Our students are part of a unique movement and legacy of excellence. Enrollment is at an all-time high as God calls more people to be difference-makers. For those enrolled at Richmont, counseling will become a ministerial vocation to facilitate Christ-centered transformation.
2 hours. This course is designed to help the student gain a deeper understanding of the psychological and relational dynamics of leadership. Decision-making, conflict management, cooperation and competition, and developing a shared vision and purpose will be explored. Students will examine the personality traits of renowned leaders to understand their approaches and contributions. A significant portion of this course includes participation in the Catalyst Leadership Conference, which is held annually in Atlanta in October.
2 hours. This course is a practical introduction to coaching, including definitions, models, techniques, coaching types, marketing, the uniqueness of Christian coaching, and available resources for use in coaching. The course provides an initial experience in observing, practicing and utilizing coaching skills and shows how coaching can play a significant role in personal and leadership development.
2 hours. This course focuses on the nature of change — both unanticipated and desired — with special emphasis on coaching people who are changing careers, dealing with layoffs or retirement, relocating, trying to establish new habits, struggling to change stagnant churches or businesses, or moving through life stages. The course will focus on how change occurs, avoiding relapses, and how leaders can be better change agents by using coaching skills. The course will be highly interactive with hands-on practice and minimal lecture.
2 hours. This course focuses on the practical application of coaching to church, parachurch and other Christian settings. The course will focus on the growing emergent church movement with its sensitivity to postmodernism, discuss ways to apply coaching in Christian settings, interact with people who are applying coaching to emergent churches and other Christian organizations, practice coaching skills with an emphasis on coaching in churches, and consider how coaching-based leadership can be the most effective means for guiding next-generation individuals and groups. This is a course both for those who anticipate the private practice of coaching and for those who are interested in coaching as it relates to churches and other Christian settings.
2 hours. This course integrates psychology, theology and business/organizational dynamics to ensure that students understand people and organizational systems and how to bridge the two. Students will learn how to repackage their people-helping skills for use in a corporate environment or be better skilled in working with business executives and leaders within a counseling relationship.
2 hours (Prerequisites: CPSY 5012; CPSY 5042; CPSY 5052 ) This practicum provides participation in the coaching process as a smallgroup leader for LifesWork career groups. Weekly supervision will be included. This practicum will not fulfill any requirements toward any counseling licensure requirements and will focus solely on coaching skills.
Hours may vary. Designed for advanced students who wish to create an independent study for a topic not offered by Richmont. Will require prerequisites as determined by the professor guiding the study. Original independent studies follow the same proposal and approval procedures as other independent studies.
2 hours. Examines the process of Christian formation from both historical and personal perspectives. Attention is given to the unique personal and spiritual demands of the life and work of the psychotherapist, the historical figures of the Church, and the contributions of modern-day scholars. This course is Pass/Fail.
2 hours. A study of the philosophical and theoretical issues that are basic to relating science and Christian faith in general and psychology and Christian faith in particular to the field of Christian counseling. This course provides a brief history of Christian counseling as a distinct discipline and lays the foundation for approaching practical integration in subsequent courses.
2 hours. An introduction to the science of hermeneutics and exegesis. Emphasis given to student preparation of exegetical papers. Consideration of Biblical exegesis in clinical settings.
2 hours. Overview of Church history with the intent of helping students gain a greater appreciation for ecumenical differences of the various Christian traditions and denominations as they present in the counseling office. This course is a part of the Richmont Career Mapping sequence.
2 hours. (Prerequisite: CPSY 6132) Provides an overview of Biblical literature with emphasis given to genre differences and uniting themes. Attention is given to developing a consistent understanding of God’s story throughout the canon. Focus is to prepare the counselor to appropriately use Scripture in the counseling office.
2 hours. Consideration of historical, systematic, Biblical and philosophical theology as relevant to issues of the nature of God and man.
Hours may vary. Designed for advanced students who wish to create an independent study for a topic not offered by Richmont. Will require prerequisites as determined by the professor guiding the study. Original independent studies follow the same proposal and approval procedures as other independent studies.
2 hours. Systematic overview of classic spiritual discipline within Christian traditions with a focus on experiential applications for clinical settings. This course is Pass/Fail.
2 hours. Examination of theodicy as it relates to the life of the counselor and its application to counseling. Interpersonal aspects of theodicy and the application of a theology of hope is emphasized. This course is Pass/Fail.
2 hours. Provides an experiential opportunity for personal spiritual growth combined with the development of understanding of the process of spiritual direction and formation. First three days of course are run as a residential contemplative retreat conducted off campus and involving an additional fee. This course is Pass/Fail.
2 hours. Provides an experience of the classic devotional literature in the Christian tradition and the lives of the saints associated with four of the major Christian spiritual traditions. Primary focus is developing the capacity to be a facilitating presence for the spiritual development of others. This course is Pass/Fail.
2 hours. Beginning with an examination of the psychology of spirituality (focusing particularly on the ways in which psychological and spiritual dynamics interact in health and in pathology), this course provides a foundation for addressing spirituality in clinical practice. Clinical implications of the theoretical foundation will be developed by means of reflection on case material as presented by both the professor and students. This course is Pass/Fail.
2 hours. Provides an overview of the psychological aspects of religious belief and experience and examines their relevance in understanding and helping religiously committed clients in counseling.
Hours may vary. Designed for advanced students who wish to create an independent study for a topic not offered by Richmont. Will require prerequisites as determined by the professor guiding the study. Original independent studies follow the same proposal and approval procedures as other independent studies.
2 hours. This survey course is designed to introduce students to the field of psychology and the counseling profession. Students will learn the history, systems, and foundations; the personalities, terminology, and theories; and the basic research methods of the field of psychology. The specialties within the field of counseling and other mental health disciplines also are reviewed. This course is required for all students who have not completed a minimum of 12 hours in psychology or a closely related field prior to admission.
3 hours. This course is an introduction to basic counseling methods with an emphasis on the helping skills of attending, listening, responding and the therapeutic triad. Skills that are essential to the helping relationship are developed. Students will learn the theories and applications of Rogers and Carkhuff. Students must earn a Bor higher to continue in clinical sequence. Students must receive approval on the clinical qualifying evaluation for continuance in the clinical sequence.
3 hours. Students survey and develop an understanding of the ethical, legal and professional issues facing the professional counselor and marriage and family therapist, including a history and philosophy of the counseling profession noting significant factors and events. Students focus on the ACA, AAMFT and CAPS codes of ethics and their services. Topics include the process of ethical decision- making, the application of ethics within clinical practice, professional identity, client advocacy and relationships with other human service providers, scope of practice, licensure and certification, business aspects of the counseling practice, and the foundation of the community counselor’s, and the professional marriage and family therapist’s role as a consultant and advocate in public and private policy processes and legal issues. Students must earn a B- or higher to continue in clinical sequence. This course is a part of the Richmont Career Mapping sequence.
3 hours. Students survey the major systems/models of counseling and marriage and family therapy in modern Western civilization with content related conceptually to clinical concerns. History and philosophy of the counseling profession and current trends in community counseling are addressed, along with an emphasis on theory and application. The course culminates with an overview of Christian approaches.
3 hours. This course is a comprehensive survey of the major psychological and behavioral disorders as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). Diagnosis, etiology and treatment are the major areas of study. Students acquire a knowledge of the DSM-IV classification system, the diagnostic categories, and the primary treatment options for the major mental disorders. Included is an examination of psychobiology and psychopharmacology. An emphasis is placed on the spirituality of the client as a factor in beliefs, values and diagnosis.
2 hours. (Prerequisite: CPSY 6343) The focus of this course is diagnosis, etiology and treatment of the personality disorders as delineated on Axis II of DSM-IV-TR. This course is a continuation course of CPSY 6343: Psychopathology.
3 hours. Students learn appraisal and assessment techniques for measuring skills and traits associated with performance in clinical, educational, vocational and social settings. Topics include validity and reliability of procedures, statistical concepts, strategies for using and interpreting a variety of assessment and evaluation instruments. Pertinent ethical, legal and diversity issues also are covered.
3 hours. Students survey the theories of human, cognitive, social, learning, and personality development with comparative review and emphasis on roles of family, school and community. The course includes significant content on individual development within the context of family development across the lifespan.
3 hours. Students study both theoretical and experiential understandings of group purpose, development, dynamics, group counseling theories, group counseling methods and skills, and various group approaches. Provides direct experience as a participant in a small group.
3 hours. (Prerequisite: CPSY 6363) Includes an examination of various factors influencing career guidance and development over the lifespan, including individual, cultural and sociological factors. Emphasis is placed on approaches that aid conceptualization of healthy development and treatment of career struggles, including interrelationships between work, family and life roles. Also included is the use of career information resources, computer-based information systems; and vocational assessment instruments. The counselor’s role as an advocate for the professional also are addressed. This course is a part of the Richmont Career Mapping sequence.
3 hours. This course provides an overview of the theories of multicultural and identity development and psychological aspects of counseling as it relates to clients in individual, marital and family counseling. Content includes experiential learning activities and significant material on multicultural competencies, including diversity, multicultural and pluralistic issues, social barriers that impede equity and success for clients; detrimental culturally supported behaviors; gender and power issues; bias and prejudice; and religious and spiritual issues in counseling.
2 hours. (Prerequisite: CPSY 6343) This course is designed to provide therapists with a basic understanding of the classifications and characteristics of psychotropic medications and the basic principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Students will gain a working knowledge of medications most often used in conjunction with adult mental illness and typical child and adolescent disorders. Emphasis is placed on understanding the effects of each medication and equipping therapists to educate clients on basic medication management. Information also is provided regarding the effects of other typical medications on the mental health of clients.
Hours may vary. Designed for advanced students who wish to create an independent study for a topic not offered by Richmont. Will require prerequisites as determined by the professor guiding the study. Original independent studies follow the same proposal and approval procedures as other independent studies.
2 hours. This course provides an overview of the nature of children from a Christian perspective and addresses how this, integrated with psychological theory, account for pathology. Disorders specific to childhood and adolescence in the DSM are reviewed along with other disorders manifested in youth. Particular attention is given to developmental psychopathology.
2 hours. (Prerequisite: CPSY 6412) This course surveys the major treatment approaches to childhood disorders and a critique from a Christian framework with special attention paid to empirically derived factors in therapeutic change. Ethical concerns particular to work with children and the role of work with parents in child therapy are discussed.
2 hours. (Prerequisite: CPSY 6412) This course examines the needs of adolescents in counseling, provides a well-tested model for family- based intervention with adolescent behavior problems, utilizes a theological framework for clinical work with adolescents and their families, and makes use of the Five Domains treatment model for case conceptualization.
2 hours. (Prerequisites: CPSY 6412, CPSY 6422, CPSY 7432) This course affords the student opportunity to read widely in the literature on how Christian spirituality is manifested in children and adolescents, and to write a major paper in the area of children’s or adolescents’ spiritual lives in relation to coping with psychological challenges.
Hours may vary. Designed for advanced students who wish to create an independent study for a topic not offered by Richmont. Will require prerequisites as determined by the professor guiding the study. Original Independent studies follow the same proposal and approval procedures as other independent studies.
2 hours. This course provides a basic introduction to counseling for sexual issues. Students are introduced to a theology of sexuality, a basic model of addressing sexual issues in counseling, basics of sexual biology and psychology, sexual development, sexual dysfunction, and basic intervention techniques for sexual problems. Students also are challenged in their own growth and development in this area.
2 hours. (Prerequisite: CPSY 6512 or evidence of similar training) Designed for the student pursuing the field of sex therapy, this course focuses on the profession of sex therapy exploring historical, ethical, cultural and research issues and theoretical distinctives in the field. Students also explore sex therapy with specific populations.
2 hours. (Prerequisite: CPSY 6512 or evidence of similar training) This course teaches students classical and current theories and techniques in sexual dysfunction, sexual addiction and compulsivity, and paraphilias.
2 hours. (Prerequisite: CPSY 6512 or evidence of similar training) This course covers the two main subject areas of advanced physiological issues (primarily hormones and medications) and counseling for sexual trauma and abuse. Students explore current theories and research in these subject areas as well as continuing to develop their theory of sexuality in these subject areas. Special attention also is given to exploring the problem of pain and self care of the therapist when working with trauma.
2 hours. (Prerequisite: CPSY 6512 and CPSY 7532 or evidence of similar training) This specialization course takes an in-depth look at treatment for sexual dysfunction. Areas of primary focus include the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunctions specific to desire, pain, arousal and orgasm.
2 hours. This course is designed to address a variety of selected topics in sex therapy.
2 hours. (Prerequisite: CPSY 6512 and CPSY 7542 or evidence of similar training) Students examine the topic of sexual trauma and abuse. Current thinking in the treatment of those people with a history of sexual trauma and abuse is explored in depth.
2 hours. (Prerequisite: CPSY 6512 or equivalent training) An indepth and advanced look at current theories and treatment approaches to addressing sexual addiction. Students will explore the diagnosis, etiology, disease process, treatment, recovery process, and current research findings for sexual addictions in males and females.
2 hours. (Prerequisites: CPSY 6512 and 7522 or evidence of similar training) Students examine the myriad of issues involved in providing therapy to clients who experience same-sex attraction. Based in Biblical principles, sound clinical theory, and empirical research, this course provides critical training to anyone seeking to provide care to this population.
Hours may vary. Designed for advanced students who wish to create an independent study for a topic not offered by Richmont. Will require prerequisites as determined by the professor guiding the study. Original independent studies follow the same proposal and approval procedures as other independent studies.
2 hours. In this course students examine the theoretical and practical foundations of the family systems approach to marital and family therapy. The major theorists, theories, various models, and practices are examined. The primary focus is upon the theories, principles, and language that support the numerous marriage and family therapy models. Bowen Family Systems Theory is delineated.
2 hours. The purpose of this course is to enable students to assess marital and family systems in order to engage in effective marriage and family counseling and treatment planning. An examination of current family demographics, characteristics of dysfunctional families, formal marriage and family clinical assessment strategies and instruments, and interviewing techniques are included. Assessment and treatment strategies related to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, marital conflict, sexual dysfunction, personality disorders and behaviors that impede couple and family functioning. Lectures, discussions, in-class assessments, and other methods are utilized to aid students in acquiring an understanding of marriage and family styles, symptomatology, socioeconomic and abuse factors, and assessment methods.
2 hours. This course is designed to provide an integrative analysis of the characteristic behaviors of healthy families and marriages derived from five primary sources: direct observation of healthy families, the literature from major family therapy theorists, the empirically-based schemas of optimal family health, the research of behavioral correlates of healthy functioning, and the empirically based models of healthy marital and family functioning. The course is designed to inform the graduate student about optimal families and to relate this material conceptually to clinical concerns. Students also examine healthy functioning across the family developmental stages. Students who complete this course will gain a perspective to balance their exposure to the significant literature and training for marriage and family therapists that is skewed toward pathology.
3 hours. Students learn basic strategies for research in the areas relevant to counseling. Students gain knowledge in the various research designs, research procedures, basic statistical concepts, and how to access, read and evaluate research in the literature. The use of technology in conducting research and statistical analysis is presented. Includes information regarding community and program evaluation as methods to improve counseling. This course is a part of the Richmont Career Mapping Sequence.
1 hour. Students learn about a specific area of integration research while working on a research project with the instructor. May be taken twice.
The student defines a research question(s) and/or project that is firmly embedded in the body of theory and empirical data that has been accumulated in counseling psychology, theology, spirituality or closely related fields. The student will present a written proposal and other defined steps to all members of their thesis committee, as directed by their Thesis Advisor, for the committee’s approval. The proposal should include the basic research question, a concise review of the precedent literature, and the design and methodology of the project. A thorough presentation of the relevant literature and an in-depth discussion of the results and findings of the project are required. The student will consult with his Thesis Advisor and establish goals that must be achieved during the course.
The student will continue and complete the research project begun in Thesis I. The final project, the written thesis, is presented to the Thesis Committee for evaluation. Students must adhere to Richmont requirements related to theses as described in the thesis guide.
Concurrent or prerequisites for these courses include CPSY 6622: Clinical Assessment; CPSY 6332: Counseling Systems and Interventions. CPSY 6612: Family Systems Theory is strongly recommended.
3 hours. The purpose of this course is to develop students’ knowledge and skill in the cognitive-behavioral approach to individual, marital and family therapy. Students examine theoretical foundations, research findings, basic principles, assessment techniques, and the intervention strategies of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with particular emphasis on a family systems perspective. The practical applications of this therapy are examined, and executive skills required of the cognitive behavioral therapist are instilled. Students will demonstrate skills in this approach of counseling in class. These examinations are applied to a wide variety of problems in living and are framed within a Christian theological context.
3 hours. Students examine theoretical foundations, basic principles, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies of these two major schools of marriage and family therapy: Structural MFT and Behavioral MFT. The role of the MFT in a variety of practice settings and in relation to other helping professions is discussed. The course is taught from a systems theory perspective and in the context of a Christian worldview.
2 hours. This course introduces students to treatment literature and practices relevant to a wide variety of impulse control disorders. Treatment programs (inpatient and outpatient settings) that focus on substance abuse will receive the majority of attention.
2 hours. This course is an introduction to facilitating adventure/challenge therapy. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the dynamics of adventure experiences, their therapeutic application, and effective facilitation and processing, particularly the leadership concerns and sequencing of activities in developing an adventure therapy/education program. Students will develop an understanding of theories of group dynamics and how they relate to the adventure education experience.
3 hours. Students examine theoretical foundations, basic principles, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies of these three major schools of marriage and family therapy: Brief MFT and Solution-Focused MFT and the Communication Approach to MFT. The course is taught from a systems theory perspective and in the context of a Christian worldview.
2 hours. Students examine theoretical foundations, basic principles, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies from a psychodynamic perspective. There is a review of major depth theories of personality with critique from a Christian worldview. Implications are drawn for dangers in misappropriating some theories and ways personality theories may be integrated into Christian counseling techniques.
3 hours. Students examine theoretical foundations, basic principles, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies of these three major schools of psychotherapy: Contextual MFT, Narrative Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy. The course is taught from a systems theory perspective and in the context of a Christian worldview.
2 hours. This course focuses primarily on the diagnosis and treatment of survivors of trauma: emotional, physical or sexual abuse, war, natural catastrophes, and political or religious persecution. Particular attention is given to how the Christian faith can facilitate or impede recovery.
This course is an examination of the etiolological and associated factors of eating disorders, diagnosis and assessment issues, and the treatments and general management strategies of the client with an eating disorders. Special emphasis is placed on individual, family and hospital-based intervention methods.
2 hours. This seminar is designed to assist the students in the integration of their graduate experiences, to prepare them for clinical practice, and to assess their current level of competency across 14 content areas. To assess the students, the instructors will administer the Graduate Competency Examination and the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination. Strengths and weaknesses will be identified. Remedial work may be assigned and required before graduation. Students are provided with information regarding professional identity and relationship to other human service providers through organizations such as ACA, AAMFT and CAPS.
Hours may vary. Designed for advanced students who wish to create an independent study for a topic not offered by Richmont. Will require prerequisites as determined by the professor guiding the study. Original independent studies follow the same proposal and approval procedures as other independent studies.
Counseling students must accumulate a minimum of 700 hours of on-site experience at their appointed clinical site. A minimum of 300 of these 700 hours must be direct, face-to-face counseling hours. Students must also gain a minimum of one hour per week of individual supervision and one and one-half hours per week of group supervision by an approved supervisor during their clinical training, inclusive of the counseling practicum and the two internships.
2 hours. The lab is designed to prepare students to conduct intake interviews, maintain appropriate documentation and effective treatment planning, and maximize the supervision process. Emphasis is placed on increased awareness of self/personality and the core conditions of a therapeutic relationship; practice of basic counseling skills in role-play; ethical issues, management of crises, making appropriate referrals, and other topics relevant to the counseling process including information on licensure and credentialing and professional involvement in the counseling profession through organizations such as ACA, AAMFT and CAPS. The minimum grade for successful completion of this course is a B-. Students must receive approval for continuance on the clinical qualifying evaluation.
Prerequisites:2 hours. Under the guidance of a licensed Christian mental health professional, students become a part of a team that provides individual, couple and family counseling. This practicum includes weekly individual and group supervision. Student must accumulate 40 hours of face-to-face counseling and 100 on-site hours. Grade is Pass/Fail.
Prerequisites:2 hours. This internship provides participation in the counseling process as therapist/co-therapist under the supervision of licensed Christian mental health professionals. It includes weekly individual and group supervision. Additional experience will be obtained in an external setting. Student must accumulate 130 hours of face-to-face counseling and 300 on-site hours. Grade is Pass/Fail.
Prerequisites:2 hours. This internship is a continuation of CPSY 7932: Internship I with growing autonomy as appropriate to student’s developing skill level. The student participates in the counseling process as therapist/co-therapist under the supervision of licensed Christian mental health professionals. There is weekly individual and group supervision. Information on licensure and credentialing and professional identity with the counseling profession through organizations such as ACA, AAMFT and CAPS also is discussed. The student must accumulate 130 hours of face-to-face counseling and 300 on-site hours. Grade is Pass/Fail.
Prerequisites:2 hours. This internship is a continuation of CPSY 7942: Internship II and is intended only for the student who needs additional hours in an internship for licensure or who chooses to extend his internship past one year. Students may sign up for this internship only with the prior approval of the Director of Clinical Activities and request for academic exception. The student will continue to participate in the counseling process as therapist/co-therapist under the supervision of licensed Christian mental health professionals. There is weekly individual and group supervision. Information on licensure and credentialing and professional identity with the counseling profession through organizations such as ACA, AAMFT and CAPS also is discussed. Grade is Pass/Fail. This course may be repeated for credit.