Tucson Theological Seminary offers the one year Pastoral
Counseling Certificate or Chaplain Diploma and has incorporated the AACC Board Certified Biblical
Counseling Certificate into our program. Students will study the
AACC Biblical Counseling courses and AACC Study workbooks. All classes will be facilitated by TTS
instructors who will supply
additional courses and materials towards the Pastoral
Counseling Cretificate or Chaplain Diploma.
BICO 101 Becoming a Christian Counselor
Dr. Timothy Clinton
BICO 102 Using Your Spiritual Gifts in Counseling
Dr. Ed HindsonBICO 103 Helping others find Significance in Life
Dr. Ed Hindson
BICO 104 The Power of Truth
Dr. Chris ThurmanBICO 105 Overcoming Depression
Dr. Chris Thurman
BICO 106 Surviving Sexual Abuse: On the Threshold of HopeDr. Diane Langberg
BICO 201 The Effective People Helper
Dr. Sandra Wilson
BICO 202 Bringing People into God’s Presence
Dr. Ron HawkinsBICO 203 How to Help People Change
Dr. Ron Hawkins
BICO 204 Heart Matters: Repentance and Godly Sorrow
Dr. Ed Hindson
BICO 205 Forgiveness: Letting Go of the Past and Pain
Dr. Everett Worthington, Jr.BICO 206 Freedom in Christ: Life in Abba’s Arms
Dr. Sandra Wilson
Christian counseling is, by definition, a revelation of the life and love of Jesus Christ in helping someone change for the better. That life, that love, comes alive in the use of the Bible, and in relying upon the Holy Spirit to advance the goals and challenges of counseling. Ed Hindson deftly teaches us these ways in this first and crucial session.
COMN 102: Living the Life: Pursuing After God’s Heart with All Your HeartAll of the law and the prophets can be summed up, Jesus said, in one indelible rule: Love the Lord your God with your whole being. Glenn Wagner shows us how all of life seems arranged to constantly teach and remind us how important this one truth truly is in ‘Living the Good Life.’
COMN 103: Breaking Free: Disaffection with God and Life and the Recovery of the HeartIt is time to face a difficult truth. There are times in our spiritual walk when we are overcome with disaffection toward God and godly living—when we are tempted to forsake God and all things good. Tim Clinton incisively reveals this process and the way to break free again—the way back to God and spiritual growth.
COMN 104: When Life Doesn’t Make Sense: Facing Evil, Sin, and SufferingNo matter how naïve or childish we may judge it, the wish to avoid suffering and escape evil is buried deep in the soul of everyone. When evil, sin, and suffering are overwhelming, then nothing makes sense and God seems far off. With grace and hope, Diane Langberg shows us how to navigate these treacherous times when nothing goes right and all seems lost.
COMN 105: Bondage and Spiritual Warfare: Fighting Wickedness in High PlacesSometimes helping others requires us to engage in war—not the blood-spilling kind, but spiritual warfare against wicked powers in high, dark places. Ron Hawkins teaches us the basic principles of discerning and directing godly powers against the destructive forces of our spiritual enemies.
COMN 106: Spiritual Disciplines: Taking People Closer to the Heart of GodEmbracing and enlisting in the path of the ancient spiritual disciplines is still the way to godly growth and maturity—and it is not just for ‘saints’ and monks and such ‘spiritual folk.’ The Ortberg’s show us how ordinary people are called and enabled by God to engage in this blessed path to freedom and maturity.
COMN 201: Doing Brief, Solution-focused Counseling for ChristBrief therapy-counseling done in three to ten sessions has become the norm in nearly every field of counseling endeavor. Gary Oliver reveals the process and the key techniques that make up this model as it applies to Christian counseling and pastoral care.
COMN 202: Creating a Safe Place: Listening, Empathy, and Winning TrustIf counseling is not a safe place, there will be no true or deep change taking place. Put another way, unless the person you’re helping trusts you deeply, you will not gain permission to effect change in their life. Sandra Wilson shows us what it takes to create a place of safety and win this essential trust.
COMN 203: Fresh Start: Getting Out of the Rut and into God’s ZoneOften we are stuck in trouble because we obsess about past pains and present sufferings. Jennifer Cisney teaches us how to escape those ruts and embrace God’s vision of a new future—one that inspires and motivates action toward better goals and more satisfying results in living.
COMN 204: Change Skills: Goal-setting, Planning, & Taking ActionFraming a new vision of the future is merely the first step in changing your life. That new vision must be translated into doable goals, a workable plan, and assertive action. Sharon Hart May teaches us how to accomplish these critical change tasks in counseling.
COMN 205: Spiritual Freedom: Disarming Strongholds, Changing HabitsOftentimes we are defeated by strongholds and habits that are not easily changed—which is a major reason why people see counselors in the first place. So we must learn to build into our change plan a sure action to disarm these patterns and habits. Gary Moon reveals the spiritual and psychological challenge of such work, and the way to true freedom.
COMN 206: Mental Illness & Character Disorders: How to Recognize and Refer Serious ProblemsSometimes helping others uncovers deeper wells of mental illness and character disorders. Arch Hart helps us understand what these are, how to recognize them, how to find good help and refer such cases, and how to work with other professionals in their interventions.
COMN 301: Depression and Mood Disorders: A Clinical UpdateDepression, dysthymia (milder, but chronic depression), and manic-depression (bi-polar disorder) are increasingly common maladies in both adults and children. Michael Lyles describes and differentiates these various disorders, tells us why medication is often required, and shows us how godly counsel and medical intervention almost always help those who are depressed.
COMN 302: Stress and Anxiety: Overcoming Fear, Phobias, and Panic DisordersThe short history of the 21st century is already pointing toward becoming known as the “age of stress.” Anxiety disorders already top the charts as the most common form of psychological disorder we face. Arch Hart takes us on a tour of these problems and shows the way out of fear, phobias, and panic disorders.
COMN 303: Freedom in Christ: Hope for the Addict, the Broken-hearted, and the Evil-mindedIn Christ Centered Therapy, Neil Anderson and his colleagues bring his “Freedom in Christ” teachings to a mature application to difficult cases in Christian counseling. Here he reveals how to help addicts, the broken-hearted, and the evil-minded break free and know the fullness of what Christ promises us all.
COMN 304: Helping Others with Alcohol, Substance Abuse, and Addiction ProblemsAddiction is the process and alcohol and drugs are still the primary means of being addicted. David Stoop reveals the addiction process in clear fashion and shows us how the abuse of alcohol and various drugs are the major highways to that hellish bondage. Then he reveals why the supernatural intervention of God is the way to real freedom—the freedom of contented sobriety.
COMN 305: Overcoming Gambling, Spending, & Credit AbuseIf the love of money is the root of all evil, then the abuse of it in the form of gambling, spending, and credit abuse must be an evil consequence of great pain and suffering. Greg Jantz shows how these problems are on the rise and what to do to regain self-control.
COMN 306: Emotional Eating: The Truth About Dieting and Weight Control
COMN 401: Eating Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatment and Referral with Anorexia & BulimiaNext to suicide, eating disorders are the most life-threatening of the psychiatric disorders. Remuda Ranch therapist, Kari Wolfe, reveals how to assess, intervene, refer, and work effectively with a professional treatment team in helping (mostly) young women overcome this very difficult problem.
COMN 402: Complicated Grief and Mourning & Crisis and TraumaWith nearly 100 significant natural disasters and 200 terror incidents worldwide in 2002, it is little wonder that crisis, terror and trauma care are becoming core counseling practices in the 21st century. Learn the best ways to address these all-too-common issues and how to “be there” in times of need in the stormy years ahead.
COMN 403: Helping Distressed Couples: Anger, Conflict, and Disaffection in MarriageConflictual marriages—couples who fight, bite, and devour one another are the staple of most counseling ministries. Let’s face it, marriage is hard work, and lifelong marriage is nearly impossible to sustain without godly and human help at critical times. Dr. Clinton reveals how distress, drift, and disaffection in marriage are halted and turned around—even among hateful and hopeless couples.
COMN 404: Families in Crisis: Hopeless Parents and Angry/Defiant ChildrenAngry, defiant, and highly energized children, and burned-out, hopeless, and seething parents—the very definition of a family in crisis. Attachment experts, Tim and Gary, give real hope and reveal the strong (and subtle) ways of helping such families restore genuine stability and sanity.
COMN 405: Aging and Elderly Parents: Health Problems, Dementias & DisabilitiesNow the 76-million strong boomer bulge travels its final path—the aging, elderly, and dying circuit—through the national demography of America. With grace and humor, Kathie Erwin navigates through the pain, diseases, and eventual dying that we and our children will inevitably face.
COMN 406: Blended Families: Helping Yours, Mine, and Ours Become a FamilyBlended families are now common in society and in the Church. Helping step-parents, step-children, new in-laws, and two different family systems mesh together and become one harmonious family is a great big challenge. Ron Deal gives us essential ideas, principles, and ways on how to do this well.
COMN 501: Chronically Troubled Relationships: Everybody Has At Least OneWhether a cranky in-law, an angry adult child, an aloof, abandoning parent, or a controlling boss, everyone lives with at least one difficult—and ongoing, highly annoying—relationship. Linda Mintle reveals how to ‘get along,’ resolve conflicts, and even live well with these unavoidable relations.
COMN 502: Developing an Effective Lay Helping and Supervision MinistryA truly effective Christian counseling ministry must include a strong leg of lay helping in the Church. Ministry without it is like trying to sit on a two-legged stool! Dr. Tan reveals how lay helping ministry works, how it honors and relies on God, and why it is vital to the three-legged stool of pastor, lay helper, and professional counselor in church-based counseling.
COMN 503: Dynamic Small Groups and Spiritual Care Teams in Church-based CounselingThe best helping ministries, in our opinion, emphasize and rely on small groups and caregiving teams over one-on-one counseling. Strength and safety truly are functions of more people. Stephen Greggo reveals why this is true and how to maximize groups and teams in your church-based helping ministry.
COMN 504: Preventing Compassion Fatigue: Self-care for CaregiversThe messiah complex is another common ethical problem in the helping ministry—the attitude that I can (or must be able to) help everyone who needs it. Get over it! Not only is that a lie, but it is a sure prescription for fast burn-out. Eric Scalise discusses the problems of compassion fatigue and what helpers must do to renounce it and avoid it—and be cured of it when it happens.
COMN 505: Boundaries and Violations I: Confidentiality, Consultation, & ReferralIf your physician is wise (and humble) enough to refer you to a specialist when needed, can’t you do the same? Trouble in helping ministry is too often a function of helpers who fail (or refuse) to respect their limits and maintain confidences or consult and refer. David Carder explains why this is so crucial and how it should be done in care-giving ministry.
COMN 506: Boundaries and Violations II: Dealing with Seductive, Suicidal, and Dangerous PeopleWhen ethical boundaries are crossed or violated—whether by intention
or ignorance—counseling stops and harm begins. And, though still fairly
infrequent (in most general settings), dealing with dangerous people is
frightening and very demanding when it does happen. George Ohlschlager
guides us step-by-step through the life-saving management of seductive,
suicidal, homicidal, and
assaultive persons.
MACO 101: The Marriage You Always Wanted - Tim Clinton
Marriage is close to the heart of God—so close that He identifies it
with the unconditional love that Christ has for the church (Eph.5:23f).
AACC President and marriage therapist Tim Clinton introduces learners
to Godly marriage and marriage ministry. Couples are encouraged to seek
God’s way into this sacred romance, to define a vision to achieve
transparent honesty and relational intimacy for their own marriage, and
then to give it away as they grow and help other couples.
MACO 102: Secrets of a Deeper Love- Gary Smalley
America’s “dean” of marriage enrichment, Gary Smalley guides us on a
tour to discover the deeper secrets of marital satisfaction and joy.
Revealing that grand paradox of agape love—abandoning ourselves for the
sake of our spouse—he teaches us that the way is not easy, but the
journey is an incredible adventure, and the prize is sweeter than we
can ever imagine.
MACO 103: Biblical Foundations: Marriage God’s Way - Ed Hindson
The Bible is a deep mine of marital gems. This course explores the
sweep of biblical stories, instructions, parables, prophecies,
metaphors, and poetry on the beauty, the love, the struggle, and the
fruit of marital life. Bible scholar and dynamic teacher Ed Hindson
outlines the contours of a biblical model and ethic for marriage.
MACO 104: Talking Sense: Good Communication in Marriage - H. Norman Wright
“We can’t communicate,” is a constant litany heard by marriage
counselors. Norm Wright, perhaps the “ambassador” of marital
communications in the church, shows us how to talk together—how to
listen and know we are being heard, how to understand and express our
feelings, and from this, how to get unstuck and start growing again.
MACO 105 What’s Love Got To Do With It?: The Ways We Love - Gary Chapman
“All you need is love,” sang the Beatles, but they definitely were not
the first to do so. Love may not pay the bills, but it does keep the
bill-payers together. Marriage and relationship expert Les Parrott
weaves together the differing threads of love that make up and hold
together the tapestry of life-long marriage.
MACO 106 Negative Thinking in Marriage: Its Power and Problem - Greg Smalley
Negative thoughts can sabotage even the best marriages. Learning to
balance expectations with reality about marriage and each other will
help avoid much disappointment and heartache. Greg Smalley reveals the
true invisible enemy, and instructs us about seeking the best in each
other and creating a good and maturing marriage.
MACO 201 Falling in Love for all the Right Reasons - Neil Clark Warren
Far too many people feel mismatched in marriage. Without doubt,
choosing your life-long mate is one of the most important decisions you
will make in life. When married to the right person, for ‘all the right
reasons,’ both marital satisfaction and divorce avoidance levels can
significantly change for the better. Dr. Warren, accomplished
professor, researcher, and author, discloses his research on positive
marital matching and program for finding and marrying the right mate.
MACO 202 Preparing for Marriage and Pre-marital Counseling - Les & Leslie Parrott
A counseling supervisor once mused on the absurdity of licensing people
to drive, yet requiring nothing of people entering marriage. This is
beginning to change in the church, which is getting serious about
marital preparation and divorce avoidance. Authors, therapists, and
professors Les and Leslie Parrott disclose their extensive work in
marital preparation and counseling in this session.
MACO 203 Spiritual Intimacy: Becoming Soul Mates - Dan Allender
Life-long marital satisfaction requires that couples move beyond sexual
and emotional intimacy to become true soul-mates. There is a spiritual
bond, and a deeper sexual and emotional intimacy, that evolves uniquely
when two people mature in marriage over the course of a lifetime. This
starts in young marriages, and grows into a wonderful union as life
progresses. Impassioned teacher, psychologist, and acclaimed author Dan
Allender reveals these wonderful secrets.
MACO 204 Embracing Kids: Love through the Parenting Years - Mark Crawford
Children are one of life’s most precious gifts—many would give up life
itself for their children. Yet, marital satisfaction tends to fade when
children reach adolescence—this need not be so. Mark Crawford is
effusive and humorous about the joys and trials of family life. He
teaches us how to embrace and delight in our children, while avoiding
the mistake of creating a child-centered home.
MACO 205 LUV Talk: A Communication Method for the Rest of Us - Michael Smalley
The battle between the sexes began in the Garden as a consequence of
the Fall. Michael Smalley discusses one of the most powerful methods to
eliminating divorce - learning how to communicate during conflict. LUV
Talk gives the participant the knowledge, skills, and structure on how
to argue effectively where the couple can reach a win/win agreement. If
you know how to make an order at a McDonald’s drive-thru window, then
you already know how to LUV Talk.
MACO 206 Marital Seasons: Keeping Love Alive Across the Years - David & Claudia Arp
Married life is similar to individual development—it has its own
stages, or developmental seasons. David and Claudia Arp share with us
their dynamic program of marriage and its constant renewal over the
long arc of marital life—especially life in the “second half of
marriage.” The Arps show us how the ‘golden years’ of marriage can
truly be either the best or worst times, and challenge us to make them
our best years in every way.
MACO 301 Marital Drift: Recognizing It and Returning to the Mainstream - Don Harvey
Drift and disaffection is universal in marriage. The bloom of
courtship, the honeymoon passion inevitably fades as marriage is
affected by the reality of living in today’s time-starved world. The
issue is not how to avoid disaffection—that is impossible, a Hollywood
fantasy—but how to avoid being stuck in and derailed by it. Professor
and therapist Don Harvey shows us how to recognize marital drift,
accept it for what it is, and move beyond it to growth, maturity, and
joy in marital living.
MACO 302 Depression in Marriage: Climbing Out of the Black Hole - Michael Lyles
The incidence of depression is widespread and growing in the Western
world—a calamity that also assaults marriage in major ways. Christian
psychiatrist Michael Lyles takes us on a tour of the world of
depression and its impact on marriage. He gives us sure direction on
how depression is effectively treated, and what couples must do to
battle this insidious struggle personally and maritally.
MACO 303 An Angry Spirit: Seeing Red in Marriage - Gary Oliver
Anger is not condemned by God, but He does condemn its rule over our
lives and marriages.Psychologist, theologian, teacher, and noted author
Gary Oliver reveals the impact of an angry spirit and its corrosive
effect on ourselves and our marriages. He gives sure direction for the
godly control and expression of anger—teaching us how to rule it rather
than the other way around.
MACO 304 Past Hurts and Marital Satisfaction - Sandy Wilson
Most Christian and professional counselors will attest that at the root
of many emotional disorders in adults lies a history of traumatizing
and unresolved wounds from the past. Whether they be the better-known
wounds of abuse, or lesser known wounds of neglect, disaster, trauma,
or parental divorce, past hurts hurt adults and their marriages.
Acclaimed counselor, author, and speaker Dr. Sandy Wilson reveals this
connection, how to sever and heal it, and how to risk growing up into
beautiful lives.
MACO 305 Marital Secrets and Values Conflicts between Couples - Tim Clinton & George Ohlschlager
Counselors can become as bound up as couples who bring in their
“lose-lose” secrets and values conflicts for resolution. It is tough to
decide what to do and how to live with someone hiding something or who
is simply a different person. Tim Clinton and his AACC colleague,
George Ohlschlager, guide us to effective resolution of the confusing
knots created by the double-bind dilemmas that couples often face.
MACO 306 Forgiveness and Reconciliation in Marriage - David Stoop
Without the constant oil of forgiveness, the never-ending adjustments
of reconciliation, marriage can quickly become a white-hot friction
that burns up and burns out its partners. Noted psychologist and author
David Stoop is not only dedicated to this Biblical call in marriage, he
is constructing a dedicated interpersonal science of forgiveness and
reconciliation. In this course, he shares his wisdom and expertise with
us on this crucial issue.
MACO 401 Domestic Violence: Confronting Physical & Sexual Abuse - Leslie Vernick
Domestic violence may be the proverbial elephant the church denies is
sitting in its house. From actual violence that is kept hidden like
some festering wound, to distorted views of male headship that actually
demean and mask the emotional abuse of women, abuse in the church must
be confronted and redeemed. In her firm, yet gentle way, therapist
Leslie Vernick shows us how.
MACO 402 The Affair: Getting Beyond Marital Betrayal - David Carder
Affairs need not be sexual. Either spouse can make a “mistress” of
their work, their cause, their children, their money, their social
status, or of virtual sex short of a relationship with someone else.
Pastor and counselor David Carder teaches us that adultery is idolatry
in whatever form it takes. He focuses on the sexual affair to guide us
how to avoid and to heal from this penultimate betrayal.
MACO 403 Substance Abuse in Marriage: Getting Past the Chaos - David & Jan Stoop
Drug wars go on in individual households, as well as in cities and
across borders. If affairs are the rifle shot through the heart of
marriage, drug abuse may well be the shotgun blast that renders chaos
throughout all of marital life. A major personal, social, and
international problem, substance abuse also devastates many marriages.
Drs. David and Jan Stoop reveal this major problem, how to confront and
overcome it, and how to heal a war-torn marriage.
MACO 404 Sexual Intimacy: Developing Closeness and Bridging the Gender Gap - Arch Hart, Catherine Hart Weber, & Debra Taylor
Every marriage struggles to achieve vibrant sexual intimacy. Sometimes
the struggle is due to the lack of or faulty sexual education during
childhood or adolescence or from early sexual experiences. Often there
is the pressure of unreasonable expectations, distortions and
inadequate understanding of the needs of the opposite sex. Based on two
national studies involving over 2,000 women and 1,000 men,
internationally renown psychologist and professor Archibald Hart, his
daughter Catherine, and their associate Debra Taylor provide helpful
information to enhance sexual intimacy in marriage.
MACO 405 Loss in Marriage: Embracing the Hope of Heaven - H. Norman Wright
Loss and grief impact marriages as well as the individuals who suffer
loss. The varieties of loss in life are myriad, and they increase as
couples celebrate long life together. Living through loss without the
hope of Christ—without the promise of heaven—easily renders life
meaningless and full of despair. Norm Wright teaches us to deal
properly with loss in marriage by holding on to our sure hope.
MACO 406 Sexual Problem-Solving: Healing the Pain, Restoring the Intimacy - Chris McCluskey, Doug Rosenau, Michael Sytsma, & Debra Taylor
Sexual problems come in a variety of forms – from infertility to poor
communication, from hormonal deficiencies to inhibited desire and an
inability to function due to fatigue and stress. Doug, Chris, Debra,
and Mike, authors, and theologians, who have teamed up in the
organization Sexual Wholeness, will guide you on this sensitive journey
to understanding, adjusting to, and overcoming the pain of common
sexual problems in marriage.
MACO 501 Hope-focused Marriage Counseling: Ten Interventions - Everett Worthington
Too many marriages in trouble lose hope and come to despair, even
action toward divorce, before the cry for help is given. Every helper
needs what psychologist, professor, and researcher Ev Worthington
delivers in this session—a brief, structured model of marital
intervention—ten of the best and most fruitful techniques in marital
counseling—that concentrates on the regeneration of hope and the
pursuit of doable goals.
MACO 502 Law and Ethics in Marital Ministry and Intervention - George Ohlschlager
Marriage counseling has numerous ethical and legal issues that are
unique to this specialized form of helping. Law-trained therapist and
ethicist George Ohlschlager reviews the key issues, describes how
helpers can best manage the liability risks, and outlines the proper
behavior regarding ethical practice with couples.
MACO 503 Living with An Unbelieving Spouse - Ed Hindson
As in the first century, living with an unbelieving spouse is a
significant issue in the 21st century church. Whether one married into
this condition or one became a believer in marriage, the differences
and conflicts between believers and non-believers are easily magnified
in a marriage. Ed Hindson shows how to address these problems and
create a life that honors both God and marriage.
MACO 504 Boundaries and Separation in Marriage - Ron E. Hawkins
Interpersonal boundaries do change in marriage, but they do not
disappear. Also, there are times when separation and sexual abstinence
are unavoidable. Addressing these issues is crucial to developing
marriages that are able to mature and thrive. Counselor, pastor,
professor, and university dean Ron E. Hawkins brings a wealth of
insight to bear on these important matters.
MACO 505 Surviving Divorce and Living Again - Tom Whiteman
Pained experience and hard-won research both reveal the devastation of
divorce. God hates it, but He allows it when there is no way to save a
marriage that has been destroyed by adultery and abandonment. For those
who face a difficult tomorrow, psychologist and divorce recovery expert
Tom Whiteman gives sure guidance for traveling and recovering from this
major trial with the least possible harmful way.
MACO 506 Marriage Policy and Advocacy in Church and Society - Craig & Janet Parshall
Public policy issues in marriage and family life is a very hot topic
currently. From the influence of religious values to the assertion of a
right to homosexual “marriage,” a values-based cultural war is going on
in every legislature, courthouse, and church of the land regarding the
definition and protection of marriage. Respected Washington lawyer
Craig Parshall and his wife, Janet Parshall, award-winning radio/TV
talk show host and chief spokes-person for the Family Research Council,
teach us to become effective advocates for Godly marriage outside our
family circles.
CCCT 101: Introduction to Crisis Counseling
Dr. Tim Clinton, MG (Ret.) Bob Dees and Dr. Diane Langberg
Whether it’s on the battlefield, from a natural disaster, within the
home environment, or a tragedy that strikes the local community,
traumatic stress and its aftermath is a common theme for almost every
counselor. Dr. Clinton, Maj. Gen. Dees, and Dr. Langberg offer a
comprehensive overview of crisis and trauma in this introductory video.
CCCT 102: Grief, Loss, and Complicated Grief
Dr. Eric Scalise
Grief and loss are both simultaneous and intertwined processes that
usually impact people in crisis. Dr. Scalise describes the factors that
influence grief, including various stages and clinical implications
from a holistic framework. The symptoms and appropriate interventions
in working with complicated grief cases are also addressed.
CCCT 103: Trauma and Abuse
Dr. Diane Langberg
Abuse in all its various forms (physical, emotional, verbal, sexual,
and spiritual) impacts tens of thousands of individuals every year. Dr.
Langberg discusses the trauma response patterns found in most abuse
victims, as well as special considerations to help enhance therapeutic
effectiveness. Biblical insights and principles are woven into the
presentation.
CCCT 104: Anxiety and Depression
Dr. Arch Hart
Traumatic stress, anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand. Along
with the lifestyle choices many individuals incorporate from an
adrenaline-fueled world, Dr. Hart provides an excellent overview on the
neurobiology related to mood disorders and how to identify the signs
and symptoms of those who are at risk.
CCT 105: Trauma and Attachment
Dr. Gary Sibcy
Relational dynamics and one’s attachment style can have a profound
influence on trauma responses and the recovery process in general. Dr.
Sibcy reviews predominant attachment styles, their relational
implications, and choosing appropriate interventions and treatment
protocols when clients are facing traumatic stress.
CCCT 106: Counseling Strategies Panel
Dr. Eric Scalise, Jennifer Cisney and Dr. Kevin Ellers
There are various models of counseling with trauma survivors. Dr.
Scalise, Jennifer Cisney, and Dr. Ellers discuss both indications and
contraindications related to caregiving. The benefits of a
multi-disciplinary approach that incorporates a client’s primary
support system are addressed using a biblical model of healing and
restoration.
CCCT 201: Impact Dynamics of Crisis and Trauma
Jennifer Cisney
The concept of psychological “first aid” in crisis intervention is
discussed along with field-tested assessment tools and protocols.
Jennifer Cisney takes a closer look at the importance of pre-event
planning in terms of preparation and training, while reminding viewers
that caregivers can also be vulnerable to vicarious traumatization.
CCCT 202: Methods and Techniques for Immediate Response
Thomas Webb
Crisis Incident Stress Management or CISM training is a recognized and
systematic approach to handling crisis and trauma. Tom Webb looks at
various models of crisis intervention and their impact within the
workplace, church, family and the broader community. The benefit of
crisis intervention teams is also discussed.
CCCT 203: Peer Support and Accountability
Joshua Straub
The role of one’s peers within the family, the church, and the
community is crucial as it relates to long term care and support.
Joshua Straub discusses the relevancy and benefits of using the SAFER
Model in crisis intervention and why healthy and balanced
accountability relationships can make all a major difference in the
recovery process.
CCCT 204: Survivor Guilt and Fostering Resiliency
Dr. Kevin Ellers
Survivor guilt is one of the more common symptoms in the aftermath of
trauma-based events, especially those that involve multiple victims.
The presence of client resiliency is critical to providing effective
trauma care. Dr. Ellers discusses the resistance-resiliency model and
how to foster and sustain resiliency to help create a renewed sense of
hope
CCCT 205: Managing the High Cost of Care
Dr. Eric Scalise
Crises and trauma not only directly impact the victims, but can also
have a significant effect on caregivers as well. Dr. Scalise defines
secondary or vicarious traumatization and how it creates the potential
for compassion fatigue. Self-assessment tips and ways to develop a
healthy stress-prevention plan are reviewed.
CCCT 206: Community Response and Cultural Differences
Rev. Leroy Scott and Dr. Pat Miersma
Cultural sensitivity and awareness are important skills for any
caregiver. Rev. Scott and Dr. Miersma discuss worldview orientations
that can impact one’s cultural competency and the ability to connect
effectively during an actual crisis or in the aftermath of a traumatic
event. The role of politics, bureaucratic systems, and community-based
resources are also addressed.
CCCT 301: Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
Dr. Michael Lyles
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder involves reliving/re-experiencing the
event through flashbacks and/or dreams, avoidance behaviors on the part
of the victim, chronic isolation, hyper-arousal, and other numbing
effects. Dr. Lyles gives an overview of the symptomology of PTSD,
including relevant neurobiological factors.
CCCT 302: Risk Factors for PTSD
Jennifer Cisney interview with Rev. Chris Adsit
There are a number of risk factors that can increase the likelihood of
PTSD occurring. These include combat deployments, natural disasters, a
history of violence or abuse, accidents, and prolonged exposure to
traumatic events. Jennifer Cisney and Rev. Adsit examine these factors,
as well as the impact of their acuity, severity, duration, and
proximity.
CCCT 303: Trauma and Addiction
Dr. Mark Laaser
In the presence of traumatic stress, survivors can exhibit
self-medicating tendencies and/or behaviors in order to escape and numb
the emotional and psychological pain that they may be experiencing. Dr.
Laaser discusses the addictive process along with important principles
of intervention and treatment.
CCCT 304: Suicide Assessment and Prevention
Dr. Kevin Ellers
Suicidal ideation and/or attempts can be a serious by-product of
traumatic stress and the inability to cope. Dr. Ellers discusses
relevant and precipitating factors along with specific warning signs.
An intervention protocol is provided to assist caregivers is
recognizing an impending attempt and how to engage appropriate care and
support.
CCCT 305: Treatment Protocols
Dr. David Jenkins and Dr. Michael Lyles
Traumatic stress has been treated with a variety of clinical approaches
and protocols. Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Lyles provide a broad overview of
the most common intervention strategies, including
cognitive-behavioral, systematic desensitization, and medication
considerations. Adjunctive treatments such as group and family therapy
are also discussed.
CCCT 306: The Journey from Trauma to Transformation
Dr. Gary and Lolly Beikirch
The trauma that often accompanies the realities of war and the combat
environment, can leave both visible and invisible scars. Medal of Honor
recipient, Dr. Beikirch, and his wife share their incredible journey
from the devastation of his Vietnam experience to a place of recovery
and restoration.
CCCT 401: War, Deadly Force, and the Bible
Pastor Todd Wagner
Military commanders have certain statutory requirements when it comes
to providing spiritual care to those they lead. Pastor Wagner explores
the meaning of concepts such as, “just war” and the use of deadly force
within a Christian framework. The potential conflicts of faith for men
and women who serve in the military are also discussed..
CCCT 402: The Realities of Military Service on the Service Member
Dr. Don Snider and LTG Van Antwerp
Life for military personnel and their family members can be
challenging, especially during times of war and active deployment or
redeployment. Dr. Snider and Lt. Gen. Van Antwerp describe the various
demographics related to military culture and what life is like for the
typical service member.
CCCT 403: The Realities of Military Life for Families
LTG and Mrs. Van Antwerp and Dr. Rosemarie Hughes
Not only are there a number of stressful realities for active duty
military personnel, but the impact on spouses, children, and other
family members can be equally significant. Maj. Gen. Dees, Lt. Gen. and
Mrs. Van Antwerp, and Dr. Hughes share from their own military
experiences while offering practical insights and suggestions.
CCCT 404: The Combat Trauma Spectrum
Rev. Chris Adsit and Rev. Rahnella Adsit
The effects of combat trauma range from reintegration stress all the
way to full blown PTSD. The Adsits discuss emotional, psychological,
and behavioral responses to pre-deployment, deployment, and
redeployment experiences for both military personnel and their
families. Particular attention is given to the entire combat trauma
spectrum.
CCCT 405: Military Medical System, Veterans Medical System, and Related Issues
Dr. Leigh Bishop and MG (Ret.) Ken Farmer
Both active duty military personnel and veterans frequently come into
contact with the military medical system. The Department of Defense and
Veteran’s Affairs utilize an established set of protocols for accessing
and receiving treatment. Dr. Bishop and Maj. Gen. Farmer give an
overview as it pertains to combat trauma.
CCCT 406: Assessment and Treatment Protocols
Dr. Leigh Bishop with Dr. Eric Scalise
The Department of Defense and Veteran’s Affairs employ a number of
traditional medical approaches when treating PTSD and other combat
trauma related conditions. Dr. Bishop and Dr. Scalise discuss a wide
range of protocols and research-based therapies that have proven to be
effective.
CCCT 501: A Theology of Suffering
Dr. Ron Hawkins
The concept of suffering is a common theme in the Bible and people of
faith often examine their beliefs as it pertains to the question of
evil in the world. Dr. Hawkins outlines a sound theological framework
in which to understand these important issues and how to have a
balanced view regarding the fallen nature of man and the Holy nature of
God.
CCCT 502: The Role of the Chaplain
BG (Ret.) Charlie Baldwin and COL (Chaplain) Keith Ethridge with MG (Ret.) Bob Dees
Pastors and chaplains play an integral role in the military, as well as
in other service organizations such as hospitals, prisons, police/fire,
etc. Brig. Gen. Baldwin, Col. Ethridge, and Maj. Gen. Dees provide a
panel discussion on the influence and value of key ministry leaders,
especially on behalf of troops and their families.
CCCT 503: The Role of the Family as a Platform for Spiritual Healing
Dr. Dennis Rainey
When someone experiences traumatic stress or a military service person
returns from deployment, it is often a family member who first
recognizes the signs of traumatic stress and PTSD. Dr. Rainey discusses
the spiritual and practical needs of families, the resources that are
available to them, and their important role.
CCCT 504: The Role of the Church and Para-Church
Rev. Neil Rhodes, Dr. Bill Butler and MG (Ret.) Bob Dees
Churches frequently represent safe havens and healing communities for
those who have experienced a traumatic event. Rev. Rhodes, Dr. Butler,
and Maj. Gen. Dees address the myriad of ways the local church can
facilitate help and provide tangible resources through spiritual care
teams, support groups, and other lay led efforts.
CCCT 505: The Role of the Counselor and the Community
Dr. Linda Mintle
Sometimes trauma sufferers require the services of a mental health
professional and/or other community-based resources. Dr. Mintle
identifies and discusses various mental health disciplines, the
referral process, and ways to enhance collaboration efforts with the
family, the church, and other caregivers.
CCCT 506: From Trauma to Transformation: A Team Approach
Dr. Tim Clinton, MG (Ret.) Bob Dees and Dr. Diane Langberg
In summarizing the essence of this training course in traumatic stress,
it’s important to give an overview of how trauma can lead people to
change and to grow personally, relationally, and spiritually. Dr.
Clinton, Maj. Gen. Dees, and Dr. Langberg discuss the transformative
process of post-trauma renewal, growth, and healing.
Reverend Christopher B. Adsit, B.A.,
Associate National Director of Disciplemaking, Campus Crusade for
Christ Military Ministry. Rev. Adsit has authored, Personal
Disciplemaking and Connecting with God and, most recently, The Combat
Trauma Healing Manual and When War Comes Home, two workbooks that offer
spiritual healing to those suffering from combat trauma.
.
Reverend Rahnella Adsit,
Associate National Director of Staff & Troop Care, Campus Crusade
for Christ Military Ministry. She has maintained a private counseling
practice for many years and helped launch Military Ministry’s PTSD
ministry in 2006. Rev. Adsit co-wrote, When War Comes Home, with her
husband, Rev. Chris Adsit, and Marshele Carter-Waddell.
.
Chaplain Charles C. Baldwin, M.Div.,
Major General, U.S. Air Force, Retired, former United States Air Force
Chief of Chaplains. Chaplain Baldwin led an Air Force Chaplain Service
Corps of approximately 2,200 chaplains and chaplain assistants from the
active and Air Reserve components. He is a member of the Armed Forces
Chaplains Board, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, and holds a
Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
.
Gary B. Beikirch,
Awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. Mr. Beikirch joined
the U.S. Army in August 1967 and completed basic training at Fort Dix,
New Jersey; Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia; and Special
Forces Training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Currently, Gary is a
middle-school guidance counselor and on the Board of Directors of the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial of Greater Rochester.
.
Loreen Beikirch,
Received certificate in Biblical Counseling from Light University after
completion of Caring for People God’s Way, Breaking Free, and Marriage
Works. Mrs. Beikirch co-facilitates and co-teaches family life ministry
and women’s ministry programs in her local church. Additionally, Mrs.
Beikirch conducts pre-marital and marriage counseling, as well as grief
counseling. She has been married for more than 30 years to Gary
Beikirch, a Vietnam Veteran War Medal of Honor recipient.
.
Leigh Bishop, M.D., M.A,
Staff psychiatrist, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center; Associate
Professor of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Dr. Bishop, a Naval Reserve Officer, serves in the U.S. Navy Medical
Corps and is assigned to the Operational Health Support Unit in Dallas,
Detachment J. He and his family currently reside in Houston, Texas.
.
Jennifer Cisney, M.A.,
is director of Professional Relations for the American Association of
Christian Counselors. She received her Master’s degree in counseling
from Wake Forest University and has worked in the field of Christian
counseling since 1994. She specializes in working with issues of grief,
crisis, and trauma. Jennifer currently serves as Coordinator for AACC’s
National Crisis Response Team and is a Trained Trainer through the
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. She was director of
AACC’s Soul Care Trip in New York City following 9/11.
.
Tim Clinton, ED.D., LPC, LMFT,
is president of the 50,000-member AACC and is Professor of Counseling
and Executive Director of the Liberty University Center for Counseling
and Family Studies. He is a popular speaker and author of several
best-selling books.
.
Robert F. Dees,
Major General, U.S. Army, Retired, Executive Director, Campus Crusade for Christ Military Ministry. General Dees, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, has commanded airborne, air assault, and mechanized infantry forces from the platoon through division level. Following retirement from the U.S. Army, General Dees served as Executive Director, Defense Strategies, Microsoft Corporation, until assuming his current position in 2005.
.
Kevin Ellers, D.MIN.,
is the Territorial Disaster Services Coordinator for The Salvation Army
in the U.S.A. Central Territory. He is also president of the Institute
for Compassionate Care, which is dedicated to education, training and
direct care. He serves as faculty for the International Critical
Incident Stress Foundation and teaches broadly on the topics of Medic
First Aid, grief, trauma, disasters, and emotional and spiritual care.
Kevin is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry degree in the Marriage
and Family Therapy track and is currently working on the final project
for completion of the degree. He has a strong background in disasters,
chaplaincy, pastoral ministries, marriage and family therapy and social
services.
.
A. Keith Ethridge, M.Div.,
Acting Director, Veterans Affairs National Chaplain Center. Chaplain
Ethridge served as a Navy Reserve Chaplain from 1988 to 1996. He is an
active member of the Military Chaplains Association. Chaplain Ethridge
assumed his current position in 2007.
.
Kenneth L. Farmer, Jr., M.D.,
Major General, U.S. Army, Retired, Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer for TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Dr. Farmer served in
the U.S. Army Medical Corps as Commander, Walter Reed Army Medical
Center, and North Atlantic Regional Medical Command. Dr. Farmer is
American Board of Family Practice certified and a Fellow in the
American Academy of Family Physicians.
.
Archibald Hart, Ph.D., B.Sc.,
University of South Africa; M.Sc., Ph.D., University of Natal; Licensed
Psychologist; Professor & Former Dean of the School of Psychology,
Fuller Graduate School of Theology; Certified Biofeedback Practitioner;
Board Certified Diplomate Fellow in Psychopharmacology.
.
Ronald E. Hawkins, D.Min., Ed.D., B.A.,
Barrington College; M.Div., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; Ed.S.,
Lynchburg College; D.Min., Westminster Theological Seminary; Ed.D.,
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Licensed
Professional Counselor; Dean, Liberty University, College of Arts &
Sciences.
.
Rosemarie Hughes, Ph.D.,
Dean, School of Psychology and Counseling, Regent University. Dr.
Hughes has earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Education from
Duquesne University, a Master’s degree in Education from Regent
University, and a Doctorate in Urban Services from Old Dominion
University. She and her husband have seven adult children and six
grandchildren.
.
David Jenkins, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor of Counseling and Coordinator of Clinical Training
at Liberty University. He is clinical director of the International
Board of Christian Counselors and serves on the executive board of the
Society for Christian Psychology. David and his wife, Judy, have been
married for 24 years and reside near Lynchburg, VA.
.
Mark Laaser, Ph.D., B.A.,
Augustana College; M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary; Ph.D.,
University of Iowa; Co-founder & Executive Director of OASISS, a
division of the Christian Alliance for Sexual Recovery, Inc. (CASR);
Board Member, National Council on Sexual Addiction/Compulsivity; Board
Member, Interfaith Sexual Trauma Institute.
.
Diane Langberg, Ph.D., B.A.,
Taylor University; M.A., Temple University; Ph.D., Temple University;
Licensed Clinical Psychologist; Director of Diane Langberg &
Associates; Chairperson, AACC Executive Board.
.
Chaplain Douglas E. Lee,
Brigadier General, U.S. Army Reserve, Retired, formerly United States
Army Assistant Chief of Chaplains for Mobilization and Readiness and
Interim Pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Newark, Delaware.
Chaplain Lee was commissioned in the Washington State Army National
Guard in 1977 and has served in multiple assignments in both the
National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves.
.
Michael Lyles, M.D.,
Founding Partner, Lyles & Crawford Clinical Consulting; and member
of AACC Executive Board. M.D., B.S., University of Michigan Accelerated
Medical Program; Psychiatric Residency, Duke University Medical Center.
.
Pat Miersma, Ph.D.,
for 25 years, has provided professional mental health counsel and
crisis intervention services for missionaries in over 100 countries.
Now based in Dallas, TX, Pat serves as an international personnel
training consultant, and trains church leaders to help in countries
suffering from persecution, AIDS, conflict, famine, and natural
disasters.
.
Linda Mintle, Ph.D., LCSW,
is a licensed clinical social worker, specializing in marriage and
family therapy, eating disorders and infertility. She is the author of
numerous articles and books, including A Daughter’s Journey Home, Kids
Killing Kids, Getting Unstuck, Divorce Proofing Your Marriage, Lose it
for Life and Overweight Kids.
.
Dennis Rainey, M.A.,
is President, CEO, and co-founder of FamilyLife, a division of Campus
Crusade for Christ. Dr. Rainey has written and co-written more than a
dozen books including: Staying Close, which was selected in 1990 as the
outstanding book on marriage and family.
.
Neil Rhodes, B.A.,
Associate Pastor, Times Square Church, New York, New York, and Director
of the Counseling Department. Pastor Rhodes has spent more than 30
years in ministry. During that time, he has written and published two
books dealing with counseling issues in marriage. He and his wife have
also traveled extensively, teaching and training leaders in biblical
counseling worldwide.
.
Eric Scalise, Ph.D., LPC, LMFT,
is an author, speaker, and Vice President for Professional Development
at AACC and the former Dept. Chair for Counseling Programs at Regent
University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed
Marriage & Family Therapist with over 29 years of clinical
experience. He is also President of Beacon Counseling & Consulting
located in Tidewater, VA.
.
Leroy Scott, Jr., M.S., M.Div., LHMC,
is a licensed professional counselor, minister, motivational speaker
and the founder of Agape Family Counseling Center in Eatonville,
Florida. In 2003, Leroy founded and organized the Central Florida
Christian Counselor Conference – a local conference that supports the
training of pastoral counselors and ministry leaders.
.
Nate Self,
Author and speaker. Nate is the former Ranger Captain who led a team in
the battle of Takur Ghar, also known as the Rescue on Roberts Ridge. He
was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart for
his actions during Operation Enduring Freedom. Nate has authored Two
Wars and has been celebrated and examined as a model of exemplary
leadership.
.
Gary Sibcy, Ph.D., LCP, LPC, LMFT,
is a licensed psychologist and professional counselor with Piedmont
Psychiatric Center in Lynchburg, VA. Gary is also an assistant
professor in Liberty University’s doctoral program in professional
counseling.
.
Don M. Snider, Ph.D.,
Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired, Emeritus Professor of Political Science at
West Point and a visiting research professor at the Army War College.
He was research director for, and co-editor of, The Future of the Army
Profession, 2nd ed.; Dissent and Strategic Leadership of Military
Professions; and Officership: The Professional Practice.
.
Josh Straub, M.A., ABD,
serves as the Executive Assistant to the President for AACC, is a
Certified Trained Trainer on the AACC National Crisis Response Team,
and is the Assistant Director of Practicum and Internships in the
Center for Counseling and Family Studies at Liberty University.
.
Paula Van Antwerp,
Army spouse for 35 years, married to Lieutenant General R.L. Van
Antwerp. They have five children: Major Jeff Van Antwerp; Capt. Luke
Van Antwerp; Julia Tobias; Kathryn; and Robby, a wounded warrior. Mrs.
Van Antwerp has devoted her time to raising her children, teaching
Bible studies, and volunteering to support the Army community in many
roles.
.
Robert Van Antwerp,
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army, Chief of Engineers and Commander of the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. General Van Antwerp graduated from the
U.S. Military Academy. He completed Ranger, Airborne and Air Assault
training; Engineer Officer Basic Course; and Engineer Officer Advanced
Course. General Van Antwerp served in combat as a battalion commander
in the combat engineers.
.
Todd Wagner, M.A.,
Senior Pastor of Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas. Pastor
Wagner is a graduate of the University of Missouri and holds a Master’s
of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. Pastor Wagner has
extensive experience in both church and para-church ministry, having
served on Young Life and K-Life staff, as well as 10 years at Kanakuk,
where he last served as Assistant Director at K-2.
.
Chaplain Thomas E. Webb, Th.M.,
is President of Webb & Associates Chaplaincy Consulting. Chaplain
Webb pioneered efforts in the development of a first-time Central
Critical Incident Stress Management team at Camp Pendleton, responding
to 35,000 plus Marines and their families. In addition to 11 years of
active duty Navy Chaplaincy that took him to two combat zones, he has
12 years of clinical experience.
