Doctor of Biblical Counseling and Alternative Medicine

Required Bachelor’s Degree: Major in biblical Counseling

Required Master’s Degree: Heart of Alternative medicine

Bachelor of Biblical counseling

Master of Alternative Medicine & Christian Psychology

Doctor of Alternative Medicine & Christian Therapy

If you’re a professional who wants to succeed as a high-level leader, influencing positive change in alternative medicine, DCU’s online degrees beginning with a Bachelor’s Degree (which includes 33 hours of study in Biblical Counseling and a total of 110 to 120 total hours), followed by the Master’s Degree “Heart of Alternative medicine Psychology” … Master of Alternative Medicine & Christian Psychology and the “Doctor of Alternative Medicine & Christian Therapy, (Dr PH). These degrees can position you to lead effectively, help others, and make a difference.

In this program, you’ll learn to apply research to design public health programs, devise solutions to address immediate and long-term public health issues, recognize emerging trends, employ social responsibility, and lead with integrity.

If you've ever stretched out on a yoga mat or popped a probiotic, you may be part of the growing segment of the U.S. population that uses non-conventional therapies to treat medical problems.

Complementary and alternative medicine, sometimes referred to as CAM, is an umbrella term for a vast array of treatments that fall outside conventional Western approaches. Some have been well-studied and proven to be effective; others have not.

RELATED CONTENT

Although labels like "alternative medicine," "naturopathic medicine" and "integrative medicine" are often casually used (and misused), each term refers to something specific and different.

Here are eight common terms used in non-conventional approaches to medicine and what researchers and practitioners say about them.

Alternative Medicine

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, actual alternative medicine is very rare. The organization defines alternative medicine as any non-conventional interventions that are used instead of conventional treatments, not in conjunction with them. Interventions like yoga, acupuncture, herbal remedies and massage therapy may be alternative treatments, but are considered alternative medicine only when they're used in place of conventional treatments, explained National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Deputy Director David Shurtleff.

Alternative Medicine vs Scientific Medicine

So, when we ask "What makes people think that alternative remedies work?" we should first ask ourselves "What makes people think that conventional medicine works?" The answer to the two questions is pretty much the same. We think they work largely "because" we feel better after taking them, or authorities tell us that we are better. Post hoc ergo propter hoc, after the fact, therefore because of the fact. (Note that I am discussing the reasons for belief in a therapy, and not the efficacy of the therapy, per se). Proponents of alternative therapies are largely winning the public relations war with their hopeful, uplifting messages, whereas proponents of scientific biomedicine have so often assumed that the superiority of their product was self-evident (while underestimating the strength of the "antidoctor backlash" in society).

Alternative remedies have appeal to the extent that conventional remedies fail to provide relief. Indeed, the areas where alternative therapies seem to have most appeal is in the very areas where conventional therapies are not able to satisfy the expectations of the consumer, e.g., chronic headaches and backaches, low energy, nausea, arthritis, gastrointestinal complaints, allergies, things which are often caused by or exacerbated by stress or emotional disorders. The alternative therapist, through validating the client's complaints (and often his or her unconventional worldview), providing hope for overcoming the complaints, and giving much personal attention and support, can indirectly serve some of the emotional needs that often underlie many complaints that physicians dismiss. They also offer hope for conditions that physicians cannot cure. From an article …  “Alternative Medicine" and the Psychology of Belief James Alcock, Ph.D.

Major Studies for the Bachelor’s Degree: Major in Biblical Counseling

 33 Hours of Biblical Counseling +

IBC101 Introduction to Biblical Counseling                                            3

SLD 125 Spiritual Life Dynamics                                                            3

MBC201 Methods of Biblical Counseling                                               3

CTL321 Counseling Through the Life Span                                           3

TBC350 Theological Basis of Biblical Counseling                               3

ACI1415 Advanced Counseling Issues I                                        3

ACI2416 Advanced Counseling Issues II                                               3

CSD1481 Counseling Skills Development I                                            3

CSD2482 Counseling Skills Development II                                         3

PSI101 Introduction to Psychology                                                         3

PMF221 Marriage and the Family                                                            3

Bachelor of Biblical Counseling and Alternative Medicine

Total of 110 to 120 hours total for the Bachelor in Biblical/Christian Counseling

Some of your courses that will be required during your study for the Master’s Degree: Master of Alternative Medicine & Christian Psychology

The sudden rise of alternative medicine can be attributed to a growing dissatisfaction with conventional medical practices. Modern methods have mainly focused on the physical symptoms. However, we are spiritual, social and emotional creatures as well. Healing improves when all of these components are addressed. Conventional medicine has also been criticized for its impersonal approach. Overworked doctors may spend only a few minutes diagnosing the problem without much follow-up.

The main reason people may be flocking to alternative medicine is that it offers hope when conventional medicine has failed. The frightened and discouraged look there as a last resort. Many therapists profess to heal cancer or know the secret to prolonged youth. For example, Hollywood guru Deepak Chopra writes that his therapies can take us to “. . . a place where the rules of everyday existence do not apply.” Through his methods we can “. . . become pioneers in a land where youthful vigor, renewal, creativity, joy, fulfillment, and timelessness are the common experience of everyday life, where old age, senility, infirmity and death do not exist and are not even entertained as a philosophy.”{3} These are attractive temptations to those without hope.

As discerning individuals, we must not be enticed by such claims. The Bible teaches that we live in a fallen world. Despite our best efforts people get sick, and sometimes they die. When faced with a serious illness, we first must accept the consequences of the Fall. God can heal any time He chooses using whatever method He wills. However, He does not work contrary to His nature or revealed truth. If an apparent healing leads someone to embrace teachings contrary to Scripture, we should question whether that healing came from God.

So when the test results are bad, we should not panic in fear, but trust God’s sovereignty and control over our lives. We should seek wise counsel from doctors and our pastors. Then, if an alternative medicine is recommended, we should make sure it has been medically tested and does not promote a false teaching or false hope. In dealing with illness, we can honor God or we can blemish our testimony. In the following sections, let us consider how to wisely evaluate alternative medicines. Dr. Zukeran applies a biblical worldview perspective as he assesses the rise of alternative medicine in the mainstream of American culture. He points out the types that a purely fraud and those which may be useful for some people.

Master's Degree in Alternative Medicine

Coursework in master's degree programs in alternative medicine will vary depending on degree specialization and whether or not the degree includes complementary medicine. Here are some classes that might appear in the curriculum:

• Meditation
• Body and mind topics
• Nutrition
• Physiology
• Community holistic wellness
• Acupuncture techniques

courses may be evaluated and accepted at the discretion of the Dean of Academic Affairs or Associate Dean.

Psychology courses for the Master’s Level Degree

Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 110) – This study of the mind and its development seeks to explain many of the activities of the thought process. Explores perception, memory, persuasion, love, lust, and dreams. Looks into the mind development of children and the break down of the brain from illness and injury.

The Psychology, Biology and Politics of Food (PSYC 123) – Investigates eating and its relationship with health and well-being. Eating disorders, global obesity epidemic, poverty and food, as well as sustainable agriculture and genetically modified foods are also part of the study of the course.

MIT Open Courseware – MIT

Introduction to Psychology (9.00SC) – Looks into the brain and human nature, and how the brain supports the mind. After further study, students will be able to look at nature vs nurture debate with more clarity, as well as free will and consciousness.

Introduction to Psychology (9.00) – This course differs in that it looks into the fact that the student can be the subject matter, and is used in lecture to help explain the theories and ideas of psychology. Looks at many of the same ideas to develop a beginning knowledge of the study of psychology.

Social Psychology (9.70) – Looks into consensually-shared social situations. Taught by MIT professor Stephan Chorover, this complete course includes course materials and lecture notes that can be used to aid in comprehension.

Neuroscience and Behavior (9.01) – This course goes into the neural function of the brain and many of its activities. Looking at this, a better understanding of sensory and motor systems, motivation and reward, and related learning and memory.

Animal Behavior (9.20) – Looks at adaptive behaviors that are seen in the brain, and also in animals. Investigate foraging and feeding, defensive and aggressive behavior, and other ways that brains adapt to conditions in their environment for survival.

Feeling and Imagination in Art, Science, and Technology (24.262) – This seminar looks into creativity and how it takes shape in art, science and technology. The idealization of creativity in these forms gives meaning to the human condition, and can be seen in many associated fields, such as literature and philosophy.

The Nature of Creativity (24.263) – This course introduces problems about creativity and how it relates to certain human behaviors. Mostly this related to imagination and innovation in particular. The readings and guidance are able to be determined based on the interests of the student.

The Society of Mind (6.868J) – This graduate level course explains how the mind works, and separates out the simpler processes that go on to make the mind function as it does. Larger questions investigated include how different theories apply to the varied processes that go on in the mind.

Reflective Practice: An Approach for Expanding Your Learning Frontiers (11.965) –  The Reflective Practice is an approach developed by Donald Schon. This graduate course aims to explain how professionals use their knowledge in practical situations. This can help them to improve their capacities for learning and for application of their expertise.

Autism Theory and Technology (MAS.771) – This graduate course looks into current theories of autism and how they relate to different positions on the autism spectrum. Students of the class are expected to have interactions with autistic individuals to fully develop the knowledge from the class.

Brain Structure and its Origins – Taught by Gerald Schneider of MIT, This course studies the brain and its development. Looks at the central nervous system and all connections of neurons and the brain and spinal cord. There is an optional brain dissection included as part of this information.

The courses listed above for the Master’s level are to assist you in setting up your Master’s studies… Total hours for the Masters degree at the Dayspring Christian University is between 42 hours to 56 hours.

Doctor of Biblical Counseling

and Alternative Medicine

Doctor of Alternative Medicine & Christian Therapy

Author: Ed Welch Date: August 24, 2011 +  Biblical Counseling, Body, Culture, Methodology, Theory

Have you noticed that alternative medicine is becoming more popular? (This will have something to do with biblical counseling, just give me a minute.) Acupuncturists are busier than ever. Wretched tasting herbal drinks are the new coffee. Food is no longer just for bodily maintenance—it can now be a treatment.

This trend signals a few different things.

First, it says that traditional medicine doesn’t have as many answers as we thought. While modern drugs can do wonders, there are too many times when the efficacy of our modern pharmacopeia is questionable and its side effects are dangerous.

Second, it says something about the value of spending time dealing with the broader issues in people’s lives. Practitioners of alternative medicine typically spend more time with patients than the harried family physician, and somehow that blend of herbs, interest in other aspects of our lives, and attentiveness is highly valued. And though there is no scientific evidence that these treatments work, the entire package of alternative medicine which is far broader in its approach to health, is more curative than we probably know.

Here is how this intersects with biblical counseling.

There have been two times in my life when I went to work (as a counselor) while there were lingering tensions in my marriage. Both times I should have made a U-turn in the CCEF parking lot and headed back home, because I was good for nothing at work. My stomach hurt, I felt depressed, I was distracted. My inner zombie was taking over.

Medication, however, wouldn’t have touched these symptoms. When I finally went home and reconciled—voila, my stomach felt better, the darkness lifted, and I was a gung ho worker who could focus as long as necessary. The alternative medicine—repentance and restoration of relationship in this case—had done its good work.

Alternative medicine can occasionally be very narrow (as if raw carrots could cure most anything) but it usually considers diet, lifestyle and relationships. And, in those larger interests, it is on to something. The Bible teaches us that we are embodied souls, which means that our bodies can affect our souls and vice versa. Bodies can make us depressed, forgetful or disorganized. Our souls, aka our hearts or inner being, can affect our bodies with, yes, stomach aches and depression, along with who knows what else. To put it more clearly, our moral decisions can affect our health. Now, I’m not saying there is a predictable relationship between sin and bodily struggles (e.g., Psalm 73). If there were then you could distinguish the righteous from the unrighteous with a blood pressure cuff. But we can say this—sickness is always a fine time for a spiritual check-up.

Do I have a clear conscience? Is there anything I am trying to hide before God and other people?

Have I done what I can to seek peace in my relationships?  Am I living with regrets that have yet to be treated with the many benefits of the death and resurrection of Jesus?

Allow these questions to move you toward faith, repentance and obedience and you might find some fatigue and a few aches and pains loosening their grip.

Some Doctoral level courses for

Alternative Medicine & Christian Therapy

What Will I Learn in an Acupuncture Doctoral Program?

If you're interested in becoming an acupuncturist, you'll want to apply to a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (D.A.O.M.) program. You must already have an educational background in the field in order to be accepted to such a program, however. Some programs require a master's degree in acupuncture; others accept an advanced degree in a related science along with a degree or certificate in Chinese herbalism.

Like any advanced degree program involving medicine, acupuncture doctoral programs place great emphasis on applied studies in addition to teaching theoretical concepts. They mandate the completion of numerous credit hours of hands-on clinical acupuncture practice in order to graduate. This requirement is structured very differently from one school to the next.

What Will I Learn in a Naturopathy Doctoral Program?

As an applicant to a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.) program, you'll face several prerequisites for background knowledge and education in the physical and health sciences. Most schools require numerous undergraduate and master's-level credit hours in such areas as mathematics, biology, anatomy and chemistry. Prior coursework in the social sciences is also required, perhaps because naturopathy emphasizes things like stress management and lifestyle changes as cures for medical problems.

The emphasis on the physical and health sciences generally continues throughout naturopathy doctoral program curricula. Required courses in the physical sciences may include anatomy, neuroscience, embryology, biochemistry, gene science and botany. You'll also take several health science related courses, including immunology, psychopathology, medical ethics, gynecology and musculoskeletal orthopedics. Last but not least, in-depth coursework in homeopathy and alternative treatment methods will help prepare you to practice naturopathic medicine. Commonly required courses in this area may include patient evaluation, hydrotherapy, pain management, massage therapy, natural childbirth and Chinese language.

What Will I Learn in a Chiropractic Doctoral Program?

As a student in a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program, you'll get a full education in all aspects of the human neurological and musculoskeletal systems. Program curricula generally require completion of between 225 and 250 credit hours and a yearlong clinical chiropractic internship. The internship is in addition to the mandatory lab hours that accompany virtually every health sciences course in most D.C. plans of study.

Like the doctoral degrees described above, D.C. programs typically require you to have a strong academic background in the health sciences. Courses are heavily focused on the areas of the musculoskeletal system that chiropractors adjust and manipulate in order to provide pain relief or injury rehabilitation to patients. Anatomical and neurological areas addressed in mandatory courses may include the spinal cord, head, neck, abdomen, pelvis and nerves.

You'll also take several courses in chiropractic medical procedures, including bone imaging, musculoskeletal radiology, joint and nerve mobilization, motor skills assessment and posture adjustment. Last but not least, most curricula will also provide you with a background in such relevant business skills as medical billing, chiropractic practice management, marketing and ethics.

Will These Programs Qualify Me for Licensure or Certification?

In most cases, graduation from a doctoral degree program in your chosen alternative medicine field of study will qualify you to apply for licensure or certification - whichever is applicable - to practice your trade. However, a doctorate in any of these alternative medicine fields is not the same as earning an allopathic Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. The types of licensure or certification and the requirements to obtain them differ from that of allopathic medical licensure. In fact, not all alternative medicine practitioners are legally required to earn licensure or certification before beginning their careers.

According to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, only 17 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands presently require naturopathic physicians to get licensed. The states that do require it utilize a standardized board examination, which you must pass before being eligible to work in that state (www.naturopathic.org).

The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) reports that most, but not all, states regulate the practice of acupuncture. Of the states requiring acupuncturists to possess licensure, many will accept your passing score on the NCCAOM-issued certification examination in order to get your license (www.nccaom.org).

Chiropractors are required to be licensed in all 50 states, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In order to obtain licensure, aspiring chiropractors must pass either a state board examination or the national one issued by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Exact requirements in this area differ from one state to the next (www.bls.gov).