Certificate in Pastoral Counseling

The Psychology of Religion explores the characteristics and ethical issues associated with spirituality and its integration into psychotherapy. The roles of culture and health are also investigated. This course provides an introductory examination of how spirituality and therapy are intimately related. It reviews models for healing through understanding the role of religion, ritual, and spirituality. Spiritual assessment of the individual is also discussed. Learners will be able to determine the relationship between healing and spirituality, focusing on specific therapeutic interventions. Learners are also encouraged to develop a personal model of spiritual development and to understand the integration of spirituality for self and clients, offering an active role for clients in the development of their healing process.

• Evaluate course concepts critically and competently through interaction with Learners and Faculty Mentor
• Integrate course concepts through the use of the Taylor Study Method
• Examine spiritual ritual and spiritual interventions
• Assess the relationship of religion and spirituality to health
• Formulate spiritual assessment and treatment plans in psychotherapy
• Correlate current research on religion and spirituality and its role in psychotherapy
• Combine legal/ethical issues of religion/spirituality in the therapeutic relationship
• Evaluate and incorporate emerging relevant technologies applicable to the field of psychology
• Analyze and evaluate information critically and effectively
• Demonstrate ethical behavior in regard to information and information technology