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Christian Counseling - Required Courses - Phase I

Visit this page to order Phase I courses.

Overview of Phase I

The following four courses form the core of Phase I of the Christian counseling degree programs offered.  Successful completion of Phase I qualifies you as Temperament Counselor by the NCCA. 

Phase I is provides a solid foundation for the Christian counselor.  You will be introduced to the developers of current temperament theory and the founders of the NCCA, Drs. Richard and Phyllis Arno. 

You will be taught about the emergence of Christian counseling as a  profession that benefits untold thousands of hurting people all over the globe.

You will understand the temperament at a professional level.  You will be authorized to create temperament profiles for others.

You will understand and agree with the ethical considerations required of Christian counselors, and be provided with useful information regarding the operation of a Chrisitan counseling practice in a proven sound and ethical manner. 

How Long Will It Take?

Many people ask how long the process takes.  On average, people spend about 6 months finishing Phase I.  Creation Therapy usually takes about 2 months, and is the longest of the Phase I courses.  Basic Christian Counseling is the shortest course, and can be competed very quickly. A couple of weeks is typical.  Christian Psychology and Counseling is good for 6-8 weeks on average.  A similar amount of time is needed for Quality, Ethics and Legal Issues.

You will become qualified to administer the APS, a powerful temperament inventory, learn the history of Christian counseling, and be introduced to the many issues and procedures that are an important part of practicing as a professional.

You may order these courses online with PayPal,
or call 877-258-1047.


1. Creation Therapy

Authors: Richard G. Arno, Ph.D. & Phyllis J. Arno, Ph.D.

 The instructor will provide the student with an overview of the temperament and the Arno Profile System.  The course covers the development of the theory of five temperaments, the development of the Arno Profile System of temperament profiling, and practical application of the results of the profile.  Successful completion of this course will provide you a "Certified Temperament Analyst" certificate from the Pastoral Counseling Center. You will be authorized to produce Clinical APS reports for others and discuss the results.

This course is available in 2 formats:

CD-ROM - Electronic Format 

The entire course, including the study guide, exams, and text book are available as a set of "pdf" files which are easily viewed, printed and searched.  This search ability is especially useful to research the text for answers to specific questions about various temperaments. 

For a quick start, the text file can be emailed and you may begin your studies immediately.

Traditional Home-Study

Creation Therapy Course

  Creation Therapy is available in a traditional "distance-learning" format that includes a printed text, workbook, code of ethics, examinations and an instructional DVD.

Course Requirements:

  1. Approximately 60 clock hours
  2. Suggested time limit 26 weeks (average 6-8 weeks)
  3. Pass a proctored mid-term exam
  4. Pass a proctored final exam

2. Basic Christian Counseling

Author: R. G. Arno, Ph.D.

This course will cover, on VHS or DVD, four hours of instruction. The instructor will provide the student with an overview of the "Big Eight" (types of secular counseling/therapeutic methods). In addition, the student will be taught the difference between Christian and secular counseling, goals, techniques, and several other important topics, such as the dangers and pitfalls of counseling.

Course Requirements:

  1. Approximately 10 clock hours
  2. Suggested time limit four weeks (average 1-2 weeks)
  3. Pass a proctored final exam

3. Christian Psychology and Counseling

Authors: Terry D. King, Ph.D.; Debra L. King, Ph.D.; Richard G. Arno, Ph.D. & Phyllis J. Arno, Ph.D.

This course is approximately 300 pages in length. The candidate will receive general information regarding basic theories on historical systems of psychology, counseling, Biblical theories of counseling and the utilization of the NCCA counseling model: Temperament Therapy.

Course Requirements:

  1. Approximately 45 clock hours
  2. Suggested time limit sixteen weeks (average 4-6 weeks)
  3. Pass one proctored exam

4. Quality, Ethics, and Legal Issues in Christian Counseling

Mildred R. Burckley, Th.D., Ph.D.

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with information regarding ethical issues in counseling. It will also provide them with a clear understanding of the importance of confidentiality. In addition, this course will provide information regarding referrals, helpful agencies and programs. Forms and record-keeping is discussed. This course consists of a textbook of approximately 133 pages in length and requires one closed book (proctored) exam.

Course Requirements:

  1. Approximate study time is 35 hours.
  2. Suggest time limit 12 weeks (average 4-6 weeks)
  3. Pass one proctored exam

To Begin Your Counseling Education You May