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Course Description

Unit 1: Addiction and Addicts: Foundational Principles

ADAR 101 Addictions and Recovery: An Introduction
Tim Clinton, Ed.D.
Dr. Tim Clinton describes the epidemic of bondage regarding the issues of addiction, what puts people in bondage, and what keeps them from enjoying the freedom God wants them to have in this life. He also discusses how the brain is impacted in that journey because of an addiction, and why people have such a difficult time breaking free. This includes the addiction pattern, the pathway to change, barriers to change, and a message of hope that can be found despite troubling circumstances.

ADAR 102 Theology and Addiction
Ron Hawkins, Ed.D., D.Min.
Dr. Ron Hawkins outlines a biblical theology of addiction and recovery. Every person in the background of their minds/spirits has memories of the way they were, and God has placed eternity in the heart of man. However, the beauty that God created has been defaced and vandalized, and people do wrestle with pain. Dr. Hawkins will discuss the transition from beautiful to vandalized, the problem of pain, and the way to achieve freedom and recovery from addictions.

ADAR 103 Models of Addiction
David Jenkins, Psy.D.
Addiction is a very complex area of study – psychologists and doctors have been trying to conceptualize, treat, and make sense of this destructive cycle for years. Dr. David Jenkins identifies ways in which people have tried to understand addiction. Students will be able to identify ways in which people have tried to understand addiction. Students will be able to develop systematic ways of looking at addiction in order to point the way towards more effective treatment.

ADAR 104 The Neurobiology of Addiction
Mark Lasser, Ph.D. and Todd Clements, M.D.
Dr. Laaser and Dr. Clements teach students the importance of understanding how the brain works regarding the problem of addiction. They discuss SPECT imaging, the chemical side of addiction, and how various medications can help. They give a message of hope to those struggling with addiction, as well as helpers who are working with addicts.

ADAR 105 The Addictive Cycle
Eric Scalise, Ph.D.
Dr. Eric Scalise provides a thorough survey of addiction and related factors culminating in the explanation of the addictive cycle. He discusses terminology as well as the numerous factors which lead to addictive behavior. Dr. Scalise also expounds on the unmet needs that result in addictive behavior and the categories of addiction and drug abuse. The addiction cycle is developed to aid counselors in understanding the addictive process as it occurs at various stages within the mind of addicts.

ADAR 106 Trauma and Addiction
Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A.; Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.; and Daniel Amen, M.D.
Jennifer Cisney, Dr. Sibcy, and Dr. Amen discuss the impact of trauma and traumatic stress on brain function, memory and emotional regulation. This includes addictive tendencies and behaviors. The links between the brain, trauma, and addictions are explored. The panel focuses on the need for thorough triage and assessment along with effective counseling interventions.

Unit 2: Chemical Dependency and Addiction

ADAR 201 Biological Aspects of Chemical Dependency and Addiction
Michael Lyles, M.D.
Dr. Michael Lyles describes the neurological factors and processes that occur in the brain during addiction and chemical dependency. He describes the complications of substance abuse and the protective variables that deter drug use and eventual addiction. Dr. Lyles also provides extensive attention to the actual biological and physiological responses to various substances.

ADAR 202 Depressants
Michael Lyles, M.D.
Dr. Michael Lyles presents a comprehensive overview of the major depressants counselors may encounter when working with individuals struggling with addiction. Dr. Lyles provides an extensive survey for introducing the caregiver to general information and treatment recommendations for clients dealing with marijuana, alcohol, opiates, and barbiturates.

ADAR 203 Perscription Drug Abuse
Michael Lyles, M.D.
Dr. Michael Lyles provides students with a survey of prescription drug abuse in the United States. He cites these highly addictive substances as one of the top threats in terms of addiction due to the accessibility in communities. Dr. Lyles also presents the various types of prescription drugs utilized in abuse including narcotic pain medications, amphetamines and psychostimulants, and tranquilizers.

ADAR 204 Stimulants
Michael Lyles, M.D.
Dr. Michael Lyles presents a comprehensive overview of the major stimulants counselors may encounter when working with individuals struggling with addiction. He also provides an extensive survey for introducing the caregiver to general information and treatment recommendations for clients dealing with cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine, and nicotine.

ADAR 205 Hallucinogenics
Todd Clements, M.D.
Dr. Todd Clements provides students with a thorough introduction to substance abuse through hallucinogenic drugs. He elaborates on the forms, reactions, and dangers of LSD, ecstasy, ketamine, and PCP in a survey of the primary hallucinogenic drugs abused in the United States. Dr. Clements concludes with a discussion of the addictive nature of the hallucinogenic substances of abuse.

ADAR 206 Inhalants
Todd Clements, M.D.
Dr. Todd Clements provides a thorough introduction to substance abuse through inhalant drugs. He elaborates on the forms, reactions, and dangers of the common everyday items often used in inhalant abuse including spray paint, markers, and gasoline in a survey of the primary abused inhalants in the United States. Dr. Clements concludes with a discussion of the dangers and treatment of inhalant substances of abuse.

Unit 3: Behavioral and Process Addictions

ADAR 301 Sexual Addiction
Mark Laaser, Ph.D.
Sexual addiction is a complex problem. Dr. Mark Laaser discusses the problems in the church, the characteristics of sex addicts, as well as addresses the neurochemistry of the brain that sex addicts experience. He also describes the sexual health model, as well as the stages of addiction. Dr. Laaser integrates biblical principles while explaining the key concepts of sexual addiction.

ADAR 302 Eating Disorders and Food Addiction
Linda Mintle, Ph.D.
Eating disorders are often discussed within the mental health community regarding the addictive and impulsive nature of its various conditions. Dr. Linda Mintle presents compelling biological and statistical evidence to define eating disorders as addictions. She presents the four types of eating disorders in addition to various treatment methodologies.

ADAR 303 Gambling Addiction
Greg Jantz, Ph.D.
The face of gambling is changing and it can destroy individuals and families. Dr. Gregory Jantz addresses the issue of gambling, the forms of gambling, how to know if someone has a problem, the gambling addiction continuum, and how to overcome and treat gambling addiction.

ADAR 304 Adrenaline Addiction
Arch Hart, Ph.D.
Dr. Archibald Hart discusses the issue of adrenaline addiction, and he reveals the heart of the matter behind this particular phenomenon. He explains the basic physiology of adrenal glands, the reasons for adrenaline addiction, and the effects and causes, as well as providing hope and practical suggestions for overcoming adrenaline addiction.

ADAR 305 Spiritual Addiction/Abuse
Ken Nichols, Psy.D.
There are significant differences between toxic religious behavior and trusted relationships. Dr. Kenneth Nichols describes religious addiction and its underlying contributors. After reviewing specific examples and illustrations, Dr. Nichols discusses true faith, spiritual warfare, and how a person can be set free from toxic addiction.

ADAR 306 Performance Addictions: The Search for Significance
Eric Scalise, Ph.D. and Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A.
In this lesson, students will learn about performance addiction – specifically, how it affects people, how it manifests itself, and how it is directly related with one’s core beliefs. Dr. Eric Scalise and Jennifer Cisney give detailed examples about the root problems and describe both the reality of performance addiction and how people can experience breakthroughs in their lives.

Course Description

Unit 4: Treatment Issues and Protocols

ADAR 401 Models of Treatment
David Jenkins, Psy.D. and Paris Finner-Williams, Ph.D., J.D.
Dr. David Jenkins and Dr. Paris Finner-Williams provide an overview of the primary models of treatment used in working with addiction and recovery. Special emphasis is given to the medical treatment, community-based, spiritual, detoxification, and pharmacotherapy models of treatment. Dr. Finner-Williams concludes by looking at ethical and cultural considerations.

ADAR 402 Screening, Assessment, and Referral
Marian Eberly, RN, MSW, LCSW and Paris Finner-Williams, Ph.D., J.D.
Marian Eberly and Dr. Paris Finner-Williams address a holistic orientation to problems in counseling, addictions, addiction screening tools, and how counselors assess for denial, resistance, and motivation in the recovery process. They also discuss considerations and factors associated with the treatment of addictions.

ADAR 403 Dual Diagnosis and Comorbidity
Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.
Dr. Gary Sibcy presents a thorough overview of the topics of dual diagnosis and comorbidity in addiction. He further expands the concept of developmental pathways by highlighting the characteristics of the early and later starter pathways in the context of addiction and substance abuse. Dr. Sibcy concludes this lesson with an informational interview investigating the issues of dual diagnosis and comorbidity.

ADAR 404 The Obsessive-Compulsive Continuum
Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.
Dr. Gary Sibcy provides counselors with an excellent model for conceptualizing the differences between obsessive-compulsive anxiety disorders and addictive disorders. He provides a survey of the orthogonal relationship between impulsiveness and compulsivity. Finally, Dr. Sibcy provides various treatment methods that illustrate the differences between obsessive-compulsive and addictive disorders.

ADAR 405 Adolescents and Addictions
Leroy Scott, Jr., M.S., M.Div., LHMC
Counselors are given information concerning adolescents and the use of addictive substances. Leroy Scott provides various statistics illustrating the surprisingly high substance abuse seen among adolescents in both the church and secular communities. He also elaborates on the signs of drug use in adolescents while highlighting the roles of the counselor, parent, and pastor in utilizing therapeutic interventions. Leroy concludes by focusing on treatment and assessment recommendations for adolescent substance abusers.

ADAR 406 Spiritual Applications
Eric Scalise, Ph.D.
Dr. Eric Scalise examines the spiritual dimension in its relationship to the topic of addiction. He focuses on the concept of the “stronghold” and the Christian’s response to various strongholds through faith and commitment to Christ. The lesson continues through the delineation of the origins of five dysfunctional rules that often keep addicts from challenging personal strongholds. Dr. Scalise provides an extensive survey of factors related to addiction management, concluding by offering important considerations regarding the addict’s relationship to God.

Unit 5: Recovery and Transformation

ADAR 501 Beyond Codependency
Jennifer Cisney, M.A. and Debra Laaser, B.S.
Jennifer Cisney and Debbie Laaser examine the concepts of codependency and dysfunction in the realm of addiction. They also discuss the “losing of self” characteristic within codependent relationships as well as the various treatment recommendations for both codependents and addicts.

ADAR 502 The Family and Recovery
David Stoop, Ph.D.
Dr. David Stoop examines the dynamics of addiction as it relates to the family. He discusses various genetic and generational arguments in considering the nature of addiction in families. Dr. Stoop also provides a model for analyzing the family dynamics of addiction and concludes that addiction is a family issue

ADAR 503 Marital Recovery from Addiction
Mark Laaser, Ph.D. and Debra Laaser, B.S.
Dr. Mark Laaser and Debbie Laaser provide a personal testimony of marital recovery from addiction. They also highlight the key lessons learned and recommendations for addiction counseling. The Laasers discuss various difficulties encountered in working with marriages in addiction while developing a model of marital recovery and additional useful resources for study.

ADAR 504 Step-based Approaches and Relapse Prevention
John Baker, M.B.A.
A thorough understanding of the rationale and concepts of the Celebrate Recovery program are presented by founder, John Baker. Baker describes the Christian heritage of the Alcoholics Anonymous program, develops a Christ-centered step-based alcoholic recovery program, and discusses various issues that lead to relapse and intentional relapse prevention.

ADAR 505 Legal/Ethical Issues & Social Policy
Paris Finner-Williams, Ph.D., J.D.
Dr. Paris Finner-Williams describes areas of addiction and how legal/ethical issues and social policy relate to these areas. She discusses the legal/ethical issues directly related to alcohol, drugs, and other illicit drugs. Finally, Dr. Finner-Williams addresses cultural competency issues as they relate to addiction and recovery.

ADAR 506 Biblical Transformation and Renewal
Eric Scalise, Ph.D.
Dr. Eric Scalise discusses the dynamics of biblical transformation and renewal as it relates to the process of change. He describes common factors regarding the change process, forgiveness, and a balanced understanding of God as a Father.

Because there is no legal requirement that mandates Biblical counselors must be licensed or undergo formal training, becoming a Biblical counselor can be straightforward. If you want to become a biblical counselor, you can declare yourself one – though we advise against this.  

If you “become a biblical counselor” without studying the Bible, learning basic lay counseling skills, and doing your due diligence, you may find yourself unprepared. Worse yet, you misidentify what the person you’re helping needs – and you may fail to provide optimal care. Fortunately, becoming a certified biblical counselor is simple and affordable at Light University. With a 100% online format and a time-tested program of study, you’ll emerge from our program more prepared to help struggling people.

Answers to this question may vary, but the short answer is this: nouthetic counseling is enveloped by the larger umbrella of biblical counseling. Nouthetic counseling relies on the sufficiency and supreme authority of scripture alone to provide solutions to man’s problems (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Like nouthetic counseling, Christian counseling uses scripture–but unlike nouthetic counseling, Christian counseling draws on principles of observational psychology to identify sin patterns. Great care must be taken when using psychology, however. Psychology is inherently man-centered, and for counseling to be biblical, it must be God-centered and focused on conforming the client to the image of Christ.

Yes. The academic requirements of our certificate program are built into the diploma program, and the academic requirements of the diploma program are integrated into the master diploma. 

The coursework of the biblical counseling certificate program is enveloped by the diploma curriculum, and the diploma’s curriculum is enveloped by the master diploma curriculum. 

Upon completion of a program, you’ll have the option to order a printed certificate. When you’ve finished your program of study, contact us. Upon verifying your completion of program requirements, you will be issued a digital diploma!

There are several lists of biblical counseling electives. The detailed list you’re looking for depends on which program you’re enrolled in.  

Our Biblical Counseling Certificate program does not require any electives. Our Biblical Counseling Diploma, however, requires two electives. The first elective you take in our diploma program must be one of the following courses: 

• Extraordinary Women 
• Caring for Kids God’s Way 
• Caring for Teens God’s Way 

For the second course you take in our diploma-level biblical counseling program, you will choose from the following list:  

• Extraordinary Women 
• Caring for Kids God’s Way 
• Caring for Teens God’s Way 
• Healthy Sexuality 
• Marriage Works 

It’s worth noting that you cannot complete the same course twice and receive dual credit. For example, you cannot take “Caring for Kids God’s Way” or “Caring for Teens God’s Way” once to satisfy both elective requirements – nor can you take the class twice.  

At the master diploma level, you will take three elective classes. You may choose three courses from the following list: 

• Extraordinary Women 
• Caring for Kids God’s Way 
• Caring for Teens God’s Way 
• Healthy Sexuality 
• Marriage Works 

For more information, please see our certificate, diploma, and master diploma pages.

Our online biblical counseling program is a great way to prepare for ministry work and lay counseling. The emotional intelligence skills you glean from our online biblical counseling certificate can also help make you a better parent, son or daughter, friend, mentor, or confidant.  

Our biblical counseling certificate is a non-licensure program. It is not designed to equip you for clinical counseling settings.

There is a clear distinction between professional mental health services and life coaching. Licensed mental health professionals diagnose and treat emotional and behavioral health disorders. Life coaches help clients focuses on setting and achieving goals. Many ask what the difference is between counseling and coaching.

There is a clear distinction between professional mental health services and life coaching. While both life coaches and mental health professionals seek to improve client wellness, educational and licensure requirements set the two apart. Coaches do not diagnose or treat mental-health-related disorders, but mental health professionals often do. While therapy focuses on mental health, abetting distress, and improving impaired functioning; life coaching focuses on setting and achieving goals.