BML 104: Counseling and Coaching Overview

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive survey of the modern landscape of Christian care and discipleship. Students will begin by learning to distinguish between the major helping disciplines, including professional counseling, biblical counseling, pastoral counseling, and Christian coaching. The curriculum focuses on building a foundational understanding of the secular counseling and coaching professions before moving into the biblical and pastoral models. The final section of the course introduces students to a practical, five-phase framework for pastoral counseling, setting the stage for more advanced study.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Articulate the primary differences between professional counseling and professional coaching.
2. Distinguish between Christian Counseling, Biblical Counseling, and Pastoral Counseling.
3. Describe the educational, licensure, and ethical requirements for professional counselors.
4. Explain the training, certification, and ethical standards for professional coaches.
5. Identify the core theological tenets of the Biblical Counseling movement.
6. Outline the five phases of the Pastoral Counseling model and explain the purpose of each phase.

Course Outline

Chapter 1: Defining the Helping Landscape

• Lesson 1: Counseling vs. Coaching
• Lesson 2: Christian Counseling vs. a Counselor Who is a Christian
• Lesson 3: An Introduction to Biblical Counseling
• Lesson 4: An Introduction to Pastoral Counseling
• Lesson 5: Synthesizing the Landscape: A Continuum of Care

Chapter 2: Understanding the Counseling Professions

• Lesson 1: The Counselor’s Mission: From Healing to Flourishing
• Lesson 2: The Regulated Path: Education and Licensure
• Lesson 3: The Counselor’s Toolkit: Common Methods and Approaches
• Lesson 4: The Counselor’s Ethical Framework: Doing No Harm
• Lesson 5: Fields of Practice: Specializations in Counseling

Chapter 3: Understanding the Coaching Professions

• Lesson 1: The Coach’s Mission: From Goal-Setting to Transformation
• Lesson 2: The Credibility Path: Training and Certification
• Lesson 3: The Coach’s Toolkit: Key Coaching Models
• Lesson 4: The Coach’s Ethical Framework: A Professional Partnership
• Lesson 5: Fields of Practice: Specializations in Coaching

Chapter 4: An Introduction to Biblical Counseling

• Lesson 1: The Theological Foundation: The Sufficiency of Scripture
• Lesson 2: A Biblical View of People, Problems, and Change
• Lesson 3: The Key Elements of the Biblical Counseling Process
• Lesson 4: The Role of the Church in Soul Care
• Lesson 5: Common Critiques and Misconceptions

Chapter 5: The Five Phases of Pastoral Counseling

• Lesson 1: Phase 1 – Introduction: Building Rapport and Trust
• Lesson 2: Phase 2 – Understanding: Data Gathering and Discernment
• Lesson 3: Phase 3 – Cognitive Processing: Applying Biblical Truth
• Lesson 4: Phase 4 – Behavior Modification: Developing Godly Habits
• Lesson 5: Phase 5 – Disengagement: Planning for Continued Growth

Assessments & Grading

• Chapter Quizzes: Short quizzes will follow each lesson to assess comprehension.
• Final Course Test: A comprehensive final exam will cover the key ideas from all five chapters.
• Passing Requirement: To successfully complete this course, you must achieve a score of 80% or higher on the Final Course Test.