Higher Certificate in Christian Counselling

Purpose

The Higher Certificate in Christian Counselling is designed to educate, train and equip Christian lay counsellors for a responsible and informed counselling ministry in their church. It aims to equip practitioners, whether untrained clergy or Christian lay counsellors, for improved counselling praxis in their church, simultaneously laying a firm foundation for graduates to undertake further studies in Theology or Psychology.

Rationale

The Higher Certificate in Christian Counselling (HCCC) is an Entry-Level Higher Education qualification in Christian counselling. It serves (a) to provide learners with foundational knowledge of Christian counselling, (b) to introduce practical tools for effective lay counselling ministry in the local church and community, and (c) to lay a foundation for further studies in the fields of Theology and/or Psychology.

Since Christians often view the church as a source of guidance and counsel, and many churches offer basic counselling services, there is a great need for Pastors, elders, and lay counsellors serving in local churches to acquire the knowledge and skills to provide counsel that is biblically and psychologically sound, and to recognise situations where referral to professional Psychologists or Psychiatrists is required.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Prior learning credits are awarded to learners for relevant, accredited learning and for relevant life experience. A maximum of 60 Credits (50 percent) may be awarded as RPL.

Entry Requirements

To register, prospective learners require one of the following

• Senior Certificate (SC).
• National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Higher Certificate studies.
• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4.

Compulsory Modules: 72 Credits

• The Biblical Basis of Christian Counselling, 12 Credits.
• Counselling Skills, 12 Credits.
• Human Development and Christian Counselling, 12 Credits.
• Ethical and Legal Issues for Pastoral and Lay Counsellors, 12 Credits.
• Psychopathology and Spiritual Conflicts, 12 Credits.
• Relationships, Marriages, and Family Counselling, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules: 48 Credits (any 4 of these 12 Credit electives)

• Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counselling.
• Counselling - Abuse and Domestic Violence.
• Wellness - Personal and Spiritual Growth.
• Addictions and Co-dependency.
• Congregational Care and Lay Counselling.
• Gerontology and Counselling the Terminally Ill.
• HIV/AIDS Counselling and Care Giving.
• Advanced Counselling Skills Practicum.
• Medicine, Health and Healing.

1. Demonstrate understanding of the concept Christian counselling from a Biblical point of view.
2. Define and demonstrate understanding of human development in relation to Christian Counselling.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the issues related to victimisation, violence and abuse.
4. Demonstrate the ability to differentiate between psychological and a biblical based, Christ centred approach in Christian counselling.
5. Apply counselling skills.
6. Demonstrate essential elements of ethical and legal practice for pastors and lay counsellors.
7. Provide counsel to assist in family and marriage relationships from a Christian perspective.
8. Define mental and spiritual health from a wellness and prevention perspective.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The concept and the need of Christian counselling is explained.
• Different theoretical approaches are discerned and described.
• Lay and pastoral counselling as a specific ministry is described.
• Theology and Psychology concepts are applied in an integrative approach to Christian counselling.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Understanding of phases of development, development Psychology and the neuro-psychological basis of mental disorders is demonstrated.
• Theories learnt in role model scenarios in Christian ministry and counselling are related and applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Dysfunctional relationships are assessed.
• Possible interventions are formulated from a lay and pastoral counselling perspective.
• Reconciliation process is established with the aim of assisting the client.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Causes of Psychopathology are explained.
• Psychological disorders are recognised and referred to medical and/or mental health professionals.
• People with psychological, emotional, personal and interpersonal problems are ministered to.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Counselling micro-skills are integrated into Christian counselling.
• Skills, tools and models of counselling theory and praxis are differentiated.
• Core level of proficiency is developed, enabling the counsellor/Care-Giver to establish a helping relationship with prospective counselees.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Critical insight for evaluating ethical issues in counselling from a Biblical based perspective is displayed.
• The role and methods of Christian ethics as pertaining to counselling and care-giving in the Christian ministry is understood.
• Essential elements of ethical and legal practice as it pertains to competence, accountability, confidentiality, dual and multiple relationships, record keeping, referrals, etc. are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• An understanding of premarital and marriage relationships is demonstrated.
• An accurate assessment of the relationship is made.
• Couples in their relationship are assisted.
• The causes of divorce and remarriage are understood.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Intra- and inter-personal behaviour, communication and growth from a Biblical perspective are differentiated.
• Principles of inner healing and spiritual imagery in counselling are applied.
• Psycho-educational-ministry in and for the church is practiced focusing on stress management; conflict resolution, life change and transitions as well as support networks.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment provides learners with an opportunity to display an ability to integrate practical performance, actions, concepts and theory across components to achieve competence in relation to the purpose of this qualification.

All modules include both formative and summative assessment tasks. Most courses include a mixture of assignments, discussion forums, projects, practicals, and quizzes/tests/examinations in the assessment mix. All outcomes are included in summative assessments.

Experiential learning forms an important element of the learning and assessment strategy. Learners are required to engage in contextual-based practical assignments and submit reports and reflections based on their experiences. They are also required to carry out supervised counselling sessions, being assessed by qualified and experienced practitioners.