Competence & Character Growth Model

You can choose to earn a Basic Townsend Competence & Character Growth Model Certificate (4 courses) in a little over 5 months or the Advanced Townsend Competence & Character Growth Model Certificate (6 courses) in a little over 7 months. Students will take one 7-week course at a time.

Should you wish to continue your education, the certificate program coursework can apply to the corresponding Master’s degree at the Townsend Institute.

Basic Certificate - Core Courses

• COUN 600: Personal Development Skills Process Group - or - COUN 600 B: Personal Development Skills Process Group (B) (3 units)
• COUN 601: Human Growth and Development * (3 units)
• COUN 602: Theories of Counseling * (3 units)

Choose one of the following courses:

• COUN 605: Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues * (3 units)
• COUN 606: Foundations and Contextual Dimensions of Mental Health Counseling * (3 units)
• COUN 607: Social and Cultural Foundations * (3 units)
• COUN 608: Models and Application of Integration (3 units)
• COUN 611: Foundations of Crisis and Trauma Counseling * (3 units)
• COUN 612: Career and Lifestyle Development * (3 units)
• COUN 613: Foundations of Addiction Counseling * (3 units)
• COUN 614: Methods and Practice of Research and Evaluation * (3 units)
• COUN 621: Psychopharmacology* (3 units)
• COUN 622: Foundations of Spiritual Formation and Direction (3 units)
• COUN 623: Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy (3 units)
• COUN 624: Level I Clinical Training: Gottman Method Couples Therapy (3 units)
• COUN 625: Level II Clinical Training: Gottman Method Couples Therapy (3 units)
• COUN 626: Foundations of Play Therapy (3 units)
• COUN 627: Human Sexuality* (3 units)
• COUN 633: Counseling Skills and Techniques * (3 units)

Advanced Certificate - Core Courses

• COUN 600: Personal Development Skills Process Group - or - COUN 600 B: Personal Development Skills Process Group (B) (3 units)
• COUN 601: Human Growth and Development* (3 units)
• COUN 602: Theories of Counseling* (3 units)
• COUN 610: Advanced Counseling Skills and Techniques (3 units)

Choose two of the following courses:

• COUN 605: Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues * (3 units)
• COUN 606: Foundations and Contextual Dimensions of Mental Health Counseling * (3 units)
• COUN 607: Social and Cultural Foundations * (3 units)
• COUN 608: Models and Application of Integration (3 units)
• COUN 611: Foundations of Crisis and Trauma Counseling * (3 units)
• COUN 612: Career and Lifestyle Development * (3 units)
• COUN 613: Foundations of Addiction Counseling * (3 units)
• COUN 614: Methods and Practice of Research and Evaluation * (3 units)
• COUN 621: Psychopharmacology* (3 units)
• COUN 622: Foundations of Spiritual Formation and Direction (3 units)
• COUN 623: Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy (3 units)
• COUN 624: Level I Clinical Training: Gottman Method Couples Therapy (3 units)
• COUN 625: Level II Clinical Training: Gottman Method Couples Therapy (3 units)
• COUN 626: Foundations of Play Therapy (3 units)
• COUN 627: Human Sexuality* (3 units)
• COUN 633: Counseling Skills and Techniques * (3 units)

For course descriptions, please see the Academic Catalog.

The Townsend Institute takes a different approach to academics. We know it’s the time you spend with people who have legitimate on-the-ground experiences and have accomplished their goals that has the greatest impact. That’s why we provide students with the opportunity to personally learn from Dr. John Townsend, our Institute Fellows and faculty. Together, they cultivate a relational learning experience, addressing the head and the heart through science and data.

We believe there is great value in frequent, real-time interaction with fellow students and your instructors. Our graduate programs launch with a 4-Day Residency where you will meet Dr. Townsend personally as he and our Townsend Institute Fellows conduct a series of trainings. You will also go through 8 process-focused growth groups – you will not leave the same person.

To learn more about the Institute’s 4-day Residency, attend a Townsend LIVE info session.

The Townsend Institute is housed within Concordia University Irvine, a private, Lutheran university. Located in Southern California, Concordia serves over 4,000 students annually, on campus and online. Centered by a Christian worldview, and guided by the Great Commission, Concordia is home to a thoughtful and caring community of learners.

• Marketable Skills. Practice over 20 counseling skills. Demonstrate a competency level that will improve your job and promotion opportunities.
• Character Growth + Academic Learning. Research demonstrates the single most important factor for change in counseling is the relationship between you and the client, therefore your personal growth is a high priority.
• World-Changers. Be equipped to serve, lead, and impact the world in significant ways. Develop a real, relevant, engaging, and courageous lifestyle for living out your faith.