online or on campus graduate

Clinical Counseling: Teaching and Supervision

This Ph.D. in clinical counseling equips students to become competent mental health professionals, counselor educators, supervisors, researchers and leaders in the field who use their skills in service to others. This 66-hour program can be completed in about three years.

Trevecca’s clinical counseling, teaching and supervision Ph.D. program, is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and has a strong reputation throughout Middle Tennessee. This doctoral program equips students to use their skills by serving others as mental health professionals, counselor educators, supervisors, researchers, and leaders in the field.

In addition to the traditional face-to-face option, the Graduate Counseling program now offers an online option. Both program options are CACREP-accredited.  Both in-person and online students will be part of the same cohort as they journey through the program together. Additionally, both delivery modes will offer students the opportunity to interact in synchronous class options, research projects and discussions with experts inside and outside of our region. The online option will require a 2–3 day residency each semester and includes asynchronous and synchronous learning times.

CACREP-Accredited-logo

Before beginning the program, students must choose either the online or traditional option as their primary delivery path for this degree (a hybrid version is not an option).

Program Benefits

  • Complete your degree in a little more than three years with the flexibility of attending classes just two half-days each week.
  • Utilize a built-in support system and complete your degree alongside others who are working toward similar goals through Trevecca’s cohort model.
  • Learn in a collaborative environment with small class sizes.
  • Learn from faculty who possess the highest degrees in their fields and have relevant and valuable real-world experience.

What to Expect

Established in 2007, this program provides an integrated worldview emphasizing compassionate service. You’ll enhance your skills as a counselor, understanding and practicing the art of counseling more proficiently at an advanced level. You’ll also be equipped to become an influential leader in the mental health community; to embrace diversity in working with clients and students; to develop and mentor future counselors; to serve as a mental health educator in higher education; and to conduct and publish professional research. You’ll be supported by distinguished faculty members as you explore your unique research interests in collaborative classroom environments.

Why Choose Trevecca?

Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.

2024 #2 Online College in Tennessee, intelligent.comRecognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.

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Financial Aid

Financial Aid

Nearly every student at Trevecca receives some form of assistance in paying for college. Learn all about the affordability of a TNU education and options for receiving aid.

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Here’s a look at the approximate tuition rates you could expect for this program at Trevecca, including the cost per credit hour and the total tuition expense for the full degree program. Please note that rates and fees are subject to change.

Here’s a look at the approximate tuition rates you could expect for this program at Trevecca, including the cost per credit hour and the total tuition expense for the full degree program. Please note that rates and fees are subject to change.

Cost/Credit Hour

$799

Hours

66

Tuition Cost*

$52,734

*$150 Student Resource Fee assessed per course. $150 estimated book cost per course.

Application Information

  • Application for fall 2024 opens September 1st!  Application deadline is February 1, 2024. Submitting the Coursework Verification form and receiving application approval from the program director is the first step before  submitting the application.

Application Prerequisites

Due to the Ph.D. Clinical Counseling: Teaching and Supervision’s CACREP accreditation, only an individual who holds a counseling or counseling-related master’s degree may be considered for application. Additionally, all applicants to the program must have completed all (or a large majority) of the CACREP and program prerequisite, master’s-level coursework before they may be considered eligible for admittance to the program.

The following core counseling courses, or equivalency, are prerequisites for admission to the doctoral program:

  • Social and Cultural Diversity

  • Human Growth and Development

  • Group Counseling

  • Career Counseling

  • Helping Relationships

  • Ethics

  • Research

  • Assessment/Testing

  • Advanced Abnormal

  • Practicum/Internship (minimum of two semesters)

Interested in finding out if you’re eligible to apply? Fill out the course verification information here.

Application Checklist

  • Complete the Coursework Verification form today! This is the first step to determine application eligibility; approval from the program director is required before submitting the application.
  • Approved to apply? Complete the online application (it's free!).

    Need help applying? Read the step-by-step instructions here!

  • Send official transcripts to:
    Trevecca Nazarene University
    Attn: Graduate Admissions
    333 Murfreesboro Pike
    Nashville, TN 37210
    FAX to 1-888-517-0123
    EMAIL to GRAEAdmissions@trevecca.edu

  • Transcripts marked "Issued to Student" are not acceptable

    1. Have earned a master’s degree in counseling, marriage and family therapy, or similar counseling-related degree from a regionally accredited institution.
    2. Official transcripts from all institutions in which graduate-level coursework was completed.

    3. An official transcript indicating undergraduate degree completed.

  • Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score report

    Verbal and quantitative combined score of 300 or higher and analytical writing score of 3.5 or higher are expected for admission. Analytical writing score of 4 is preferred.

  • Three (3) completed and signed recommendation forms submitted here
    - One (1) character/moral reference

    - Two (2) references from former professors or employers/supervisors in the counseling field who can adequately evaluate your clinical skills and capacity to complete a doctorate. Applicants will need to send recommendation form link to their recommenders.

  • A 400-word Letter of Intent

    Specify your purpose and goals for entering the Ph.D. program. Email the Letter of Intent as a PDF to hambrefe@trevecca.edu.

  • Professional/Curriculum Vita

    Include degrees earned, ministry and/or counseling experience, any research and/or professional presentation experience, and career goals. Email Professional/Curriculum Vita as a PDF to hambrefe@trevecca.edu

* Have questions? Contact the Enrollment Counselor with your questions at hambrefe@trevecca.edu or 615-248-1546

Application documents

Please submit application after Coursework Eligibility Verification is approved by Director of Admissions.

Career Opportunities

Trevecca’s clinical counseling Ph.D. for teaching and supervision is an advanced professional doctoral degree that prepares students for roles like these:

  • Professional mental health researcher
  • Counselor educator
  • Private Counselor
  • Clinical Supervisor

Our Faculty

  • Portrait for Julie Barnes

    Julie Barnes

    Assistant Professor

    Julie completed her undergraduate studies at Cumberland University and her graduate studies at Trevecca. She has served as an adjunct professor with the graduate counseling program since 2012. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and ...

    Read Full Bio
  • Portrait for Michael Christian

    Michael Christian

    Associate Professor

    Michael Christian, Ph.D., LPC-MHSP, NCC, CSAT, CST is an author, speaker, professor, consultant and psychotherapist. A licensed professional counselor and national certified counselor, Dr. Christian has advanced training in marital therapy and ...

    Read Full Bio
  • Portrait for Donald Harvey

    Donald Harvey

    Professor

    Donald Harvey, Ph.D., LPC-MHSP is professor of graduate counseling. While at Trevecca, he established the master's degree program in Marriage and Family Therapy and co-created the CACREP Accredited Ph.D. program in clinical counseling, teaching ...

    Read Full Bio
  • Portrait for Sara Hopkins

    Sara Hopkins

    Associate Professor

    Sara earned her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca in 2005, and finished the Doctorate in Clinical Counseling program August 2011. Since earning her Masters, Dr. Hopkins has worked therapeutically with individuals and ...

    Read Full Bio
  • Portrait for Aimee Isenberg

    Aimee Isenberg

    Associate Professor, Graduate Counseling

    Aimee completed her undergraduate and doctoral studies at Trevecca. She served as an adjunct professor for several years before joining the graduate counseling program as a full-time faculty member. She is a licensed professional counselor with ...

    Read Full Bio
  • Portrait for John Kennedy

    John Kennedy

    Associate Professor

    John joined the Graduate Counseling Department in 2013 as an associate professor. He holds credentials in Tennessee as a licensed marriage & family therapist (LMFT) and as a licensed professional counselor-mental health service provider ...

    Read Full Bio
  • Portrait for Susan Lahey

    Susan Lahey

    Program Director, Professor

    Susan Lahey, Ph.D. is the director of graduate counseling at Trevecca, where she has served as a full-time faculty member since 2007 and as director since 2017. She has provided leadership as the doctoral program coordinator since 2009 ...

    Read Full Bio

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.


Psychodynamic Psychotherapies
CSL 7003

Prepares students to conduct time limited psychodynamic psychotherapy drawing upon psychoanalytic clinical theory. Topics covered include: psychodynamic assumptions about the mechanisms of change in treatment, the role of the unconscious and mechanisms of change in treatment, the role of the unconscious and mechanisms of defense as well as transference and counter-transference.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexual Disorders
CSL 7008

Reviews theories of sexual development and the diagnosis and treatment of sexual disorders along with the psychosocial and cultural variables associated with these issues.

Advanced Multicultural Counseling
CSL 7009

An advanced overview of counseling strategies and advocacy planning useful with varied populations, including counseling skills helpful with clients with different racial, economic, religious, and sexual orientations. An emphasis will be placed upon specific multicultural counseling skills needed in doctoral-level leadership positions.

Issues of Integration: Christian Ideology in a Professional World
CSL 7010

Provides an overview of the theoretical, conceptual, and practical issues involved in relating one's Christian worldview to psychology, psychopathology, and psychotherapy. Emphasis will be placed on the various philosophical and practical ways practitioners resolve the tensions of faith and practice from a Christian perspective. Practical implications for conducting psychotherapy with people who have spiritual and religious concerns will be explored.

Special Topics in Counseling
CSL 7020
This doctoral level special topics course facilitates professional development through evaluation and utilization of ethical standards, group work theories and career counseling theories. Students will develop a greater understanding and capacity to distill and articulate various perspectives that are current trends in group work, career counseling, and ethical dilemmas.  As developing counselor educators, it is expected that students will attain a level of expertise in the above mentioned areas to dialogue with counselors as colleagues in general and present at professional conferences.
Specialized Systemic Family Therapy
CSL 7104

Provides an advanced overview of systemic theory with a specific focus upon application with families. The students' learning will be enhanced with a specialized focus upon diverse groups, ethical dilemmas, and specialized family case presentations. Theoretical emphasis will be placed upon general systems theory including transgenerational, structural/strategic, and collaborative theories. The students will participate in a practicum experience in this course with direct face-to-face client contact. This course will serve as a Practicum (100 hours indirect/40 hours direct client contact).

Psychological Testing for Counselors
CSL 7151

Studies the administration, scoring, interpretation, and reporting of the most common assessment instruments used by professional counselors. The focus will be on assessment instruments such as the MBTI, FIRO-B, Beck Scales, SASSI-3, etc. Review of ethical principles and practice issues relevant to testing will be covered.

Supervision Models
CSL 7201

Designed to give students training and practice in supervisory and consultant roles. Various supervision models will be evaluated.

Technology and Teaching Strategies in Counselor Education
CSL 7251

Provides an overview of counselor education including the development of professional identity. Specifically, this course focuses upon effective teaching approaches, course delivery systems (technology), as well as methods of classroom management, testing, and lecture development. This course provides the information, theory, and training necessary to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in counselor education.

Preventative Approaches: Premarital Therapy and Enrichment Activities
CSL 7101

Focuses on preventative modes of influencing significant relationships. As such, attention will be given to pre and post relationships by developing and implementing models for soundly and thoroughly working with relationships prior to marriage as well as post-marital enrichment programs for those couples who are already married.

Theories of Affect Regulation and Attachment (Affective Therapy)
CSL 7102

Investigates the theories and research of affect regulation and attachment from a range of disciplines and how this material might be integrated into the practice of individual, marital and family treatment/intervention. Special attention will be given to the more popular models, such as EFT or suitable alternatives.

Professional Challenges for Counselors
CSL 7152

Focuses on practical issues that face practitioners in the 21st century: starting a practice, guidelines and procedures for referral and inter-professional collaboration, legal, ethical, and professional issues involved in working in a multidisciplinary managed care context, managing time, keeping abreast with the literature, and avoiding burnout.

Psychopharmacological Issues in Counseling Settings
CSL 7153

Provides a general overview of current research on the use and effectiveness of psychotropic medication in the treatment of psychological disorders as well as ethical and professional implications.

Doctoral Internship I
CSL 7360

Provides practical experience and supervision in areas consistent with academic and professional goals of the doctoral student working toward a professional counselor identity. In addition, the internship can provide direct experience in counselor education and supervision. Specifically, the internship experience provides for advanced experience with delivery of counseling services, supervision of counselors-in-training, counselor education, or consultation, depending on licensure status and internship site determination. Each semester of internship consists of a minimum of 200 hours onsite of which 80 of the 200 hours must be in direct client contact.

Doctoral Internship II
CSL 7361

Provides practical experience and supervision in areas consistent with academic and professional goals of the doctoral student working toward a professional counselor identity. In addition, the internship can provide direct experience in counselor education and supervision. Specifically, the internship experience provides for advanced experience with delivery of counseling services, supervision of counselors-in-training, counselor education, or consultation, depending on licensure status and internship site determination. Each semester of internship consists of a minimum of 200 hours onsite of which 80 of the 200 hours must be in direct client contact.

Doctoral Internship III
CSL 7362

Provides practical experience and supervision in areas consistent with academic and professional goals of the doctoral student working toward a professional counselor identity. In addition, the internship can provide direct experience in counselor education and supervision. Specifically, the internship experience provides for advanced experience with delivery of counseling services, supervision of counselors-in-training, counselor education, or consultation, depending on licensure status and internship site determination. Each semester of internship consists of a minimum of 200 hours onsite of which 80 of the 200 hours must be in direct client contact.

Qualitative Research and Program Evaluation
CSL 7030
Focuses on qualitative research and evaluation methods, frameworks for quantitative and qualitative inquiry in program evaluation, qualitative data analysis, and technical writing.  Students will design a qualitative program evaluation project, including data collection, coding, analysis, and write-up.  Students will also develop grant writing skills.
Doctoral Research Methodology
CSL 7301

Focuses on the development and facilitation of the dissertation process. Stress will be placed on the logistics of the dissertation project, including formulating a topic, the literature review, securing a dissertation chair and committee, and preparation of the proposal.

Dissertation Proposal Development I
CSL 7300/PSY 7300

Focuses on the development and facilitation of the initial stages of the dissertation process. However, a focus will be maintained throughout this course on the entire dissertation project. Specific emphasis will be placed on the logistics of the dissertation project, including formulating a topic, the introduction, the review of literature, and methodology including appropriate statistical analysis, as well as securing a dissertation chair and committee, and preparation of the formal proposal defense. The students will be introduced to a variety of dissertation options as well as strategies for successful completion. The students will complete a draft of the first chapters of their dissertation project.

Dissertation Proposal Development II
CSL 7305

Focuses on the development and facilitation of the initial stages of the dissertation process. However, a focus will be maintained throughout this course on the entire dissertation project. Specific emphasis will be placed on the logistics of the dissertation project, including formulating a topic, the introduction, the review of literature, and methodology including appropriate statistical analysis, as well as securing a dissertation chair and committee, and preparation of the formal proposal defense. The students will be introduced to a variety of dissertation options as well as strategies for successful completion. The students will complete a draft of the first chapters of their dissertation project. This course is a continuation of CSL 7300 Dissertation Proposal Development I.

Statistical Analysis in Clinical Practice
CSL 7302/PSY 7302

An introduction to the use of statistics in psychology with emphasis on application to solving research related problems and design of investigations related to areas of student and professional interest.

Dissertation Research
CSL 7303/PSY 7303

Planning and implementation of a doctoral dissertation including literature review, problem definition, hypothesis formation, design, implementation of research project, data analysis, and report writing. The final step requires the student to successfully defend the dissertation.


Preventative Approaches: Premarital Therapy and Enrichment Activities
CSL 7101

Focuses on preventative modes of influencing significant relationships. As such, attention will be given to pre and post relationships by developing and implementing models for soundly and thoroughly working with relationships prior to marriage as well as post-marital enrichment programs for those couples who are already married.

Theories of Affect Regulation and Attachment (Affective Therapy)
CSL 7102

Investigates the theories and research of affect regulation and attachment from a range of disciplines and how this material might be integrated into the practice of individual, marital and family treatment/intervention. Special attention will be given to the more popular models, such as EFT or suitable alternatives.

 
OR
Professional Challenges for Counselors
CSL 7152

Focuses on practical issues that face practitioners in the 21st century: starting a practice, guidelines and procedures for referral and inter-professional collaboration, legal, ethical, and professional issues involved in working in a multidisciplinary managed care context, managing time, keeping abreast with the literature, and avoiding burnout.

Psychopharmacological Issues in Counseling Settings
CSL 7153

Provides a general overview of current research on the use and effectiveness of psychotropic medication in the treatment of psychological disorders as well as ethical and professional implications.

*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.