Liberty University's MA in Professional Counseling

==Not that program, but as a LU alumni (MA Religion) I can promise you will get a lot from their programs. They are solid as a rock. Enjoy, and God bless! :thumbs:

 

Liberty, from my experience with them, (1 undergrad and 2 graduate degrees), uses the "Spoiling The Egyptians" model of Christian Counseling, or at least relies heavily on Larry Crabb's material which asserts it.

Whereas some say to counsel using nothing but the Bible "nothing buttery" model according to Larry Crabb, and others use a sort of "mixed salad" approach (little Bible / little Psychology), Crabb says it is best to "spoil the Egyptians" (mainstream secular psychology) by filtering with the word of God.

If it passes the "Test of Scripture," then keep it; If it doesn't then scrap it. Sounds easy enough and biblical enough. My only issue is that one must then develop a criteria for how to filter it, how much to filter, and how to apply what it filtered and applied to a broader biblical counseling model for integrated ministry.

In my graduate work with Liberty Seminary I took some pastoral counseling courses and one class from the school of psychology. I found this to be their general philosophy, in practice of teaching. I think it is a good model, professional Christian counselors should probably wrestle out the hows I spoke of above.

For a Pastor, I have developed a system for biblical counseling practice that I think best suits the "local church pastor." Minister in Sacrament (Ordinances of baptism / communion), through the practice of the church, Scripture (Bible Teaching / Preaching), and Spirit (Prayer / discipleship). It is DANGEROUS for pastors to spoil the Egyptians and only take away a few things that they do not fully understand and fuse them to biblical principals.

I would contend that there is a difference between Pastoral Counseling offered by a Pastor and that which is offered by a professional Christian Counselor.

ALL Good programs at Liberty. I would highly recommend the study with them. Application in this area requires something which no school can give you; only point you toward; wisdom.

 

That's exactly what I'm getting at. For a professional Christian Counseling program from a solidly biblical school, in my opinion, they are among the very best; especially in non-traditional delivery formats. Regional Accreditation may be a strong point when it comes to any secular counseling certifications, professional organizations, etc. for counselors.

Blessings all over your studies! If you have any specific questions about Liberty feel free to contact me. www.chrissurber.com

 

check your state's licensing requirements

Stefan,

I, too, have experience with Liberty and would give them high marks. One thing to consider, and I'm sure you probably have, is the state where you want to practice. There are some states that prohibit someone who's earned their MA via distance from practicing as an LPC. However, there are many that will. I would just be certain the state where you intend to reside is problem free in this regard.

 

Congratulations! That is wonderful. If you invest and immerse yourself into Liberty's programs, you will really get a lot of out them.