Ashley Dean: Biblical Counseling

Published March 15, 2017

Ashley Dean is earning her Master of Science in Counseling through CSU’s accelerated program, meaning she will earn both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years. Hailing from Zionsville, Pennsylvania, she chose CSU because, “This school and this program advocate for Christ-centered biblical teaching. Talking with those in charge of my program, I knew I would be taught how to critically assess truth using the framework of Scripture and I would be able to leave here prepared to work in both a Christian or secular setting. I also love the accelerated program because I will be obtaining my undergrad and graduate degrees at the same time for a better price.”

What do you like about this program?
I love how this program uses Scripture as its focus for ultimate truth while also giving appropriate credit for studying the scientific and psychological aspects of counseling. Man’s scientific research and interpretations never take the place of Scripture in our studies, but they are used to help us learn more about God’s general revelation. Personally speaking, I have learned that I love working with people and that counseling will be a lifelong learning process.

What are some highlights?
My study highlights come from the graduate module classes that Clarks Summit University holds in the summer. These classes are not held online and require both campus and online students to attend. I love this because I have gotten to meet many different grad students from diverse walks of life and from all over the country. The people invested in this program make it phenomenal.

What have been your favorite classes so far?
Many of my favorite classes have come from the summer modules I mentioned before, such as group counseling and the helping relationship. These classes taught me how to work effectively in facilitating a group-oriented therapy and how to build rapport with clients. I also appreciated classes such as the online course for human sexuality. This class challenged me to think critically over tough topics in order to develop my own philosophy of counseling based on Scripture. This is a common thread for the counseling classes at CSU.

Could you describe your experience with the professors in this program?
This program’s professors have all been a major encouragement to me. Not only are they knowledgeable regarding their studies, they are dedicated to helping each student find academic and overall life success. These qualities are demonstrated by an efficient, approachable teaching atmosphere and the availability each professor offers to us students. I have never had any difficulty with the professors on staff giving me time, and I frequently seek their assistance whenever I need it.

Do you have opportunities to use this education and training now?
Yes. This counseling program has a center on campus where all resident counseling graduate students earn practicum hours. This center is open to CSU students and to the local public. Recently, we have partnered with Foundations Counseling Center and have had an opportunity for a wider variety of clients. I also find that I have been able to use this training and education with several girls I mentor and two community support groups that I help to lead on campus. Essentially, you are being trained to work with people. These are skills that all of us must hone at sometime or another. Informally speaking, I have found that this training has personally enhanced the relationships of those in my personal life, as well.

What are your plans after graduating?
After graduation, I am planning to obtain licensure by the state. Along with this, I am passionate about using biblical counseling toward the end of holistic health counseling. I want to counsel people, being mindful of the whole person. While I cannot master every aspect of a person’s being, I am seeking to gain more training in life coaching and nutrition, using these aspects to round out my private practice. I want my life work to be dedicated toward helping others to know God and to obey Him with peak health and excellence.

In what ways has God been growing you during your time at CSU?
God has been showing me that I need to make learning a consistent, lifelong habit and attitude. Really, this is something we should all understand as Christians. Initially, the time span of this program intimidated me, and sometimes I’ve had to ask, “Is this really what I want?” However, God has been showing me that, as long as I am about His business, I do not have to create my own timeline and expectations to follow. This is just one season in my life where I get to honor Him, and I need to invest fully. So essentially, God is changing me to trust Him more and to focus on what He is presently asking of me.

What do you appreciate most about your CSU experience?
The people. God has changed, blessed and challenged me most by the people here.

Why would you recommend CSU, and particularly this program, to others?
I would recommend CSU because I have experienced the excellence of this program, and I can see the heart for Christ and His mission in the leadership here. In the end, God can use any means to accomplish His ends, but these two aspects make this school a solid place for personal growth and lifelong success.