“I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.”
Biblical Counseling Training Center
Our counseling training is designed to equip the body of Christ to confidently and lovingly minister God’s Word to those looking for answers to life’s troubles and questions. This includes every member, lay leaders, ministry leaders, and pastors. DSC currently offers one format for training that we call our Cohort Model.
The Cohort Model has three component parts, described below, and requires about 1 year to complete the full training. Training participants are free to exit the training at any time, but in order to participate in Phase 2 one must have successfully completed the earlier parts. Each part of the Cohort training is designed to fulfill the ACBC certification requirements, though pursuit of certification is not required to participate in the training.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Do I need to be a member of Desert Springs Church (DSC) or a ministry leader to participate at DSC’s Biblical Counseling Training Center?
No, we welcome every member in the body of Christ in addition to lay leaders, ministry leaders and pastors.
+ What is the cost and time required for each training course?
Phase 1 – Learning
Lecture and Discussion, aka the Association of Certified Biblical Counselor (ACBC)
Fundamentals, 13 weeks, $49
Reading, 10 weeks, $80 for four books
Observation, 5 weeks, $ TBD
Phase 2 – Exam and Evaluation
Exam Preparation, 22 weeks, no cost
Exam Application fee, $100 (paid to ACBC)
Phase 3 – Supervision
Supervision, a minimum of 50 sessions, $700 (paid to ACBC)
Membership Dues, annually, $115 (paid to ACBC)
Costs for each of the Phases above are approximate and may vary.
+ Are the fees due all at once?
No, fees are collected throughout the training at the appointed time.
+ If I have education or experience in Biblical Counseling, does DSC offer an accelerated course?
No, at this time DSC currently offers one format for training that we call our Cohort Model.
+ Is there a time limit for getting certified?
Yes, you must complete Phases 1 and 2 within four years of completing the ACBC Fundamentals training course. For example, if an individual completes the Fundamentals course in 2021, they will need to submit their Phase 2 exam by December 31, 2025.
Once you have passed your exam, you have one year to complete 50 sessions of supervised counseling in Phase 3.
+ I participated in a portion of the training before but did complete all courses. Can I register for specific training courses?
Yes. However, in order to participate in Phase 2, one must have successfully completed the pre-courses leading up to Phase 2. In addition, keep in mind there is a time limit to complete all the requirements – see question above.
To be notified when registration is available for upcoming training course opportunities, please visit theDSC Biblical Counseling Training Center page to submit your contact information.
+ Can I use audio books to fulfill the reading requirement?
Yes. However, keep in mind that the reading is intended to give you good Biblical Counseling and theological foundation which you will use for the exam phase. You will be required to footnote any citations you may use in your answers on the exam.
+ Can I participate in the training if certification is not my goal?
Absolutely! Training participants are free to exit the training at any time. Our desire is to equip the body of Christ to confidently and lovingly minister God’s Word to those looking for answers to life’s troubles and questions whether it be formally or informally.
+ Do I have to attend all classes in Phase 1?
No. However, it is always beneficial if you can participate in the Lecture discussions training portion (approximately 13 weeks). Therefore, we strongly encourage attendance, but they are not mandatory. At the end of the Fundamentals Training Course (Lectures, with or without discussions participation), you will receive a Certificate of Completion which is required for ACBC certification.
No, for the Reading discussions (approximately 10 weeks), attendance is not required but highly encouraged.
Upcoming Training
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