Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MAMCFC)
Name of Program
Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling
Credential
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling
Introduction
The Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling program will provide training that will give entry level qualifications for opportunities within marriage, couple and family counseling, eligibility to apply for state licensure in PA (Licensed Professional Counselor), and professional certification. For this degree, graduates will also be prepared to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE). Although not yet accredited through CACREP, the structure and content of the MA in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling program are aligned with the CACREP 2016 Standards.
Program Purpose
The program will provide training that will give entry level qualifications for opportunities in marriage, couple & family counseling field, eligibility to apply for state licensure in PA (Licensed Professional Counselor), and professional certifications.
Program Philosophy
The Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling program is focused on preparing Christian students to understand the multifactorial causes and research-based treatments for various issues in the context of relationships and families. The curriculum of this program is centered on biblical truth using the Integrated Psychotherapy Model that combines current industry-proven strategies with biblical principles.
Throughout our masters in marriage, couple and family counseling program, students will examine their own personal experiences and expectations, study the role and importance of marriage and family from a biblical perspective and learn the fundamental skills of effective counseling and therapy rooted in the truth of Scripture. This program equips individuals with theological distinctiveness, contemporary scholarship and professional counseling skills to serve within the local church, para-church organizations, counseling organizations, hospitals, prisons, retirement centers, and a variety of human service settings.
Educational Philosophy
The Educational Philosophy of the MA Marriage, Couple & Family counseling Program is:
1. To provide clinical training such that students are well-versed in research-based theoretical orientations and able to articulate and apply such views.
2. To provide ample clinical experiences (in vivo and case study) such that students are able to grasp and deliver individual psychotherapy.
3. To provide a framework of learning that promotes critical thinking so that students are able to demonstrate professional evaluation of theoretical content in light of a biblical worldview.
4. To provide robust clinical supervision for students as they practice/apply clinical skills taught in the classroom.
5. Provide experiences in which students can transition their knowledge of scholarly publications and foundational, research-based clinical theories into future research endeavors.
Locations offered
Lancaster, PA
Program Director
Ryan M. Kuehner Ph.D. (Associate Professor, Chair, Counseling & Social Work Dept. and M.A. in Professional Counseling Program Director)
Holding a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Kuehner considers himself fortunate to serve students as Associate Professor, Director of the M.A. Professional Counseling Program, and Chair of the Counseling & Social Work Department. Whether through ongoing research projects, student instruction and advisement, clinical practice, curriculum development, admissions management, or accreditation endeavors, Dr. Kuehner brings a wealth of scholarly and practical knowledge toward the goal of maintaining and growing premier undergraduate and graduate programs. Surrounded by extremely gifted colleagues, Dr. Kuehner is enthused to collectively forge ahead in training students in both the art and the science of professional psychotherapy undergirded by Integrationist Theory. Areas of instruction for Dr. Kuehner encompass psychopharmacology, abnormal psychology, biopsychology, professional ethics, applied counseling techniques, theories of personality, specialized therapies, and advanced applied research practicum. Dr. Kuehner has been married for 17 years; he and his wife have three children.
Faculty List
Resident Faculty:
Ryan M. Kuehner, Ph.D.
Freeman M. Chakara, PsyD
Judson C. Buckwalter, MA, LPC, ACS
Melissa Boas, MEd
Praveen Rudra, MA
Adjunct and Visiting Faculty:
Arwa Nye, MEd
Daniel Grubb, MA
James Johnson, DMin
Jon Shacklett, MA, LPC, ACS
Justin D. Charles, PsyD
Joshua Irvine, MA, LPC
Justin Steele, PsyD
Kimberly Blest, MA, LPC
Olivia Murrin, MA, LPC
Ruth Chang, PsyD
Sean Dougherty, MS, MEd
Shiree Stuart, PsyD
Program Core Competencies
The Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling Program will equip students for the field of counseling by developing:
1. Recognize the history, development, legislation, government policy, ethics, professional identity development of counselors within the context of marriage, couple, and family counseling.
2. Evaluate family phenomenology, family of origin theories, models, techniques, and interventions related to marriage, couple, and family counseling, in order to foster family wellness through a biblical perspective.
3. Learn the application of theories and models in developing case conceptualization, etiology, treatment planning, diagnostic process, and referral within family systems and dynamics.
4. Comprehend assessments, including diagnostic interviews, genograms, family mapping, mental diagnostic status examinations, symptom inventories, and psychoeducational and personality assessments.
5. Develop an understanding of scholarly literature and its application of the structures of marriage, couples, and families, within the realms of human sexuality and its effect on couple and family functioning, aging and intergenerational influences, immigration, and related family concerns.
6. Enhance skills necessary to conduct competent cultural treatment relevant to marriage, couple, and family functioning, at various delivery modalities within the continuum of care.
7. Understand the etiology of trauma and crisis as well as the impact of interpersonal violence, mental health, and addiction on marriages, couples, and families.
8. Acquire strategies for interfacing with the legal system while understanding ethical principles and application to prospective marriage, couple, and family counseling.
9. Demonstrate understanding regarding the impact of life, gender roles, career, unemployment, under-employment, and changes in socioeconomic standing on marriages, couples, and families.
10. Synthesize information and knowledge into practice through supervised counseling experiences.
MAMCFC Curricular Structure/Degree Requirements
- Intro to Professional Counseling Core Courses
- Professional Core Courses
- Advanced Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling Courses
- Professional Counseling Practice Courses
- Electives
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Intro to Professional Counseling Core Courses
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15
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Professional Core Courses
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18
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Advanced Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling Courses
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15
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Professional Counseling Practice Courses
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9
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Electives
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3
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Program total
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60 credits
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Competency 1
Recognize the history, development, legislation, government policy, ethics, professional identity development of counselors within the context of marriage, couple, and family counseling.
| CPS 501 | Orientation to Professional Counseling Identity, Function & Ethics | 3 |
| CPS 508 | Counseling Skills in Helping Relationships | 3 |
| CPS 530 | Professional Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 541 | Group Counseling Leadership Skills | 3 |
| CPS 583 | Multicultural Foundations of Counseling | 3 |
Competency 2
Evaluate family phenomenology, family of origin theories, models, techniques, and interventions related to marriage, couple, and family counseling, in order to foster family wellness from a biblical perspective.
| CPS 508 | Counseling Skills in Helping Relationships | 3 |
| CPS 515 | Counseling Theory and Techniques | 3 |
| CPS 531 | Psychopathology & Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 540 | Marriage Counseling & Psychotherapy | 3 |
| CPS 541 | Group Counseling Leadership Skills | 3 |
| CPS 550 | Family Counseling & Psychotherapy | 3 |
| CPS 552 | Marriage and Family Issues | 3 |
| CPS 572 | Counseling Addictions | 3 |
| CPS 583 | Multicultural Foundations of Counseling | 3 |
Competency 3
Learn the application of theories and models in developing case conceptualization, etiology, treatment planning, diagnostic process, and referral within family systems and dynamics.
| CPS 508 | Counseling Skills in Helping Relationships | 3 |
| CPS 515 | Counseling Theory and Techniques | 3 |
| CPS 531 | Psychopathology & Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 540 | Marriage Counseling & Psychotherapy | 3 |
| CPS 550 | Family Counseling & Psychotherapy | 3 |
| CPS 572 | Counseling Addictions | 3 |
| CPS 575 | Counseling Children and Adolescents | 3 |
| CPS 583 | Multicultural Foundations of Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 601 | Professional CNS Practicum | 3 |
| CPS 602 | Professional CNS Internship | 3 |
| CPS 603 | Counseling Internship II | 3 |
Competency 4
Comprehend assessments, including diagnostic interviews, genograms, family mapping, mental diagnostic status examinations, symptom inventories, and psychoeducational and personality assessments.
| CPS 508 | Counseling Skills in Helping Relationships | 3 |
| CPS 515 | Counseling Theory and Techniques | 3 |
| CPS 531 | Psychopathology & Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 540 | Marriage Counseling & Psychotherapy | 3 |
| CPS 550 | Family Counseling & Psychotherapy | 3 |
| CPS 572 | Counseling Addictions | 3 |
| CPS 575 | Counseling Children and Adolescents | 3 |
| CPS 583 | Multicultural Foundations of Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 601 | Professional CNS Practicum | 3 |
| CPS 602 | Professional CNS Internship | 3 |
| CPS 603 | Counseling Internship II | 3 |
Competency 5
Develop an understanding of scholarly literature and its application of the structures of marriage, couples, and families, within the realms of human sexuality and its effect on couple and family functioning, aging and intergenerational influences, immigration, and related family concerns.
| CPS 501 | Orientation to Professional Counseling Identity, Function & Ethics | 3 |
| CPS 505 | Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| CPS 508 | Counseling Skills in Helping Relationships | 3 |
| CPS 510 | Human Growth and Development across the Lifespan | 3 |
| CPS 515 | Counseling Theory and Techniques | 3 |
| CPS 525 | Assessment Techniques in Counseling I | 3 |
| CPS 530 | Professional Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 531 | Psychopathology & Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 540 | Marriage Counseling & Psychotherapy | 3 |
| CPS 541 | Group Counseling Leadership Skills | 3 |
| CPS 550 | Family Counseling & Psychotherapy | 3 |
| CPS 552 | Marriage and Family Issues | 3 |
| CPS 572 | Counseling Addictions | 3 |
| CPS 575 | Counseling Children and Adolescents | 3 |
| CPS 583 | Multicultural Foundations of Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 588 | Career and Lifestyle Development | 3 |
| CPS 601 | Professional CNS Practicum | 3 |
| CPS 602 | Professional CNS Internship | 3 |
| CPS 603 | Counseling Internship II | 3 |
Competency 6
Enhance skills necessary to conduct competent cultural treatment relevant to marriage, couple, and family functioning, at various delivery modalities within the continuum of care.
| CPS 508 | Counseling Skills in Helping Relationships | 3 |
| CPS 515 | Counseling Theory and Techniques | 3 |
| CPS 583 | Multicultural Foundations of Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 601 | Professional CNS Practicum | 3 |
| CPS 602 | Professional CNS Internship | 3 |
| CPS 603 | Counseling Internship II | 3 |
Competency 7
Understand the etiology of trauma and crisis as well as the impact of interpersonal violence, mental health, and addiction on marriages, couples, and families.
| CPS 508 | Counseling Skills in Helping Relationships | 3 |
| CPS 510 | Human Growth and Development across the Lifespan | 3 |
| CPS 531 | Psychopathology & Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 552 | Marriage and Family Issues | 3 |
| CPS 572 | Counseling Addictions | 3 |
| CPS 583 | Multicultural Foundations of Counseling | 3 |
Competency 8
Acquire an understanding of ethical principles and application to prospective marriage and family counseling situations that reflect an open and collaborative approach to resolve legal and ethical dilemmas.
| CPS 501 | Orientation to Professional Counseling Identity, Function & Ethics | 3 |
| CPS 530 | Professional Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 540 | Marriage Counseling & Psychotherapy | 3 |
| CPS 550 | Family Counseling & Psychotherapy | 3 |
| CPS 601 | Professional CNS Practicum | 3 |
| CPS 602 | Professional CNS Internship | 3 |
| CPS 603 | Counseling Internship II | 3 |
Competency 9
Demonstrate understanding regarding the impact of life, gender roles, career, unemployment, under-employment, and changes in socioeconomic standing on marriages, couples, and families.
| CPS 552 | Marriage and Family Issues | 3 |
| CPS 583 | Multicultural Foundations of Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 588 | Career and Lifestyle Development | 3 |
Competency 10
Synthesize information and knowledge into practice through supervised counseling experiences.
Practicum and Internships
The Practicum and Internship courses are a critical and integral component in the training of a well-equipped counselor. These courses provide students with the opportunity to utilize their classroom learning in counseling situations under the supervision of professional counselors.
Professional Counseling Practicum (CPS 601)
• May be taken after completing a minimum of 33 graduate credits (Tier 1 & Tier 2 courses) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, completion of the candidacy process, and passing the CPCE exam.
• Minimum of 200 hours of field experience is required to complete the practicum:
o 80 hours of direct client contact
o 20 combined hours of individual and group supervision
o 100 hours of administration (i.e. Research, writing, training, admin tasks)
• Students are required to participate in a blended classroom component. Each student will be required to record four (4) 50-60 minute therapy sessions and schedule one-hour appointment with the processor for each VCS to review the recordings.
Professional Counseling Internship I (CPS 602)
• May be taken after completing a minimum of 36 graduate credits (Tier 1 & 2 courses) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and successfully completing CPS 601 Practicum.
• Minimum of 300 hours of field experience is required to complete the internship:
o 130 hours of direct client contact
o 20 combined hours of individual and group supervision
o 150 hours of administration (i.e. Research, writing, training, admin tasks)
• Students are required to participate in a blended classroom component. Each student will be required to record four (4) 50-60 minute therapy sessions and schedule one-hour appointment with the processor for each VCS to review the recordings.
Professional Counseling Internship II (CPS 603)
• May be taken after completing a minimum of 39 graduate credits (Tier 1 & 2 courses) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and successfully completing CPS 601 Practicum and CPS 602 Internship I.
• Minimum of 300 hours of field experience is required to complete the internship:
o 130 hours of direct client contact
o 20 combined hours of individual and group supervision
o 150 hours of administration (i.e. Research, writing, training, admin tasks)
• Students are required to participate in a blended classroom component. Each student will be required to record four (4) 50-60 minute therapy sessions and schedule one-hour appointment with the class professor for each VCS to review the recordings.
Application, Admission, Retention, and Graduation
Admission Requirements
Initial Application Phase (IAP) requires submission of the following items:
• Online application form with $40 application fee.
• Personal statement of spiritual journey and statement of faith
• Two professional references completed online by their applicant’s supervisor(s) and their pastor
• Transcript of an accredited Bachelor’s degree (and grad. transcripts if seeking transfer credit approval).
• The TOEFL examination is required only if English is not the applicant's native language or if the applicant has not completed a degree program taught in English. TOEFL scores must be from tests administered within two years of the application deadline. If required, their test score must meet the following minimum for admission: Paper Score 550; Computer Score 213; or Internet Score 79. The applicant’s skill score in writing will also be considered in the admissions decision. The official TOEFL score report must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service.
• Individuals seeking admission to the MA program must complete each step of the application process by submitting a complete application by:
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Fall Semester Start
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August 1
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Spring Semester Start
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December 1
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Summer Semester Start
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April 1
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Application Process
Admissions Process
The application process for the M.A counseling programs has four phases: Initial application phase (IAP), interview phase (IP; parts 1-3), preliminary acceptance phase (PAP), and candidacy phase (CP).
Interview Phase Part 1 (IP1):
The prospective student is invited for an on-campus interview with the admission committee. Before the meeting, the applicant is asked to type a 1-page scholarly paper using APA format in Microsoft Word reviewing articles given to them that day. Writing samples help us assess for graduate-level skills related to comprehension, adaptability, critical thinking, and scholarly writing.
Interview Phase Part 2 (IP2):
After completion of the writing sample, the student has to appear before the admission committee for a face-to-face interview. During the interview process, the committee assesses interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and self-awareness. Those who have met the interview criteria will be welcomed to the preliminary acceptance phase.
Preliminary Acceptance Phase (PAP):
This phase enables provisional acceptance to the graduate program. Students must satisfy academic requirements of the 1st Tier Professional Core courses and then complete the steps for candidacy to continue in the MA counseling programs.
Application Response
After completion of the Interview Phase 2. The admission committee will communicate their decision to the Office of Adult Learner Services and they will communicate the decision of the committee within 7-15 days. One of the three decisions described below are possible.
Recommended admission without contingencies: The applicant is fully accepted without any noted concerns.
Recommended admission with the prerequisites noted: The applicant is accepted with admission’s academic deficiencies identified. The applicant will be informed as to the required steps toward achieving full acceptance.
Do not recommend admission: These applicants will be notified in writing regarding this decision.
Advanced Standing
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Transfer Credit Policy:
Applicants pursuing a master's degree in the professional counseling program at LBC|Capital may request to transfer a maximum of 18 graduate credits (6 courses) into their master's degree program into which they are applying. To complete the Master of Arts professional counseling programs (Addiction, Clinical Mental Health, Marriage, Couple & Family), a student must have completed 60 credits of graduate coursework. To transfer the graduate courses, the individual grade earned must be at least "B" or higher, and the course must be relevant to the degree program that the applicant is applying for as determined by the program director. The Counseling and Social Work Department reserves the right to approve or decline the transfer credits, which will be communicated to the students during the interview process.
Pre-Program Requirements
Biblical and Theological Foundational Courses:
Students must complete all the Biblical and Theological Foundation courses before the practicum. Some exemptions are possible. Students without the 30 credits of Bible/Theology but who have taken 9 credits of Old Testament, New Testament, or Theology courses are exempt from taking the respective Biblical and Theological Foundation Courses. Likewise, a 3 credit course in Hermeneutics will exempt students from BTC 561. At the time of admission, an evaluation will be done of the students’ transcripts, and students will be informed of which courses they are exempt from taking.
Counseling Prerequisites Required before any Classes:
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PSYC _____
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Undergraduate course in counseling/psychology
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3
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PSYC _____
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Undergraduate course in counseling/psychology
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3
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Six undergraduate credits of counseling/psychology are required before any graduate work can commence.
Basic Research & Statistics Course:
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MAT 216
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Statistics for the Social Sciences OR Equivalent Basic Statistics
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3
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Three undergraduate credits of basic statistics course required before taking CPS 505 Research and Program Evaluation. For Students without a previous statistics course; they will need to take a pre-statistics assessment to assess their level of pre-statistics understanding. This assessment will be taken on a Counseling & Social Work Department computer. If the student scores a 70% or higher, they would be eligible to register for CPS 505 Research and Program Evaluation or PSC 504 Statistical Methods for School Counselors. Should they score lower than 70%, the student would be required to take MAT 216 Statistics for the Social Sciences prior to taking CPS 505 or PSC 504. Students who have already taken a statistics course in their undergraduate experience in which they received a final grade of at least 70% are free to register for CPS 505 or PSC 504.
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Retention
Candidacy Process:
Upon receiving provisional acceptance to the graduate program, new MA counseling students will be required to complete the following steps in order to obtain full candidacy acceptance into the MA program. Students’ academic performance, interpersonal characteristics, and behavior are monitored throughout the program to ensure competency in preparation for the counseling profession.
- Complete all 1st Tier Professional Core courses (15 credits) to demonstrate academic fitness and interpersonal fitness. Students must obtain a grade of B or higher. Each student will also be rated by their professors on various interpersonal and academic performance standards via the Critical Competencies Review form in each of the Tier 1 courses.
- Obtain two (2) background checks are required prior to your candidacy interview and are necessary for approval for field placement. (If living or working in a different state, please review your state requirements for obtaining clearances).
- PA Child Abuse Clearance (ACT 151)
- PA Criminal Background Check (ACT 34)
- Proof of completed Mandated Reporter Training
- Complete Personality and Career Assessment to ensure the student is at a socio-emotional and behavioral level fit for the profession.
- MMPI-2: Before exiting the Pre-Candidacy phase, the student will need to obtain a personality evaluation, comprising of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory – 2nd Edition Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF). The student’s advisor will review the results of this assessment and discussed at the Candidacy interview. The results of the personality evaluation may verify the student’s continuation within the program and/or evidence a need for additional counseling, or it may show evidence that another area of pursuit would be in the student’s best interest. Failure to complete this requirement will result in the student’s inability to take additional courses.
- 16-PF: The student is also required to take the 16-Personality Factors Assessment. The assessment is reviewed with the student during the candidacy interview. We utilize the Human Resource Development Report that will assess your personality and the associated relationship with common workplace factors to ensure that your chosen career path correlates with common counseling environments.
- Submit the Candidacy Application to the Counseling & Social Work department for review.
- Schedule and participate in a candidacy interview. After the required assessments are completed and all materials received by the Department Assistant, the student will be allowed to schedule an appointment to be interviewed for Candidacy. This meeting is an intentional pause to assess academic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal fitness to continue in the program. During the Candidacy meeting, the student will be interviewed by the Program Director. The interview will consist of review current grades in the core courses, review of interpersonal and academic rating (via a standardized form) completed by your professors, overall program fit, and the results of the MMPI-2 and the 16 PF.
Based on the results of the Candidacy meeting, recommendations germane to findings will be generated. Examples of recommendations include but are not limited to:
- Formal approval as socio-emotionally, academically, and behaviorally fit for advancement to Candidacy.
- Provisionally fit for Candidacy IF various recommendations are followed
- Temporary hiatus from additional classes until requirements have been satisfactorily fulfilled.
- Unfit for candidacy and dismissal from the program.
Upon receiving full candidacy acceptance to the MA program, students can then proceed to enroll in courses from the 2nd Tier Professional Courses.
Counselor Preparation Comprehension Examination
Prior to practicum and internships, students must take the Counselor Preparation Comprehension Examination (CPCE) after completing Tier 1 and Tier 2 courses. The purpose of the exam is to assess the student’s knowledge of counseling to ensure minimum competence in the field. The CPCE will cover the eight required core areas outlined in CACREP 2016 Standards. Furthermore, the CPCE will also provide collective feedback that can be used by the program in developing/adapting curriculum. The CPCE is offered once each Spring, Summer, and Fall semester. More specifically, students can expect the exam to take place on a weekday between 5:30-10:00pm at Lancaster Bible College’s campus.
Graduation
The following requirements must be successfully completed in order to receive the Master of Arts degree:
• Satisfactory completion of all course work
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Fulfillment of all financial obligations
• Adherence to biblical standards and ethics in living one's lifestyle