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The School of Psychology and Counseling of Regent University
is unique in that it integrates Christian spirituality
and Biblical principles into counseling content to guide
students in understanding counseling through the eyes of
faith. Essentially, a Biblical approach to suffering instills
hope. A faith-based approach to suffering allows
a personal, creative and unique response to loss. Although
suffering is not beneficial in and of itself, our personal
response has potential to develop the person and enhance
their relationships. Meaningful therapeutic interventions
at the right moment may contribute to emotional and spiritual
growth and healing. ”Praise be to the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion
and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our
troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with
the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
When depression, stress, anxiety, abuse, trauma, loss, suicide ideation and varying
somatic complaints are part of a client’s presenting problem, initial intake
information will often uncover intense events that have resulted in compounded
grief and loss. An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older – about
one in four adults – suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given
year (NIMH, 2007). When applied to the 2004 U.S. Census residential population
estimate for ages 18 and older, this figure translates to 57.7 million people.
The burden of mental illness on health and productivity in the United States
and throughout the world has long been underestimated. As a result there is a
tremendous need for counseling and counselor education both nationally and internationally.
Concurrently, the 21st century is characterized by a dependence on technology
and infomedia industries, globalization, constant change and greater complexity.
All these factors contribute to the unpredictable nature of our current existence.
In today’s digital age, a number of resources keep us informed and connected:
e-mail, internet, IM, podcasts, skype casts, text messaging, Blogs, iPods, iPhones,
Blackberries, YouTube, web video sites and virtual worlds. Advocates of
the benefits of technological change see emerging and converging technologies
as offering hope for the betterment of the human condition. Yet, many say we
could be at a spiritual risk because all these new technologies serve as isolation
devices that pull us from our faith and meaningful relationships with others.
Today, there is a tremendous need for both school and community counselors to
meet the mental health needs of clients. The most recent data from the Bureau
of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor shows that overall employment of
counselors is expected to grow faster than the average, i.e., an increase of
27 percent or more for all occupations through 2014. In addition, numerous job
openings will occur as many counselors retire or leave the profession. While
job prospects will vary with location and specialization, opportunities generally
should be very good because the number of job openings that arise should exceed
the number of graduates of counseling programs. Rehabilitation counselors and
substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, in particular, should experience
excellent prospects.
Employment of school counselors is expected to grow with increases in student
enrollments at postsecondary schools and colleges and as more States require
elementary schools to employ counselors. Expansion of the responsibilities of
school counselors should also lead to increases in their employment. For example,
counselors are becoming more involved in crisis and preventive counseling, helping
students deal with issues ranging from drug and alcohol abuse to death and suicide
(U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, 2007).
The Master of Arts in School and/or
Community Counseling provides students with comprehensive
experiential training and didactic experiences to fulfill
educational requirements and prepare future counselors for
licensure and national certification. Courses and curriculum
are aligned with the standards set forth by the Council for
Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
(CACREP). Courses follow a cohort model and provide students
with a strongtheoretical foundation based on biblical principles
to assure that students assimilate the values, knowledge,
skills and strategies needed to become a competent professional
counselor to fulfill our commitment to “Christian leadership
to change the world.”
Admissions Counselor Rennie
Hitchcock stands ready to help. He can be reached by phone
at 757.352.4231. Admissions related questions can also
be sent to our admissions staff by e-mail at psycoun@regent.edu.
MA in Counseling - Virginia
Beach Campus, or
MA in Human Services Counseling - On-Line or Virginia Beach:
Rennie Hitchcock, Admissions Counselor
rennhit@regent.edu
757.352.4231, 800.681.5906
Again, welcome and feel free to follow
the links for further information on the M.A. programs
at the SPC.
Benjamin B. Keyes, Ph.D., Ed.D.
Counseling Program Director
Ed.D. Counseling Psychology, University of Sarasota
M.A. Rehabilitative Counseling, University of South Florida
B.A. Psychology, University of South Florida
Contact: bkeyes@regent.edu
Mail:
Regent University
School of Psychology & Counseling
1000 Regent University Dr.
Virginia Beach, VA 23464-9800
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