration is contingent upon faculty approval. [Faculty Consent required; 20 max enrollment]