Academic Catalog: Counseling
The counseling division at Denver Seminary encompasses courses from a range of programs. Courses described below are part of programs in counseling licensure, school counseling certification, counseling ministries, pastoral counseling, and chaplaincy. The common threads are the focus on developing practical skills for helping people, understanding the nature of human growth and change, and personal reflection and growth in professional identity. The courses emphasize that God is the ultimate source of all truth and that he reveals his divine purpose in scripture. Students are taught to understand scriptural truth through sound exegesis and to seek additional truth through scientific investigation, thoughtful observation, and scholarly research.
CO 502 Counseling Theories
Equips students with foundational theoretical concepts, clinical skills and techniques needed for the clinical training sequence (practicum and internship). Reviews the major counseling theories and how each relates to biblical and theological perspectives. Students are exposed to models of counseling consistent with current professional research and practice in the field so they begin to develop a personal model of counseling. Offered fall and spring semesters. Three hours.
CO 503 Human Development and Counseling
Addresses the theoretical underpinnings of the counseling professions by looking at the major theories of human development and growth span. The course explores how major approaches to human growth and development compare to and contrast with related biblical teaching. Offered fall and spring semesters. Three hours.
CO 504 Psychopathology and Diagnosis
Students acquire a working knowledge of the diagnosis of psychopathology, the DSM and the assessment of psychological and spiritual functioning. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the MA in Counseling, MA in Counseling Ministries, or MDiv (with a pastoral counseling concentration) program. Offered fall and spring semesters. Three hours.
CO 505 Groups in Counseling
Principles and practices of group therapy are studied as they relate to church life and ministry as well as to professional practice. The major theories form the basis of investigation into how group counseling can be used by counselors to promote growth and healing. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the MA in Counseling or MA in Counseling Ministries program. Offered fall and spring semesters. Three hours.
CO 506 Introduction to School Counseling
Examines the history, philosophy, and trends of school counseling. Professional identity issues of school counselors will be explored, including leadership, advocacy, counseling, and consulting roles in the school system. Additionally, school counseling services are examined, including assessment, individual, group, family, and career counseling and consulting. Prevention and intervention strategies, programming, and ethical/legal guidelines are examined. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the MA in Counseling program with a concentration in school counseling. Offered spring semesters. Two hours.
CO 507 Programs in School Counseling
Focuses on the development, management, and evaluation of comprehensive developmental school counseling programs. Needs assessments and outcome plans based on assessment are stressed. Several key counseling topics such as conflict resolution, violence prevention, diversity, stress management, loss, substance abuse, and resiliency are addressed as they apply to programming issues. Prerequisite: CO 506 Introduction to School Counseling; Pre- or corequisite: CO 785 School Counseling Internship I; 786 School Counseling Internship Continuation, or 787 School Counseling Internship II. Offered fall semesters. Three hours.
CO 510 Counseling Foundations
Introduces counseling licensure students to the counseling field, the community counseling model, empathy training, other foundational counseling skills, counseling techniques and counseling ethics. Orients the student to CO 511 practicum in which students will conduct counseling sessions with clients in the on-campus Shepherd’s Gate Clinic. Enrollment limited to students in the MA in Counseling (licensure) program. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the MA in Counseling program. Offered fall and spring semesters. Three hours.
CO 511 Counseling Practicum
Provides counseling students with an initial experience in providing counseling services and introduces them to the profession of Christian counseling. Students participate in forty clock hours of direct service to clients in individual, family, and group formats. They also participate in individual and group supervision in which they review video recordings of their counseling sessions for discussion and evaluation. Student performance is monitored throughout the course and includes a formal evaluation at the end of the course. The practicum course totals at least one hundred clock hours of work toward state licensure requirements. This course is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisites: CO 502 Counseling Theories, CO 510 Counseling Foundations; pre- or corequisite: CO 504 Psychopathology and Diagnosis; and enrollment in the MA in Counseling program. Offered fall and spring semesters. Two hours.
CO 525 Career Development and Assessment
Begins with an exploration of the theology of work and moves to an examination of career selection and career development theories. Students learn about career assessment tools, occupational information sources and systems, as well as lifestyle and career decision-making. This course equips the student with the skill of critiquing lifestyle from a biblical viewpoint. Offered fall and spring semesters. Three hours.
CO 526 Therapeutic Communication
This course is designed to help students develop the facilitative skills that form the basis of therapeutic communication in both formal and informal counseling settings. The focus is on empathy as a way of being, and as the core skill in relating to both individuals and couples. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the MA in Counseling Ministries or MA in Christian Formation and Soul Care program. Offered fall and spring semesters. Two hours.
CO 539 Group Experience
Provides an opportunity for students to participate in an actual therapeutic group experience structured for self-exploration and growth for the purpose of fostering the ongoing development of Christlikeness. A lab fee equal to the current tuition rate for one semester hour of credit is charged. Students are strongly encouraged to take this course early in their program. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the MA in Counseling Ministries, MA in Christian Formation and Soul Care, or MDiv with a concentration in chaplaincy or pastoral counseling. Offered fall and spring semesters. No credit.
CO 540 Issues in Counseling Ministries
Addresses counseling ethics, assessment, psychopathology and pastoral counseling issues relevant to non-licensure counseling ministry contexts. For non-licensure counseling, chaplaincy, and pastoral counseling students. Prerequisite: CO 539 Group Experience. Offered every spring. Three hours.
CO 541 Gender Issues in Counseling
Examines the gender-specific issues that arise in counseling contexts. Reviews social science research on gender differences and similarities, and gender development and identity. Grounds these topics in biblical/theological themes and reflection, and uses case studies and class discussion to identify the subtleties of sexism in counseling and specific approaches to therapy appropriate for women and men. Offered alternate years. Two hours.
CO 543 Sexuality and Counseling
Overviews the issues related to the development of healthy sexuality and sexual disorders. Attention is given to a theology of sexuality as it relates to living out Christian values regarding sexuality in contemporary society. Consideration is given to sexual disorders and their treatment, and to common sexual issues that arise in the counseling process. Offered every year. Two hours.
CO 551 Crisis Counseling
Course focuses on the assessment of crisis situations, and the specific, practical intervention techniques and skills related to acute, emotional personal turmoil. Attention is given to a Christian theology of crisis and the role spirituality and religion play in helping or hindering persons in crisis. Emphasis is on the need to stabilize clients during the first critical seventy-two hours of crisis. Various types of personal crisis such as suicide, domestic violence, addictions, homicide, death, divorce, health issues, and life transitions will be discussed and appropriate interventions taught and practiced. Offered intersession. Two hours.
CO 552 Marriage and Family Counseling
An introductory course in the field of marriage and family counseling which helps students acquire knowledge of relationship dynamics, assessment, and skills related to working with couples and families. The Christian view of marriage informs the consideration of the nature of marriage and family in contemporary society. Students learn specific approaches to premarital, marital and family counseling with an emphasis on the value of a systematic perspective, as well as specific and practical evaluation and treatment tools. Offered fall and spring semesters. Three hours.
CO 553 Counseling Children
Presents a brief history of theoretical approaches to children. Practical considerations and specific techniques are demonstrated and discussed during the course against a backdrop of the biblical material related to childrearing and parenting. Prerequisite: CO 503 Human Development and Counseling. Offered alternate years. Two hours.
CO 554 Counseling Adolescents
Discusses the unique needs and characteristics of adolescents in light of biblical material related to the development and maturing process. Lecture and demonstration are utilized to present techniques and approaches uniquely adaptable to adolescents and their needs. Prerequisite: CO 503 Human Development and Counseling. Offered alternate years. Two hours.
CO 555 Addictions and Counseling
Discusses the etiology, distinctives, and specific difficulties related to addictive behaviors. Group and individual approaches to the treatment of substance abuse and other addictions are presented. Attention is given to preventive strategies and therapeutic interventions to address substance abuse and other additions. Offered fall and spring semesters. Three hours.
CO 557 Missions and Counseling
This course explores the growing area of the application of counseling and care ministries to mission contexts. The major focus is on supporting missionaries to fulfill the mandate of world evangelization. Attention is also given to the training of nationals as counselors and counseling cross-culturally. Models, skills, case studies, and resources are discussed. Offered alternate years. Two hours.
CO 560 Brief Counseling
Examines the philosophical base, strategies, and Christian implications of several models of brief counseling, such as problem-solving, integrated problem, and solution-focused. Attention is given to the practical techniques of each model. The use of homework techniques in therapy, including the use of cinematherapy as homework, is addressed. Also discussed is trauma incident reduction as a form of brief counseling for trauma survivors. Offered fall semesters. Two hours.
CO 570 Brief Counseling Practicum
A laboratory course for students who wish to observe and clinically practice the basic features of brief counseling from a Christian perspective within their particular ministry target population. Instructor and peer group supervision of written and video student-client cases will form the basis for feedback concerning the student’s brief counseling skills. Limited enrollment. Pre- or corequisite: CO 560 Brief Counseling. Offered fall semesters. One hour.
CO 589 Counseling Research Process
Provides counseling majors with the necessary background to conduct research and write a thesis in subsequent semesters. Taught in a seminar format, students in the course select and develop a research topic and prepare a preliminary proposal that may form the basis of a thesis proposal in the following semester. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the MA in Counseling or MA in Counseling Ministries program. Offered fall semesters. Two hours.
CO 601 Research and Evaluation in Counseling
Familiarizes students with basic concepts related to statistics used in counseling research and test evaluation. Examples are drawn from current research in counseling. The course also explores the evaluation process that is vital to effective counseling. This course is an introductory survey of the field designed to aid the student in becoming an informed consumer of research data. Offered fall and spring semesters. Three hours.
CO 602 Assessment and Measurement in Counseling
Introduces students to philosophical and ethical considerations related to tests and testing. In addition, specific tests are discussed and demonstrated. Students learn how these assessment tools are used effectively in counseling. Prerequisite: CO 503 Human Development and Counseling; CO 601 Research and Evaluation in Counseling; and enrollment in the MA in Counseling program. Offered fall and spring semesters. Three hours.
CO 615 Professional Orientation
Explores the professional identity, roles, and functions of the counselor in relation to the rigorous professional standards of conduct required in the counseling field. Students will learn about ethical and legal standards, professional goals and objectives, professional organizations and associations, history and trends in the counseling field, and professional credentialing. Prerequisite: CO 511 Counseling Practicum; and enrollment in the MA in Counseling or MA in Counseling Ministries program. Offered fall and spring semesters. Three hours.
CO 621 Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling
Assists the student in preparation for work with American subcultures, American minority groups, and internationals living in the
CO 631 Integration of Counseling and Theology
Considers the fundamental issues in the disciplines of counseling and theology, the models of integration currently in use by Christian scholars and the manner in which our basic Christian beliefs affect the counseling encounter. Topics explored include the image of God, sin and guilt, salvation and sanctification, and suffering and healing. Prerequisite: CO 502 Counseling Theories. Offered fall and spring semesters. Two hours.
CO 646 Counseling for Trauma and Abuse
This course focuses on the understanding and prevention of relational violence, within and outside of religious circles, as well as treatment of both victims and perpetrators. Emphasis is on the treatment of adult survivors of child abuse and domestic violence. Application of treatment principles is made to other types of traumatic events. Offered every year. Two hours.
CO 647 Grief and Loss Counseling
Explores the counseling implications of grief and loss across the life span. Attention is given to therapeutic strategies that are effective with persons who struggle with grief and loss, as well as to biblical material regarding grief and loss. Offered alternate years. Two hours.
CO 649 Anxiety and Mood Disorders
Provides advanced techniques in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention with individuals suffering from anxiety and mood disorders. Both clinical counseling principles and theological/spiritual principles will be addressed. Through extensive reading and the completion of case study clinical papers, students will learn techniques in the assessment and treatment of these disorders. Prerequisite: CO 504 Psychopathology and Diagnosis. Two hours.
CO 653 Assessment and Diagnosis of Children and Adolescents
Advances students in the special knowledge and skills of assessing problems in children and adolescents. Developmentally appropriate interviewing techniques, clinical observation skills, and various assessment instruments useful for identifying the unique needs of these special populations are explored. Unique factors relevant to diagnostic criteria and diagnostic categories are considered. Prerequisite: CO 602 Assessment and Measurement in Counseling. Two hours.
CO 655 Personality Disorders
This course provides students with advanced techniques in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention with individuals suffering from personality disorders. Both clinical counseling principles and theological/spiritual principles will be addressed. Students will learn extensive techniques in the assessment and treatment of individuals with personality disorders. Offered alternate years. Two hours.
CO 657 Counseling Responses in Crises and Disasters
Describes psychological crisis intervention approaches and techniques in the face of natural and human-made disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, fires, transportation accidents, school shootings, workplace violence, and terrorism. These disasters typically affect large groups of persons at the same time and require a planned response for the victims, their families, and helping providers who may or may not have a faith background. Course content focuses on the theological issues of a disaster; spiritual, physical and psychological responses to disaster; intervention techniques; and care for the caregivers to prevent or mitigate compassion fatigue. As a part of this course, students will be trained and receive a certificate in Group Crisis Intervention: Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) through the International Critical Stress Foundation (ICSF). Offered alternate intersessions, even years. Two hours.
CO 750 Family Therapy
Examines major systemic theories of family therapy, family dynamics, and family therapy techniques and strategies. Students also explore the biblical theology of the family as it relates to counseling. Prerequisite: CO 552 Marriage and Family Counseling or instructor permission. Offered every year. Two hours.
CO 590, 690, 790 Studies in Counseling
These course numbers are reserved for courses of special or one-time interest that do not otherwise appear in the catalog or courses designed to allow the student to independently investigate an issue in counseling under the guidance of a professor. One to three hours.
CO 785 School Counseling Internship I
The two internships (CO 785 and CO 787) require completion of a total of 600 clock hours over two semesters in an approved school setting under the supervision of an appropriately trained and certified/licensed school counselor. A minimum of 240 direct service hours are required with K–12 students and those who support their development. Counseling services may include individual, group, and family counseling, assessment, consulting, program development and evaluation, and team building. Additional requirements include at least one hour of individual supervision and one and one-half hours of group supervision per week with qualified supervisors. Student performance is monitored each semester and includes a formal evaluation at course end. Prerequisites: CO 502 Counseling Theories; CO 503 Human Development and Counseling; CO 504 Psychopathology and Diagnosis; CO 505 Groups in Counseling; CO 506 Introduction to School Counseling; CO 511 Counseling Practicum; and completion of at least thirty hours of the program. Two hours.
CO 786 School Counseling Internship Continuation
Students who are not ready to enroll in CO 787 and have already completed CO 785 should register for CO 786 each semester until they are ready to enroll in CO 787. $200 fee per semester. Prerequisite: CO 785 School Counseling Internship I. No credit.
CO 787 School Counseling Internship II
Prerequisite: CO 785 School Counseling Internship I. Two hours.
CO 793 Counseling Thesis Proposal
Students submit a thesis proposal by the due date of the term of registration and receive a grade of satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Once students register for thesis proposal, they must remain enrolled in CO 798 until the term of registration for CO 799. Prerequisite: CO 589 Counseling Research Process. One hour.
CO 795 Clinical Counseling Internship I
The two internships require completion of a total of 600 clock hours over two semesters in an approved community counseling setting under appropriate supervision. A minimum of 240 hours of direct client contact with individuals, groups, and families are required. Additional requirements include at least one hour of individual supervision and one and one-half hours of group supervision per week with qualified supervisors. Student performance is monitored each semester and includes a formal evaluation at course end. Prerequisites: CO 502 Counseling Theories; CO 503 Human Development and Counseling; CO 504 Psychopathology and Diagnosis; CO 505 Groups in Counseling; CO 511 Counseling Practicum; and completion of at least thirty hours of the program. Two hours.
CO 796 Clinical Counseling Internship Continuation
Students who are not ready to enroll in CO 797 and have already completed CO 795 should register for CO 796 each semester until they are ready to enroll in CO 797. $200 fee per semester. Prerequisite: CO 795 Clinical Counseling Internship I. No credit.
CO 797 Clinical Counseling Internship II
Prerequisite: CO 795 Clinical Counseling Internship I. Two hours.
CO 798 Counseling Thesis Continuation
Students who are not ready to enroll in CO 799 should register for CO 798 each semester until they are ready to enroll in CO 799. Course is graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. $150 fee per semester. Prerequisite: CO 793 Counseling Thesis Proposal. No credit.
CO 799 Thesis in Counseling
Students should register for CO 799 when they are ready to complete the thesis process in a particular semester. Note that there are no course extensions for projects or theses. Prerequisite: CO 793 Counseling Thesis Proposal. Two hours.
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