New Pastoral Counseling Certificate Announced by Touro University Worldwide

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Bernard Luskin, CEO and Senior Provost, today announced the addition of a certificate program in pastoral counseling at Touro University Worldwide.

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"Pastors,  military and civilian chaplains, rabbi's, priest's and lay individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge of family and couples therapy as part of their pastoral counseling responsibilities will benefit from and be attracted to this new certificate program," Luskin explained.

"The Certificate in Pastoral Counseling may be completed as a standalone certificate. It will also be of interest to clergy in our TUW MA degree program Marriage and Family Therapy," added Dr. Michael Hamlin, Director of Professional Psychology Programs.

"The pastoral counseling certificate program is appropriate for those wishing to develop additional insights and greater expertise in providing family therapy support services. A Certificate Program in Pastoral Counseling from Touro University Worldwide offers an opportunity to enhance understanding of human behavior and improve skills in working with groups, families, couples, adults and children," Hamlin explained.

This TUW online pastoral counseling certificate may be completed independently or as a supplement to licensure courses leading to the TUW MA degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Touro University Worldwide offers five eight-week terms each year. The complete certificate may be completed in one year.

The MFT program includes subjects such as psychopathology, psychobiology, the psychology of aging, death and dying, human sexuality, family systems, and other topics typically addressed in the pastoral counseling context. The certificate program in Pastoral Counseling emphasizes the study of theories and practices special and necessary for effective pastoral counseling.

"Pastoral counseling includes unique areas requiring additional specialization in theory and practice. Clergy have special ethical considerations plus unique sensitive situational requirements when dealing with congregants and parishioners. Many times, clergy have a unique and substantial history with all members of a family," explained Dr. Luskin.

"Our TUW Professional Psychology Advisory Committee has identified that many clergy may benefit significantly from professional development and training in the theory, method and techniques of pastoral counseling and recommended that TUW offer this important certificate," he said.

"At TUW, participants learn as a member of a community of common interest and practice. Participants are taught by gifted faculty members who are educators as well as experienced mental health professionals. A team of IT professionals also provides assistance to those enrolled in using TUW's advanced e-learning management system," added Dr. Luskin.

The five required courses leading to the "Certificate in Pastoral Counseling" are:

• Contemporary Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Adult and Child Development within the Family Life Cycle
• Counseling Couples
• Pastoral Counseling Theory
• Pastoral Counseling Practice

Those interested may call and speak with a qualified program advisor to learn more about the Pastoral Counseling Certificate Program.

TUW is now enrolling new students in the program every day. 

To discuss a program or find out how you can apply or participate, please contact:

• Heather Grace Hoglund, Director of Enrollment Management 818-874-4121 [email protected] 
• Matteo Indelicato, Senior Program Advisor 818-874-4118 [email protected]                            

Press Contact:

• Alisa German, CMO & Director of Communications (818) 874-4105 [email protected]  

Touro University Worldwide (TUW)
Touro University Worldwide a division of Touro University Los Angeles, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).  TUW presently offers online Masters' Degree Programs in Business (MBA), Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Media and Communications Psychology, Physician Assistant, and Marriage and Family Therapy.  For program and enrollment information, visit: www.TUW.edu.

About the Touro College and University System
Touro is a system of non-profit institutions of higher and professional education. Touro College was chartered in 1970 primarily to enrich the Jewish heritage, and to serve the larger American and global community. Approximately 19,000 students are currently enrolled in its various schools and divisions. Touro College has branch campuses, locations and instructional sites in the New York area, as well as branch campuses and programs in Berlin, Jerusalem, Moscow, Paris, and Florida. Touro University California and its Nevada branch campus, as well as Touro University Los Angeles and its Touro University Worldwide division is a WASC accredited member of the Touro College and University System.  For further information on Touro College, please go to: http://www.touro.edu/media/

SOURCE Touro University Worldwide