SOLUSI UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT
MSFN 624 Family Counseling & Stress Management 20 Credits
Semester/Term……SECOND SEMESTER……….
I. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
PHILOSOPHY
Solusi University believes that human beings were created by God in His own image and that, through sin, they became separated from God. However, through the redemptive work of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, humans can be restored to a full relationship with God. In keeping with these beliefs, Solusi University gives special emphasis to the wholistic development of the individual’s spiritual, mental physical, and social faculties.
Also fundamental to Solusi University’s beliefs, is the equality and dignity of all humans, regardless of race, tribe, gender, colour or handicap. We further believe that a life dedicated in service to God and to fellow human beings constitutes the essence of University’s existence.
VISION
TO ATTAIN EXCELLENCE IN ALL ASPECTS OF UNIVERSITY LIFE.
MISSION
The University exists to provide quality holistic and transformational education based on the Seventh-day Adventist Church philosophy of education in order to equip students for useful service to God and the community, and to enjoy productive lives.
PURPOSE
Solusi University exists to set forth within the religious heritage of the Seventh-day Adventist Church students dedicated to lives of selfless service for God and man; to guide in the formation of characters marked by integrity, loyalty to God and country, self-discipline, responsibility and tolerance; to develop students’ abilities in critical thinking; to bring forth acceptable levels of refinement and aesthetic taste; to encourage respect for the dignity of labour and to offer guidance to the community, church and society.
HIGHER THAN THE HIGHEST HUMAN THOUGHT CAN REACH IS GOD’S IDEAL FOR HIS CHILDREN-GODLINESS, GODLIKENESS, IS THE GOAL TO BE REACHED (Education, p. 18)
CORE VALUES
The University exists believing on its core values such as:
CHRIST LIKENESS, HOLINESS, LOVE, THE SABBATH, CREATION, INTEGRITY, CLEANLINESS, SERVICE & QUALITY
II. INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE
Course Title: EDUC 610/ MELM 615 ETHICS & VALUES IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Course Code: MSFN 624
Credit Units: 4.5
Pre-Requisite- None
Class Schedule : MONDAY-THURSDAY
Classroom
Course Description
This course is a 4.5 unit course
MSFD 615 Family Counselling and Stress Management
MSFN 624 Family Counseling & Stress Management 20 Credits
Pre-Requisite- None
Class Schedule: 14:00-17:00pm
Course Synopsis
This is a 4.5-credit postgraduate course. It introduces students to the theory and practice of family counseling, with a special focus on attachment and systems theories. The course will expose the learners to the different counselling theories and techniques. Focus will be on application of different techniques to solve the prevalent family problems such as poor relational patterns among family members; significant stressors that affect children, youth, couples, and families, including the issues of intimate partner and domestic violence. Counseling theories and approaches that harmonize theoretical and practical aspects to support the well-being of children, youth, marriages, and families are explored. This course broadens the student’s knowledge base, equipping them with counselling theories that foster a critical appreciation of Family Counselling and Stress Management for 21st-century families. The student is expected to conduct a project demonstrating the practical application of counselling skills and competencies as an intervention in a specific family case.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course students should be able to:
1. Describe the different types of families and the common issues associated with each type.
2. Compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of any two major counselling theories.
3. Describe qualities of an effective counsellor
4. Discuss the appropriate application of any 4 types family counseling
5. Compare the strengths and limitations of major Counselling theories
6. Justify the appropriateness of using eclectic approach in family counselling,
7. Discuss the major stressors for couples, children, adolescents and explain how the counsellor may help in each case.
8. Evaluate the role of Pre -marital counselling in the 21st century Discuss the proper application of testing and non-testing techniques in guidance service
9. Demonstrate ability to apply different counselling techniques to perform basic Counselling.
10. Develop a model for counseling a special case.
Topical Outline
1. Family: Types and problematic issues that affect each type
2. Counselling: Goals and Principles, Benefits of Family Counselling.
3. Counselling theories. Psychoanalytic theory, Cognitive theories, Humanistic theories; Modern Counselling Theories/ Therapies; Systemic therapy, Play Therapy, Group therapy,
4. Approaches to Counseling: Directive Counseling, Non-Directive Counseling, Eclectic Counseling,
5. Process of Counseling; Ethics and Counselling Code of conduct
6. Tools for counselling: Testing and Non-Testing Tools for counselling: Psychometric Tests, Sociometric tests, Rating Scale, Observation, Interview, Inventories, Problems of Guidance and Counseling and their possible Solutions
7. Mental health; Emotional intelligence; Stress and its triggers-
8. Stress management techniques
9. Special Family counselling Services,
10. Counselling young children- Play therapy
11. Counselling adolescents- Challenges associated with adolescents
12. Academic and Career Counselling
13. Premarital Counselling;
14. Managing Change, Loss, grief, divorce, adoption, Chronic health challenges, Aging.
15. Counselling Special cases-
16. Counselling PLWD (Special needs),
17. Dealing with Abuse
18. Making Referrals
Course Requirements
Research project
Carry out a Practical counselling process comprising 3 counselling sessions record and submit the last 2 sessions
Write a Brief Research Project summarizing your counselling process.
Length =-10-15 pages
Structure:
A. Introduction
B. Objectives
C. Problem and its manifestation
D. Techniques used
E. Evaluation- Were the goals achieved
F. Recommendations & Conclusion
Due Date: 7 December, 2026
Criteria for accomplishing the requirements
a. Writing Research Paper on One ethical issue
b. Developing a Model (research paper)
c. Reading Report
d. Oral Report
e. Written Report
1. Title
2. Content presentation( comprehensiveness: Introduction to Conclusion)
3. References Cited (APA Style)
Grading (According to Solusi Bulletin)
Quizzes 10%
Project & assignments 10%
Final Examination 60%
Modes of delivery
Ø Lectures
Ø Media-enhanced lectures
Ø Group activities
Ø Individualized inquiry methods through reading and research.
Ø E-learning, Internet assignments
Ø Assignments, Presentations
Ø Case studies
Ø Practical counselling
Main Text Books
1. Haney, H & Leibsohn, J. (2023)
Basic Counselling Skills explained [PDF Download]
Counselling Tutor https://counsellingtutor.com › basic-counselling-skills
2. Ivey & Ivey, (2021) Counseling and psychotherapy : a multicultural perspective
Internet Archive https://archive.org › counselingpsycho0000ivey_g3p8
3. Van Pelt, N. (2023) Highly effective marriage : Van Pelt, Nancy L
Internet Archive https://archive.org › details › highlyeffectivem0000vanp
References
The following references and links are provided for further readings.
1. Abara, C.J. Child marriage/betrothal in Nigeria. Paper presented for circulation at the Federation of Human Right Museums. https://www.fihrm.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/JulieChinweAbara-Child Marriage.pdf. Retrieved 25/10/2019
2. Achalu, E.I. (2018). Family life and sex education. (2nd ed.). PortHarcourt, Simarch Nigeria Limited and Splendid Research and Development Int’l Ltd.
3. Denham, S.A. (1999). The definition and practice of family health. Journal of Family Nursing, https://doi.org/10.1177/107484079900500203
4. Espossito, J. & Hattem, A. ( ). Introduction to Family Counseling
A Case Study Approach
5. Parkinson, L. (1987). Separation, divorce and family. England, Maximillian Education.
6. Manuel, R.(ND). Family Counseling
7. WHO (2018). Family planning- A global handbook for providers. Geneva, WHO
8. FAMILY COUNSELLING TRAINING MANUAL
https://sopnet.org › uploads › 2024/10 › Family-...
https://sopnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Family-Counseling-Manual_202
Ronald W. Richardson, Carole Klemm (Artist)
9. Family Ties That Bind: A self-help guide to change through Family of Origin therapy.
10. White, E. G EGW Writings. https://m.egwwritings.org › book › toc
Ellen G. White ® Study Guides, Ellen G. White® Estate
https://whiteestate.org › resources › studies
11. Ellen G. White® Study Guides ; Adventist Home · AH.HTML · AH.PDF ; Child Guidance · CG.HTML · CG.PDF ; Christian Service · ChS.HTML ·
Name:Chifamba, C. (PhD) Contact Numbers: 0778577237
Prepared by: Chifamba, C. (PhD) Approved by:Faculty Dean
MSFN 624 Family Counselling and Stress management
Assignments
1. ASSIGNMENT 1
Reading assignment
2. Assignment 2 Case studies
3. Assignment 3 Major Project
Assignment 1
Study Guide: The Adventist Home
By: Ellen G. White
Prepared under the auspices of the Ellen G. White Estate and the General Conference Department of Education.
Copyright 1965 by
The Ellen G. White Publications
Silver Spring, MD.
What is it?
The study guide is a set of simple guide sheets prepared under the direction of the Ellen G. White Estate and the General Conference Department of Education to assist the reader in the study of the book The Adventist Home. This volume by Mrs. White consists of eighteen sections, as does the matching study guide.
Each of the eighteen guide sheets consists of (1) page assignments for reading The Adventist Home; (2) a "Check your knowledge" review; (3) a self-rating department; (4) questions for group or family discussions, if desired; (5) questions for personal meditation and reflection; and (6) an answer sheet to each guide.
The answer sheet is provided for checking purposes, thus enabling the reader to be both student and teacher. The reader corrects his own quiz sheet. Each student is encouraged, however, to read the assignment carefully and to complete the guide sheet before referring to the answers.
This simple method of approach should prove to be an interesting and profitable way to study The Adventist Home.
Who may use it?
The guide sheets may be used by individual adults, by husband and wife, by prospective homemakers in the college classroom, by teenagers in our academies, by church study groups, and by other groups organized for study purposes.
May God help every student who uses these guide sheets to a better understanding of the principles of successful parenthood and homemaking.
The companion book, Child Guidance, also by Ellen White, is recommended to all parents and prospective parents by
The Board of Trustees
Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.
Home and Parent Education The Adventist Home
INDIVIDUAL RATING SHEET
__________ Husband __________ Wife __________ Son __________ Daughter
THE HOME BEAUTIFUL
Section I Date __________
A. Read pages 15-28.
B. Check your knowledge:
1. What is the heart of the community, the church, and the nation? (15:1)*
* The number before the colon is the page of The Adventist Home on which the answer is found; the number following the colon gives the paragraph.
2. What two things should be constantly practiced in the home? (16:3)
3. Complete:
a. "Home should be made all that the word implies. It should be a little ___________________________ upon earth." (15:3)
b. "Teach the children and youth to respect ___________- ____________." (16:3)
c. "The __________________ tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred, of any on earth." (18:5)
d. "The influence of a carefully guarded Christian home in the years of childhood and youth is the surest safeguard against the ________ of the world." (19:2)
e. "The home should be to the children the most _____________ place in the world, and the _______________ presence should be its greatest attraction." (21:2)
f. "Angels of God conversed _______________ and lovingly with the holy pair." (26:3)
g. "God is a lover of the ________________________." (27:1)
h. "The beauty of the garden delighted him, but this was not enough. He must have _________________ to call into exercise the wonderful _________________ of the body." (27:2)
4. What should we remember about the nature of children? (21:2)
5. Why is cleanliness in the home important? (22:2)
6. What conditions in a home are displeasing to God? (22, 23)
7. Who planned earth's first home? (25:1)
8. What was Adam's first work? (27:2)
C. Rate your home: Beautiful ____ Attractive _____ Uninviting ___ Ugly _____
1. What do you consider its greatest attraction?
2. What do you consider its most unattractive point?
D. Discuss with others:*
1. In what ways do the well-being of society, the success of the church, and the prosperity of the nation depend upon the home? (15:1)
2. What have the manners and the morals of the youth to do with the future of society? (15:2)
3. How can the home be made attractive? (21-24)
4. What is the easiest way to keep the home orderly and clean? (21-24)
5. Is it possible to have so orderly a house that no one feels at home there?
6. Are labor-saving facilities to be regarded as unnecessary in the home? (23, 24)
7. In what circumstances only can marriage be a blessing? (26:0)
8. Define the term "help meet." (25:3)
* Others may be your companion, other relatives, neighbors, church members, or the Home and School study group.
9. Why did God choose a rib from which to form the body of Eve? (25:3)
10. What alone can make men and women happy? (28:1)
E. Think on these things:
1. What attracts the angels to the home? (17-19)
2. Who create the atmosphere of the home? (16:1, 2)
3. How are the father and mother to be in their discipline? (17:3)
4. Do I help to make my home--
"a place where the affections are cultivated"?
"fragrant"?
"pure"?
"bright and happy"?
"a place where cheerful words are spoken"?
"a place where . . . kindly deeds are done"?
"a place of love"?
"a Bethel"?
"a place" "beautified by love, sympathy, and tenderness"? (15-19)
5. Is God pleased to live in my home if the house is untidy, our clothes are ragged, and our bodies dirty? (22)
6. What is one way I can help prevent disease? (22:2)
7. In the light of the last paragraph on page 24, am I placing the right estimate on the work I do for my home?
8. Am I using the description of the home in Eden as a pattern for my own home? (25-28)
F. Name one thing you (as the husband, wife, son, daughter) can do today to make your home more beautiful.
Home and Parent Education The Adventist Home
INDIVIDUAL RATING SHEET
_________ Husband _________ Wife ________ Son __________ Daughter
A LIGHT IN THE COMMUNITY
Section II Date __________
A. Read pages 31-39.
B. Check your knowledge:
1. Who are to help the fathers and mothers in witnessing in the neighborhood? (32:1)
2. What is the home to be? (31:1)
3. Complete: "The home in which the members are _____________, ____________ Christians exerts a far- reaching influence for good." (31:2)
4. What figure of speech is used to show the influence of God-fearing parents emanating from their households? (33:1)
5. Complete: "One well-ordered, well-disciplined family tells more in behalf of Christianity than all the ____________________ that can be preached." (32:1)
6. This chapter tells us, "This will recommend the truth as nothing else can, for it is a living witness of its practical power upon the heart." To what does this refer? (32:2)
7. Where are missionaries for the Master best prepared? (35:1)
8. What are we told about the influence of sisters on their brothers? (35:5)
9. Complete: "The highest duty that devolves upon youth is in their own __________________, blessing father and mother, brothers and sisters, by ______________ and true _____________." (35:5)
10. Complete: "In the home those who have received Christ are to show what __________ has done for them." (36:1)
11. Complete: "We need more __________ parents." (37:1)
12. What are too often withheld from children? (37:1)
13. Name three things that can mar the reputation of the Christian home. (38:2)
C. Rate your home influence: Strong _____ Average_____ Weak _____ Negative _______
1. What do you consider its strongest point?
2. What do you consider its weakest point?
D. Discuss with others:
1. What is the meaning of this expression: "The Christian home is an object lesson"? (31:1)
2. "The influence of an ill-regulated family is widespread, and disastrous to all society. It accumulates in a tide of evil that affects families, communities, and governments." (33:3)
3. Which is the most important missionary field? (35:3)
4. "The highest duty that devolves upon youth is in their own homes, blessing father and mother, brothers and sisters, by affection and true interest." (35:5)
5. Whom can children influence? (36:3)
6. "A well-ordered Christian household is a powerful argument in favor of the reality of the Christian religion--an argument that the infidel cannot gainsay." (36:2)
7. To whom should one go with a home problem? (38:1)
E. Think on these things:
1. What can our family do to make sure that our influence counts for God in our community and in the world?
2. What do our children see and hear at home that would make them want a home in heaven?
3. What do the neighbors know about our home that would create a desire to have a Christian home also?
F. Name one way you (as the husband, wife, son, daughter) can make your home a stronger influence for good.
Home and Parent Education The Adventist Home
INDIVIDUAL RATING SHEET
_________ Husband _________ Wife _________ Son __________ Daughter
CHOOSING THE LIFE PARTNER
Section III Date __________
A. Read pages 43-75.
B. Check your knowledge:
1. How can I avoid having an unhappy home? (43:1)
2. Complete: "No one can so effectually ruin a woman's ___________________ and ____________________, and make life a heartsickening burden, as her own husband.' (43:1)
3. Complete: "No one can do one hundredth part as much to chill the ________ and __________ of a man, to paralyze his energies and ruin his __________ and __________, as his own wife." (43:1)
4. Why are the majority of marriages unhappy? (44: 1)
5. What is the first step toward marriage that requires "great care"? (44:3)
6. Complete: "Weigh every __________________, and watch every development of character in the one with whom you think to link your _________________________." (45:1)
7. In what are young people advised to "make haste slowly"? (44:1)
8. What three questions should those who contemplate marriage ask themselves before taking this important step? (45:2)
9. When should an engagement be broken? (48, 49)
10. Contrast true love and its counterfeit, passion, by placing the letters TL (for true love) or P (for passion) beside these definitions: (50, 51)
a. "Is a precious gift, which we receive from Jesus."
b. "Is a . . . principle."
c. "Is a plant of heavenly growth."
d. "Is not blind."
e. "Headstrong, rash, unreasonable, defiant of all restraint."
f. "Calm and deep in its nature."
g. "Wise and discriminating."
h. "Uncontrollable."
11. Complete: "To trifle with hearts is a _________." (57:1)
12. Which commandment do those break who carry on a secret courtship and contract secret marriages? (58:1)
13. What kind of crop will the sowing of wild oats in youth produce? (59:4)
14. Complete: "To connect with an unbeliever is to place yourself on ______________________________." (67:1)
15. Complete: "Unless you would have a home where the shadows are never lifted, do not ______________________________." (67:3)
16. Complete: "It is only in Christ that a marriage alliance can ________________________________." (68:2)
C. Rate yourself as a homemaker: Ideal _____ Good _____ Fair _____ Poor _____
1. What is your strongest point as a homemaker?
2. What is your weakest point as a homemaker?
D. Discuss with others:
1. How does God choose our companions? (43:3)
2. "Marriage affects the afterlife both in this world and in the world to come." (49:1)
3. Consider the questionnaire for prospective husbands and wives given on pages 46 and 47.
4. "True love is a . . . principle." (50:3)
5. How does such a principle work in the life and relations of two people who love each other?
6. Early dating. (52:1-3)
7. What dangers attend the habit of keeping late hours? (56:1-3)
8. What reason does the Word of God give for forbidding marriage with unbelievers? (61, 62)
9. How can parents train their daughters to be good wives?
10. How can parents train their sons to be good husbands?
11. When should this training begin?
12. What attitude should parents take on chaperonage? dating? late hours?
E. Think on these things:
1. How much does marriage affect this life and the life to come? (43:1)
2. What dangers does Sister White point out in the life of a young lovesick girl? (52, 53)
3. "Not one word should be spoken, not one action performed, that you would not be willing the holy angels should look upon and register in the books above." (55:2)
4. Do newspaper and radio reports we hear today prove the truth of the teachings of Chapter Eight?
5. How does this chapter deal with the assertion often made by those contemplating marriage with unbelievers that the unbelieving partner will conform to the believing partner's mode of living and faith?
6. a. "If ever the Bible is needed as a counselor, it is before taking a step that binds persons together for life." (70:2)
b. "If men and women are in the habit of praying twice a day before they contemplate marriage, they should pray four times a day when such a step is anticipated." (71:1)
c. "Let the love for truth and purity and goodness be early implanted in the soul, and the youth will seek the society of those who possess these characteristics." (74:1)
F. What is the best way to prepare for marriage?
Home and Parent Education The Adventist Home
INDIVIDUAL RATING SHEET
_________Husband _________Wife _________Son __________Daughter
FACTORS THAT MAKE FOR SUCCESS OR FAILURE
Section IV Date __________
A. Read pages 79-96.
B. Check your knowledge:
1. What is Satan "constantly busy" trying to do? (80:2)
2. What causes "great confusion in the church"? (80:3)
3. Complete: "There are many of the young whom God would accept as laborers in the various branches of His work, but Satan steps in and so entangles them in his web that they become _______________________________ from God and ______________________ in His work." (81:1)
4. Complete: "The happiness and prosperity of the married life depend upon the __________________ of the parties." (84:1)
5. What two things must one be able to do to have a successful home? (84:2)
6. When one finds that he has made a mistake in marriage, what should he do? (85:0)
7. In such a case what should be the life study of both husband and wife? (85:1)
8. Complete: "Neither was at all fitted for the ________________________ of married life." (85:2)
9. What is an essential part of education? (87:1)
10. Every girl should have a knowledge of what? (87:3)
11. What should she know about the human body? (87:3)
12. Complete: "Idleness is a __________." (88:1)
13. Should every woman be trained in some business that would enable her to make a living? (91:3)
14. Complete: "Hearts that are filled with the love of Christ __________________________________________________." (94:2)
15. Complete: "The spirit that Christ manifests toward His church is the spirit that the husband and wife _______________ _____________________________________________." (95:1)
16. Complete: "You will both be happy if you try to please each other. Keep the windows of the soul closed _________________ and opened _________________." (96:1)
C. Rate the value of your companionship: Elevating _______Worthwhile _____ Worthless _____ Degrading _____
1. What is your greatest contribution as a companion?
2. What is your poorest contribution as a companion?
D. Discuss with others:
1. "Early marriages are not to be encouraged." (79:1)
2. Give reasons why it is not advisable to have a great disparity in age between marriage partners. (81 82)
3. Why are young people tempted to contract early marriages?
4. Why are the words "politeness" and "courtesy" used so frequently in describing the Christian home? (83:1)
5. "It should be a law that young people should not get married unless they know how to care for the children that are brought into their family." (88:3)
6. What kind of homemaking course should be offered in college? in the academy? (88:4)
7. What duties should be given a nine- or ten-year-old girl?
8. Who is to teach a child to be self-supporting? (93:1)
E. Think on these things:
1. Which of these evils frequently result from early marriages?
a. Wretched unions. (79:3)
b. Disgraceful separations. (79:3)
c. Unhappy existence. (79:3)
d. A poisoned atmosphere in the home. (79:4)
e. Confusion in the church. (80:3)
f. Making a wreck of the happiness of the partners in this life and the life to come. (80:4)
2. What effect has immature marriage on physical health and mental vigor? (80:1)
3. Which do you prefer, a few years of popularity in your teens and a life of misery, or a few years of loneliness in your teens and a life of happiness?
4. Which is of greater importance, study of books or home duties?
5. If one must be neglected, which should it be, your children or your college degree?
6. Am I raising my children in such a way that they will be prepared for the practical duties of married life?
7. "There are families without number whose happiness is wrecked by the inefficiency of the wife and mother." (91:4)
8. "No man is excusable for being without financial ability." (93:1)
Home and Parent Education The Adventist Home
- Teacher: Costance Chifamba