Statement of Philosophy

The practice of professional counseling is the application of mental health, psychological, or human development principles through cognitive, affective, behavioral, or systemic interventions and strategies that address wellness, personal growth, or career development as well as pathology. The philosophies of counseling in this program are embedded in a Christian view of human nature and God’s created world consistent with the Foundational Concepts of Christian Education published in the Geneva College catalog. A growing body of research literature affirms that Christian faith establishes a basis for healthy personality development, interpersonal relations, and mental health. A multidimensional, holistic view of persons examines the interweaving of physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral, and spiritual aspects of life. Integrative psychotherapeutic conceptualizations based on this multidimensionality promote healing and change. Counseling students and faculty engage in Christian spiritual growth, thus modeling adherence to the faith and values they profess and facilitating academic learning, counseling effectiveness, and ability to consult in the larger church community and beyond. Counselors interact with church leaders, various ethnic and cultural groups, families, the legal system, and other educational and health professionals to promote optimal growth in their counselee's.