Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/140290
All Seminars in the Marriage and Family Counseling Track SEQUENCE ON THE SEMINARS Students normally begin with an introductory seminar in July. It is possible, however, to begin in January. Students take one one-week seminar in July and one in January for four years to complete their seminars (which can be reduced to three if two seminars are taken together the two times that is possible). BENEFITS OF THE SEMINARS The students in the Marriage and Family Counseling (MFC) program grow professionally, personally, spiritually and relationally. They learn how to put in place an effective marriage and family counseling program which will benefit their church, themselves, their marriage and the wider community. The following are some specific benefits the students have affirmed. 1. The students learn how to integrate counseling principles with scriptural principles so that their counseling can be biblically sound. 2. The students learn how to implement an effective prevention program for reducing family problems and developing strong families. 3. The students learn to develop a policy procedure for effective premarital counseling. 4. The students learn how to have a greater impact on the community through a more comprehensive program that produces practical results. 5. The students learn to work from a systematic approach to marriage and family counseling which is more effective and works more quickly. 6. The students learn solution based brief therapy which can bring about positive changes in fewer sessions. They also learn a number of other approaches to use in counseling. 7. The students learn how to shape the counseling load so as not to be overwhelmed with counseling. 8. The students are better able to know when to make a referral for more serious problems, and learn an effective procedure for signing a release in order to be a part of the treatment team as pastor and not as therapist. 9. The students have 30 hours of supervision (by an AAMFT approved supervisor) for their required 300 hours of client counseling which will shape counseling techniques and personal understanding for a lifetime of ministry. 10. The students are challenged in spiritual formation and to develop a plan for stronger personal relationships. 11. The students interact with persons from diverse background which helps them in selfunderstanding. 12. The students learn the strengths and limitations for personal ministry which came from their family of origin. 13. The students read, write and reflect on their own marriage to grow in this area of their lives. Students interested in licensure as marriage and family therapists must check with their state licensing board and compare the state licensure requirements to our program to determine to what extent the program achieves the necessary goals. Page 21