This specialization will prepare the counselor to engage counselees controlled by life dominating sins, temptations, and addictive behaviors, and provide hope and direction to them in the midst of their struggles.
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The first phase of specialization training has ACBC Certified Counselors engage in quality instruction offered through one of our Certified Training Centers as well as complete reading from a pre-approved book list.
To receive the specialization in marriage counseling a certified member must first complete a minimum of 20 hours of instruction covering the following approved topics.
This topic will describe the nature of theology as “practical” and define the nature of sin (i.e. a concise view of sin) which details the biblical view of bondage and enslavement as opposed to the secular concept of compulsion.
This topic will outline the origin of the disease model of addictions explaining how addictions have become known as diseases and have allowed various secular models to flourish.
This topic will outline a concise history of Twelve Steps Programs paying special attention to Alcoholics Anonymous and assess how such programs fall short of biblical goals and how they contradict Scripture and the Gospel.
This topic will demonstrate how Celebrate Recovery obscures biblical clarity, falls short of biblical fidelity, and confuses the Gospel message.
This topic will show how life dominating sin is affected by and affects all areas of life.
This topic will provide examples of deceptive thinking and contrast with biblical thinking in areas including self-pity versus God’s precious providence, discontentment versus contentment, and escapism versus finding refuge in God.
This topic will describe the use, purpose, and aim of support structures as they are depicted in Galatians 6:1-2 and explain how supportive, intimate, and disciple-making focused care groups can be used to facilitate spiritual maturity instead of simply encouraging sobriety.
This topic will present a summary of the Holy Spirit’s cooperative work with the Christian in his spiritual growth.
This topic will describe withdrawal symptoms and the options for addressing them as well as show how the medical and biological consequences of addiction affect the counseling task.
This topic will communicate how desires of the heart connect to the temptation of this particular pleasure in identifying common patterns of deceit.
This topic will explore the effects of gambling and provide counseling strategies that highlight appropriate and specific applications for those in bondage to gambling.
This topic will explore the effects of sexual sin and provide counseling strategies that highlight appropriate and specific applications for those in bondage to sexual sin.
This topic will contrast the therapeutic definition of an enabler with a biblical understanding as well as show how to confront and correct the enabler.
This topic will focus on the purposes of an intervention as well as consider complicating factors that may relate to the intervention (e.g. addict’s financial ability, legal issues, location, etc.).
This topic should outline the dynamics of the home and family life that might tempt one towards addiction as well as explain how Christians should respond and fight “relapsing” into particular sins.
This topic will describe the destruction of roles and relationships typical in the families of addicts and provide resources to help family members strategies forms of accountability and response.
To receive specialization in addictions counseling a member must complete 1,200 pages of reading from the following approved books:
| The Heart of Addiction | Mark Shaw |
| Relapse: Biblical Prevention Strategies | Mark Shaw |
| How Not to Raise an Addict | Mark Shaw |
| Hope and Help for Gambling | Mark Shaw |
| Hope and Help for Video Game, TV, and Internet “Addiction” | Mark Shaw |
| Putting Off Life Dominating Sins | Susan Heck |
| Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave | Ed Welch |
| Diehard Sins | Rush Witt |
| The Discipline of Grace | Jerry Bridges |
| Godliness Through Discipline | Jay Adams |
| Killing Sin Habits | Stuart Scott |
| Deception: Letting Go of Lying | Lou Priolo |
| Manipulation: Knowing How to Respond | Lou Priolo |
| The Enemy Within | Kris Lundgaard |
| The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life | Jeremy Pierre |
| Free Indeed | Richard Ganz |
| The Doctrine of Repentance | Thomas Watson |
| Freedom That Lasts | Jim Berg |
The second phase of specialization training will provide an opportunity for ACBC Certified Counselors to demonstrate their understanding of subject matter through an objective question exam and a written exam that contains case studies.
In order to be cleared for the Examination Phase, you will need to complete and submit the Application for Specialization Exam Access.
Anyone who desires to grow in the knowledge and skill in this area of counseling will benefit from earning the Addictions Counseling Specialization.
However, for any component of the training to count towards earning the Addictions Counseling Specialization, the trainee must first be a certified member of ACBC. Once you successfully pass the exam portion, your profile on our “Find a Counselor” map will be updated to reflect that you have earned that specialization.
ACBC Counseling Specializations are offered exclusively through our Certified Training Centers (CTCs). Training and instructions for the Addictions Counseling Specialization must be taught by an ACBC Certified Counselor who offers this training through a Certified Training Center.
These trainings are offered by our CTCs throughout the year both online and in-person.
Certified members who desire to earn the Addictions Counseling Specialization have one (1) year from beginning the training to the successful passing of the written exams.
In addition to any fees associated with the Certified Training Center offering the specialization training, there is a one-time non-refundable feel of $50.00 associated with the specialization exam.
At present, the Addictions Counseling Specialization is an optional advanced training opportunity for our certified members. In the future, they may be a part of Continuing Education requirements for ACBC members.