"The RPTS Biblical Counseling Institute offers a number of beginning and advanced counseling courses for students in all certificate and degree programs."
Biblical Counseling Courses
The RPTS Biblical Counseling Institute offers the following courses:
For M.Div., M.T.S., Dip. Th., and Certificate Programs:
BC11 Introduction to Biblical Counseling
An introduction to what Biblical counseling is, who should do it, the key elements of the process, and its application to basic problems faced in the local church. Consideration is given to alternative approaches, both secular and religious.
Fall Quarter (3 hours)
BC22 Marriage and Family Counseling
Marriage and Family builds on BC11 and is a theological study of marriage and family issues such as the covenantal nature of marriage, gender roles, sexuality, and children; a theological study of problems; communication, problem solving, adultery, physical abuse, etc.; an application of biblical principles to solve problems in the context of the local church. Consideration is given to alternative approaches, both secular and religious.
Winter Quarter (3 hours)
BC23 Advanced Biblical Counseling
This course builds on BC11, BC22 and seeks to help the counselor grow in personal holiness, insight and creativity. The counselor is given a biblical and theological framework for dealing with all counseling issues in the context of pastoral ministry.
Spring Quarter (3 hours)
BC12 Counseling Observation
The student will observe live counseling cases and discuss them with the supervising counselor and other students. Requirements include regular attendance and graded participation, reading and reflection papers.
Winter Quarter (2 hours)
BC13 Counseling Roleplay
Providing practical “hands-on” counseling experience for those interested in advanced training in Biblical counseling. This practicum will be comprised of role-play counseling, which is then video-taped and critiqued by the professor and classmates.
Spring Quarter (2 hours)
BC31 Supervised Counseling
This practicum involves approximately fifty hours of counseling which is observed by a faculty mentor and discussed. The class credits are awarded in the fall quarter but the counseling hours are logged throughout the entire academic year.
Beginning in Fall Quarter (2 hours) - Supervision will typically be spread throughout the academic year, but credit will be awarded in the fall.
BC95, 96, Independent Study in Biblical Counseling
BC97, 98 Independent studies are overseen and under the direction of a faculty member in the areas of counseling supervision, observation, study, and/or research.
Special Arrangements (1-4 hours)
For the D.Min. Program (Both Concentrations)
DM06 Counseling the Flock
In this course, students will sharpen their skills of listening, analyzing, and guiding members through the variety of problems commonly encountered by pastors seeking to counsel, advise, and aide the members of the church live their faith with integrity and consistency. (6 day intensive class, 3 credits)
Courses for the D.Min. Strengthening Counseling Ministry Concentration
DM09 What is Man?
In this course, the student will examine the exegetical data related to man, his problems, and how the counseling/discipleship process addresses these issues. A systematic theology of discipleship will be developed as the framework from which a robust discipleship ministry can and must develop.
(6 day intensive class, 3 credits)
DM10 Medical and Legal Issues in Biblical Counseling
In this course, the student will be exposed to the many physiological issues that can impact the counseling/discipleship process. Direction for dealing with these issues within a pastoral context will be mapped out. Also, the same will be done for the legal issues that face the pastor/counselor. Special attention will be given to proper protection from and preparation for possible prosecution in the court systems, both criminal and civil. Special emphasis will be given to principles of peacemaking in a litigious society.
(6 day intensive class, 3 credits)
DM11 Counseling Credentialing
In this course, the student will be mentored through the credentialing process. He will be prepared to be certified by a national body at the next highest level from when he enters the course: certification as a certified counselor, a supervising Fellow, or a publisher contributor in the Biblical Counseling Movement.
(6 day intensive class, 3 credits)
