 ...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 757-226-4231.
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
757-226-4231, 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
Phone:
(W) 757-226-4284
Mail:
Regent University
School of Psychology & Counseling
1000 Regent University Dr.
Virginia Beach, VA 23464-9800
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