Connexions Training has partnered with Belfast School of Theology to bring you this certificate in An Introduction to Counselling with a Christian Perspective.

Students will expect to gain the following:

• Counselling Skills to use in a helping role

• Self development opportunities

• A rationale of how to integrate the Christian Worldview with key counselling theories

• A safe community of learning to share experiences, learn new skills and grow in mutual understanding

• An understanding of mental health and how to be an effective helper

• A prerequisite for those wishing to pursue further study to become a counsellor

This course will also be beneficial for church leaders and those in pastoral care, equipping church ministries to support people effectively through psychological distress.

Course Outline

Week 1: Foundations of Counselling from a Christian Perspective

Theme: Biblical Understanding of Suffering and the Call to Counsel

Core Theory:

• What is counselling from a Christian perspective? How it differs from secular counselling.

• The image of God in humanity (Genesis 1:26-27) as the basis for human dignity in counselling.

• The role of Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit in the counselling process. – Churchill Framework

• Relationships – how we relate to self, others and God

• Skills Training:

• Introduction to active listening and building rapport.

• Practicing non-judgmental presence through role-play.

• Observing verbal and nonverbal cues.

Week 2: The Heart of Listening

Theme: Listening as a Christlike Ministry

Core Theory:

• Theological foundations of listening

• Barriers to effective listening

• Recognising and managing personal biases.

• Introduction to person-centred counselling (Carl Rogers’ principles).

Skills Training:

• Practicing paraphrasing and summarising during simulated sessions.

• Listening with the whole body

Week 3: Understanding and Stewarding Emotions

Theme: Emotions as a Gift and Challenge from God

Core Theory:

• Exploring the role of emotions in human experience: Created by God, corrupted by sin, redeemed in Christ.

• Differentiating between healthy and unhealthy emotional responses.

• Understanding defences and wounds

• Biblical lament and its relevance in counselling.

Skills Training:

• Techniques for helping people articulate emotions.

• Validating feelings without affirming behaviours

• Guiding clients to see emotions as signals, not dictators.

Week 4: Cultivating Hope

Theme: Leading Others to Hope

Core Theory:

• Understanding resilience and hope from a psychology perspective

• Basic introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques: Challenging unhelpful thoughts.

• The power of Scripture in reframing thoughts and renewing the mind (Romans 12:2).

• Co-regulation via spiritual disciplines

Skills Training:

• Identifying distorted thinking patterns

• Helping people develop achievable goals

Week 5: Boundaries, Confidentiality, and Duality

Theme: Practicing Wisdom in Relationships

Core Theory:

• Principles for setting healthy boundaries in counselling and ministry

• Confidentiality: The importance of trust and when disclosure is necessary (e.g., safeguarding)

• Ethical dilemmas in counselling and in the church: Navigating duality, authority and boundaries

Skills Training:

• Boundary-setting conversations

• Recognising signs of over-identification or emotional enmeshment with other

Week 6: Bringing it All Together

Theme: Serving Others with Christlike Love

Core Theory:

• Integrating skills and biblical principles into a cohesive counselling framework.

• Understanding the role of self-care in sustaining a counselling ministry

• Glasser’s choice theory - unmet needs

• Knowing your limits: When to refer to professionals or specialists

• Skills Training:

• Practice beginning, middle and end of a counselling session

• Group discussion on lessons learned and key takeaways

Content is delivered in a didactical style, integrating interactive and experiential elements with taught theory. Classes will begin with worship and bible teaching relevant to the daily topic. Skills will be demonstrated by tutors and practiced in triads by students. All students are encouraged to hold a safe learning space for each other, developing peer support and promoting growth environment.

Students will pass with a Certificate on completion of a weekly learning journal and book review.

Fees:

£550 for 6 week certificate programme

Where:

Belfast School of Theology

1A Glenburn Road South, Dunmurry, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 9JP

Dates:

This Certificate Course will run one day per week over 6 weeks commencing 30th April 2025. Dates are as follows:

Week 1 - Wednesday 30th April

Week 2 - Wednesday 7th May

Week 3 - Wednesday 14th May

Week 4 - Wednesday 21st May

Week 5 - Wednesday 28th May

Week 6 - Wednesday 1st June

Classes will commence at 9:30am and finish at 4:30pm each day

**PLEASE NOTE, THIS CERTIFICATE COURSE DOES NOT QUALIFY YOU TO WORK AS A COUNSELLOR, RATHER THIS IS AN INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELLING SKILLS, THAT AIMS TO EQUIP YOU BETTER IN A HELPING ROLE. IT ALSO SERVES AS A PREREQUISTE FOR THOSE WISHING TO PROGRESS ONTO THE DIPLOMA IN COUNSELLING. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DIPLOMA, PLEASE CLICK HERE.**

For more information, contact info@connexionstraining.com

To apply please complete the form displayed above.