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Lay Counselling within the Church Environment

The Lay Counselling within the Church Environment course brings together all of our short courses into one comprehensive training programme designed to equip believers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support others effectively within their church communities.


This course integrates biblical principles, psychological insight, and practical counselling tools to help lay counsellors understand emotional and relational challenges such as trauma, grief, addiction, and emotional regulation. Participants learn how to listen with empathy, respond with wisdom, maintain healthy boundaries, and recognise when professional referral is needed.


Through structured teaching, practical examples, and reflective learning, this comprehensive course prepares lay counsellors to walk alongside those who are struggling with compassion and integrity. The goal is to equip churches with individuals who can offer safe, responsible, and Christ-centred support, helping their communities become places of healing, restoration, and hope.

Registered with Council for Pastoral & Spiritual Councellors
8 CPSC CPD
ACRPCPSC2026/10/31MH

  • 31 learners

    Enrolled

  • 16 hours

    Video duration

  • 14 Weeks

    Self-paced Course duration

  • 8 E-books

    Included

    A few more words about this course

    Lay Counselling Within The Church Environment is a comprehensive course designed to equip church counsellors with the essential skills, psychological principles, and biblical wisdom needed to support and guide others effectively. Through practical lessons, real-world techniques, and live coaching, you will gain the confidence to counsel with compassion, insight, and faith. Whether you’re new to counselling or looking to strengthen your skills, this course will empower you to make a meaningful impact in your church and community.

    Topics Covered

    • Biblical Foundations for Lay Counselling
    • Trauma-Informed Care & Crisis Intervention
    • Supporting Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
    • Understanding Addictions & Substance Abuse
    • Grief, Loss & Healing
    • Self-Care & Emotional Regulation
    • Ethics, Boundaries, & The Lay Counselling Process

    Marilize Howell

    Christian Pastoral Counsellor

    About

    Marilize Howell is a Christian Pastoral Counsellor, lecturer, and course developer with a passion for equipping believers to care for those who are hurting. With extensive counselling experience and a background in psychology, she integrates biblical wisdom with psychological insight to help individuals and churches support people facing emotional and relational challenges.

    Through her teaching and training, Marilize equips lay counsellors with practical skills, compassion, and ethical guidance so they can serve their communities with confidence and Christ-centred care. Her work is dedicated to helping the Church become a place where people can find understanding, healing, and hope.

    Course reviews

    The visual aids and videos that were used either during a live session or in our content were amazing! It explained things in a way even a child can understand. I got a lot of knowledge and explored so much more than I thought I would. I now understand why people react the way they do, knowing that things from their past have influenced them. The lecturer was so vibrant and engaging. She made all of us participate and was gentle. Giving us so many resources and assistance when we needed help."

    The way this course was tackled was phenomenal. The impact the "mass counselling" had on the group will never be realised here on earth. Well done & Thank you!"

    "I thank God for this opportunity to do this course. The course was presented well and with a lot of understanding. I personally learned a lot, and the course helped me overcome some of my own problems."

    "Absolutely life-changing course!"
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