Course Descriptions

The time element involved is approximately 40-50 clock hours per course. This depends on the candidate’s own personal academic skills.

Final examinations are closed book and require a proctor to ensure the integrity of the training except where otherwise listed.

B101 – Creation Therapy

Creation Theory is the core course of the NLU Certification program. The candidate will be provided an in-depth understanding of the theory of temperament and acquire knowledge of the scientific and biblical basis for Christian counseling. The course introduces the five temperaments and helps the student develop confidence in using the Arno profile system as a diagnostic tool. Course Style: 2-3 weekend intensives.

Course Requirements:

  • 3 weekend intensives
  •  Quizzes after each chapter
  • Unit One and Unit Two Final Exams

Additional Requirements:

  • Student is required to complete an Arno Personal Profile.
  • Student begins 6 hours of mentoring
  • Students are required to join the Sarasota Christian Academy ($75 fee)

B102 – Basic Christian Counseling

This course will cover, on DVD, four hours of instruction. The instructor will provide the student with an overview of the “Big Eight” (types of secular counseling/therapeutic methods). In addition, the student will be taught the difference between Christian and secular counseling, goals, tech­niques, and several other important topics, such as the dangers and pitfalls of counseling. Suggested time limit four weeks

Course Requirements:

  • Approximately 10 clock hours
  • Pass a proctored final exam

B103 – Temperament Case Studies

This course is approximately 154 pages in length. The candidate will learn first-hand the counseling model used by the N.C.C.A. members and gradu­ates. These case studies utilize the counseling model taught by the N.C.C.A. and also incorporate other testing instruments. Suggested time limit twelve weeks

Course Requirements:

  • Approximately 35 clock hours
  • Submit one case study following format

B104 – Christian Psychology and Counseling

This course is approximately 300 pages in length. The candidate will re­ceive general information regarding basic theories on historical systems of psychology, counseling, Biblical theories of counseling and the utilization of N.C.C.A.’s counseling model, Temperament Therapy.

Course Requirements:

  • 2 weekend intensives
  • Pass one proctored exam

B201 – Counseling Practicum

By this time the student is full on in the intern mode. Taught by the Director of Counseling for Branches Recovery Center, the course will involve the student in hands on counseling experiences including monitoring actual counseling session, doing in-class role playing, and utilizing the Arno Profile System.

Course Requirements:

  • 2 weekend intensives.
  • Student completes 6 hours of mentoring

Additional Requirements:

  • Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend
  • Pass a proctored final exam

B202 – Mastering Pastoral Counseling

This course is approximately 225 pages in length. The candidate will receive specific information regarding stress, anger and guilt with an emphasis on the need to develop family relationships. This course utilizes the N.C.C.A.’s counseling model, Temperament Therapy. Suggested time limit fourteen weeks

Course Requirements:

  • Approximately 36 clock hours
  • Pass one proctored exam

B203 – Counseling the Codependent

This course is approximately 160 pages in length and is accompanied by a study workbook. The candidate will receive specialized training regarding codependency, which incorporates the counseling taught by the N.C.C.A. Suggested time limit twelve weeks.

Course Requirements:

  • Approximately 35 clock hours
  • Pass one proctored exam

B204- Suicide Prevention* (may be replaced by Quality and Ethics)

The student is equipped to assess the danger of, and offer intervention for, suicide prone clients.

Course Requirements:

  • 1 weekend intensive
  • Pass a proctored closed book exam.

Additional Requirements:

  • Administer 5 individual Arno Profiles.

Elective Course List

B301 – Quality, Ethics, and Legal Issues in Christian Counseling

The student is trained in the legalities of working with clients.  This course clarifies what are appropriate and what are not appropriate counseling techniques.  It also outlines the different legal issues common to this practice.

Course Requirements:

  • 2 weekend intensive. (Friday, Saturday)
  • If using this as an elective, $275 course
  • Pass a proctored exam

Additional Requirements:

  • Written 3 page report on selected outside reading

B302 – Ministry Course – this course is in addition to the electives for licensure

A recognized credential for ministry is required for Certified Pastoral Counselor or Licensed Pastoral Counselor designations. This course is designed for the student who does not hold that credential. Credential or ordained ministers may opt out of this course or replace it with an advanced course.

Course Requirements:

  • Directed Study (suggested 10-15 hours.)
  • Pass a proctored closed book exam.

LC303 – Basic Life Coaching Training

This eight session interactive coaching class is available online or in a classroom setting. Students will learn the terms, techniques and tools of Life Coaching. They will understand how to apply Life Coaching principles to their own life and to build a coaching practice.

Course Requirements:

  • 16 hours of instruction

Additional Requirements:

  • 6 buddy coaching sessions.
  •  Read Christian Coaching by Gary Collins.
  • Co-Active Coaching by Kathy Whitworth

LC304 – Advanced Life Coaching Training

This eight session interactive coaching class is available online or in a classroom setting. Students will learn the terms, techniques and tools of Life Coaching. They will understand how to apply Life Coaching principles to their own life and to build a coaching practice.

Course Requirements:

  • 16 hours of instruction

Additional Requirements:

  • 6 buddy coaching sessions.
  • Read Get Clients Now by Gary Collins.
  • Co-Active Coaching by Kathy Whitworth

SI404 – Theophostic Prayer Ministry Basic Training

In addition to discussion time, this course will cover, on DVD, 12 hours of instruction by Dr. Ed Smith. The student will be introduced to the basics of a prayer healing ministry, including working with individuals who are DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder). Completing this course does NOT qualify one to become a Theophostic Prayer Minister, nor will the student receive a certificate for having completed the training until fulfilling the requirements in SI405TPM Facilitator Training.

Course Requirements:

  • 3 Intensive weekends
  • View Basic Training Seminar 2007
  • Read 238-page Basic Seminar Manual
  • Read 205-page Basic Seminar Student Workbook
  • Read the “Forgiveness” chapter in the book Healing Life’s Hurts.  (A free download is available at theophostic.com.)

SI405 – Theophostic Prayer Ministry Facilitator Training and Practice

Prerequisite:  Completion of SI404 – TPM Basic Training

This course provides opportunity to view and discuss Theophostic Ministry demonstrations on DVD. The students will then practice administering and receiving TPM with each other under the supervision of a trained and experienced facilitator.

Course Requirements:

  • 3 Intensive Weekends
  • View 7 Ministry Demonstrations (on DVD)
  • Read 80-page Ministry Demonstration Student Workbook
  • Pass a Multiple Choice Exam

NLU Advanced Courses

NLU is glad to offer a list of Advanced Course work that may be taken as part of a degree or certification program or as individual course. All enrollment and academic policies must be followed. Course offerings may change from time to time. Call a NLU academic advisor for more information.

  • Inner Healing Prayer
  • Advanced Life Coaching
  • Passion, Person, Purpose, and Planning

NCCA Advanced Certifications/Courses

Certain Advanced Courses may be grouped together to earn additional certifications for particular issues of interest. Below are a few examples.  Note:  These courses only need to be taken in a group if desiring Board Certification.  Otherwise, they can be taken separately.

Integrated Marriage and Family Therapy               

  • Integrated Temperament Therapy
  • Marriage and Family Counseling
  • Pre-Marital Counseling
  • The Father-Daughter Connection

Child and Adolescent Therapy

  • Counseling Families
  • Counseling and Children
  • Counseling Youth
  • Counseling and the Search for Meaning

Substance Abuse and Addiction Therapy

  • Counseling for Substance Abuse and Addiction
  • Counseling Adult Children of Alcoholics
  • Counseling for Problems of Self-Control
  • Counseling Eating Disorders

Sexual Therapy

  • Counseling for Sexual Disorders
  • Counseling and Homosexuality
  • Unplanned Pregnancy
  • Counseling for Problems of Self-Control

Death and Grief Therapy

  • Counseling the Sick and Terminally Ill
  • Anger
  • Joy in the Midst of Mourning
  • Counseling Families with Disabilities

Cognitive Therapy and Ethics

  • Cognitive Therapy Techniques
  • Life’s Answers
  • Quality, Ethics, and Legal Issues
  • Making Life Healing Changes

Crisis and Abuse Therapy

  • Family Violence and Abuse
  • Counseling in Times of Crisis
  • Anger
  • Counseling the Depressed

For more information talk to your NLU advisor about Advanced Certification.