This is a Biblical Counseling training course Josh taught at Gulf Theological Seminary in Dubai, UAE.

Course Objectives

This class is designed to help participants explore the theological foundations for biblical counseling, the spiritual formation of the biblical counselor, and the practical application of biblical counsel. Upon completion participants will:

• Understand the biblical convictions as to why we counsel one another and the resources that God provides us through his word, his Spirit, and his people.

• Understand the complexity of man and who we are according to the scriptures and how that plays out in counseling.

• Know how to rightly handle God’s word and use it in counseling situations.

• Be able to build genuine relationships, assess a person’s struggle, and speak truth in an appropriate and relevant manner.

• Be able to assess his/her own heart and grow in character and competency.

• Understand the means that God uses to change a person.

Class Overview

All the class lectures have been pre-recorded. You will be required to listen to them throughout the week. Every other week we will meet for Counseling Labs to discuss the material, ask questions, break into small groups, and work on case studies. The counseling labs will be very interactive and will provide you the opportunity to dig deeper and utilize the material in practical ways. It is imperative that you come to the counseling labs prepared.

The nature of this class is unique. While you will be discovering what biblical counseling is and how to care for others you will also discover things that you yourself will need to take to heart. This is good and normal. But it can also be hard, so please be gracious with yourself as you work through this material. You may feel the need to seek out counseling yourself. This may be a wise decision and we encourage you to do so. May the Lord use this course to minister to your heart as you seek to minister to others. 

Schedule

• Week 1 - Lesson 1 - What is Biblical Counseling?

• Week 2 - Counseling Lab 1

• Week 3 - Lesson 2 - Engaging Secular Psychology

• Week 4 - Counseling Lab 2

• Week 5 - Lesson 3 - Understanding our Biblical Reality

• Week 6 - Counseling Lab 3

• Week 7 - Lesson 4 - Using Scripture in Counseling

• Week 8 - Counseling Lab 4

• Week 9 - Lesson 5 - Understanding the Process of Change

• Week 10 - Counseling Lab 5

• Week 11 - Lesson 6 - Qualities of a Biblical Counselor

• Week 12 - Counseling Lab 6

• Week 13 - Lesson 7 - Application of Biblical Counseling

• Week 14 - Counseling Lab 7

Assignments

• Listen to Lectures

• Attend Counseling Labs - There are a total of 7 Counseling Labs that you will attend. During this time we will discuss your questions, work through case studies, and provide group interaction on various topics.

• Readings- In addition to the required books, for each class you will have articles to read. These articles will compliment and add to the information you hear in the lecture. There are readings that are required and readings that are suggested. Start with the required readings. The information can be dense at times and may need a second reading. Please don’t neglect this.

• Self-Reflection Journal and Group Participation - Each week will have different reflection questions that will help you process the material and assess your own heart. I encourage you to meet in small groups (or at least one other person) where you can discuss the self-reflection questions and what you are learning in general. This can actually be one of the most beneficial activities. Please don’t neglect this. Counseling is highly relational. You understand, process, and apply this material best when you do it in relationships. If you are not willing to do this it could be a good indicator that you need to grow in this area.

• Case Studies - Each week you will have a case study to complete. This case study will be broken up into multiple parts. We will discuss it together during the counseling labs. Please come prepared. 

• Final Case Study - This final case study will incorporate all that you have learned and apply it in a counseling situation.

Class Lectures

1. What is Biblical Counseling?

Personal Reflection Questions

• What is your hope from this class? How would you describe biblical counseling to someone who had never heard of it? How would you speak to someone who was skeptical of it? How would you say it is different from secular forms of therapy?

• How would you counsel an unbeliever? How would you communicate your convictions? How would you share the gospel? Would you offer to counsel them in the first place?

• What has been your personal experience of counseling (receiving and/or giving)? How will this affect what you do or don’t do when you seek to counsel others?

• In your experience, what keeps people from counseling?

• What are thoughts on the other models of Christian counseling?

Donald Case Study - Part 1

Donald is a 34 year old man. He is thinking about joining your church although he is not sure what all that means. He comes from a very legalistic denomination and was not very involved in his previous church. Recently he has been struggling with anxiety and thought that maybe attending church would help. He is quiet but very polite. He heard that you had some experience in counseling and asks if you would be willing to meet after church sometime to talk more. He describes his struggles briefly and uses words like generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks. He doesn’t know how to not worry about things. 

Questions:

1. What are you thinking about Donald?

2. Do you feel equipped to talk with him? Why or why not?

3. How would you start the conversation?

4. Are you thinking about referring him to an elder?

5. What are your fears?

6. What questions would you like to ask Donald? What more do you want to know?

Require Reading

Recommended Reading

2. Engaging Secular Psychology

3. Understanding our Biblical Reality

4. Using Scripture in Counseling

5. Understanding the Process of Change

6. Qualities of a Biblical Counselor

7. Application of Biblical Counseling