This specialization will ground the counselor in a solid theology of marriage and family so they can effectively address problems that arise in the home.
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Biblical Counselor
Maryland Gospel Church
The reading exposed me to helpful resources I later used as references for homework assignments and the case studies provided me with useful content that I still use as a foundation in my counseling today.
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 15 hours of instruction covering the following approved topics.
This topic will highlight the covenantal nature of marriage and provide the biblical foundations underlying a complementarian perspective.
This topic will exegete critical roles as present in passages such as Ephesians 5 and 1 Peter 3:7 and show the importance of husbands living with their wives in a servant-hearted and understanding way.
This topic will explain critical roles of wives and godly women from Titus 2.
This topic will identify causes of sinful patterns which impact the marriage and explore biblical techniques and methods when counseling couples.
This topic will demonstrate marriage as a tool of sanctification and identify God as the source of peace, hope, and joy instead of one’s spouse.
This topic will teach the importance of personal character and integrity in a future spouse and identify facets of God-honoring courtship as opposed to casual dating.
This topic will discuss biblical passages dealing with divorce and remarriage.
This topic will establish the “giving principle” regarding sex as well as describe how unity and peace is reinforced in sexual intimacy.
This topic will describe the dangers of weaponizing sex against a spouse as well as explore the reality of medical issues and ability to participate in sexual intercourse.
The topic will articulate the various motivations behind arguments and provide a biblical warning against speculations, assumptions, and interpretations given about one’s spouse’s motives.
This topic will explore the critical nature of forgiveness, repentance, and reconciliation and the practical implications of all three within marital conflict.
This topic will provide guidelines regarding the reporting of domestic abuse as well as demonstrate the importance of immediate and long-term care for the abused.
This topic will explore the priority of addressing heart issues with your children and explain the purposes of discipline and training.
This topic will describe the history and practical application of the “family altar” and show children how to seek and please God.
This topic will define and describe appropriate relationships between sets of parents and asses how counselors work within the complexity of relationships in a way that honors biological and step-parents.
To receive specialization in marriage counseling a member must complete 700 pages of reading from the following approved books:
| When Sinners Say I Do | Dave Harvey |
| God, Marriage, and Family | Andreas Kostenberger |
| The Exemplary Husband | Stuart Scott |
| The Excellent Wife | Martha Peace |
| Peacemaking for Families | Ken Sande |
| Solving Marriage Problems | Jay Adams |
| Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God | C.J. Mahaney |
| Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage: Critical Questions and Answers | Jim Newheiser |
| This Momentary Marriage | John Piper |
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 Marriage Counseling Specialization.
However, for any component of the training to count towards earning the Marriage 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 Marriage 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 Marriage 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 Marriage 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.