School Counseling 2.0

About This Course

School Counseling 2.0 equips Christian school counselors with clinically sound strategies for integrating a Christian worldview into evidence-based counseling practice. This course emphasizes the delivery of comprehensive counseling programs that address academic, emotional, relational, and career development needs for K–12 students. Participants will examine ethical and legal frameworks, including the separation of church and state, to ensure compliance with professional standards while supporting spiritual values. Key modules cover foundational counseling competencies through a biblical perspective, legal and ethical responsibilities, and effective interdisciplinary collaboration for addressing student mental health needs. Upon completion, participants will be prepared to integrate faith principles with professional practice, uphold ethical boundaries, and implement holistic interventions that promote the well-being and development of students within Christian educational settings. 

Learning Objectives

Participants will…  

1. Discuss strategies for integrating a Christian worldview with the roles and responsibilities of school counselors to effectively deliver a comprehensive school counseling program.
2. Analyze the history and impact of law on the educational system, understand how this affects the school counseling profession, and apply ethical standards to meet the holistic needs of K–12 students.
3. Recognize the value of a systems approach to school counseling and explore collaborative and consultative strategies to ensure holistic support for K–12 students and their families.

Lesson Titles

SCOU 101: Foundations of School Counseling Through a Biblical Lens 
Summer Kuba, Ph.D. and Kerry Bowles, Ph.D. 
This session examines the core roles and professional competencies of school counselors in meeting students’ academic, career, emotional, and relational needs through comprehensive, evidence-based practice. Emphasis is placed on leadership and advocacy within the counseling profession, while integrating biblical principles. Participants will learn strategies to promote student well-being and success, maintaining ethical standards and a faith-informed approach to school counseling. 

 SCOU 102: Legal and Ethical Consideration: Managing the Separation of Church and State 
Summer Kuba, Ph.D. and Kerry Bowles, Ph.D. 
This session reviews the legal and ethical responsibilities of school counselors working with K–12 students, including current mandates and the impact of federal actions on counseling services. Participants will examine the history and implications of the separation of church and state, evolving political factors, and strategies to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards while supporting student needs in faith-based school environments. 

SCOU 103: Consultation and Collaboration: Strategies for Successful Interdisciplinary Collaboration 
Summer Kuba, Ph.D. and Kerry Bowles, Ph.D. 
This session addresses the growing mental health needs of K–12 students and emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among helping professionals. Participants will explore best practices in consultation and teamwork across counseling roles to effectively support students and their families both within and beyond the school setting, promoting holistic care and optimal outcomes. 

Course Presenter

Summer Kuba, Ph.D., is the School Counseling Program Director and an associate professor at Liberty University.  She has written on school counseling topics including assessments, the MTSS process, crisis intervention, Biblical integration, and student mindsets.  Dr. Kuba has diverse counseling experience working with children/students ranging from toddlerhood to college level.  She has provided therapeutic services in a residential home for abused children, has experience working with adolescents in a residential and outpatient drug treatment facility, and spent time as an advocate for the Juvenile Division of the Florida State Attorney’s Office where she supported victims of violent crimes.  As a school counselor, she focused specifically on elementary and middle school students and also has experience as the Social and Emotional Coordinator for a K-8 school. Dr.  Kuba currently has a private practice where she provides mental health services and also actively presents at state and national conferences and continues to seek out opportunities to advocate for students, school counselors, and the profession as a whole.   

 Kerry Lamphere Bowles, Ph.D., NCC, NCSC, is a licensed school counselor in Virginia. She currently serves as Assistant Professor and Clinical Director for Liberty University in the M.Ed. in School Counseling Program. Prior to joining Liberty University’s school counseling faculty in 2018, she worked as a professional school counselor in Central Virginia for fourteen years, serving both the elementary and secondary school levels. She has over fifteen years of combined experience serving as a site supervisor and faculty supervisor for master’s level school counseling candidates. She is an active member of several professional counseling organizations and has written on various educational topics including school counseling leadership and program assessment for student success. She has presented for various national, state, and local conferences. 

Continuing Education Approval Statements

American Association of Christian Counselors has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7543. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. American Association of Christian Counselors is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) is an Approved Continuing Education CE provider by the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC). American Association of Christian Counselors is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) offers some psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers and play therapists Continuing Education (CE) credit due for good standing with certain states and a limited number of professional organizations. It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure and CE requirements.  

Participants should check their state and/or local regulations regarding required continuing education hours. For more information Light University Continuing Education programs, please visit: https://lightuniversity.com/continuing-education-statements/