Christian Counseling

National Association Of Christian Counselors

Training and Certifications

About Our NACC Training Center

Victorious Living Bible Institute: Certified Training Center for NACC

Victorious Living Bible Institute proudly serves as a Certified Training Center for the National Association of Christian Counselors (NACC), a reputable Christian ministry based in Houston, Texas, since 2008. NACC is dedicated to training Biblical counselors and teachers to support local churches and address related needs.

NACC's Main Purpose:

  • To provide adequate training for local Pastors and Christians answering the call of God to counsel.
  • Offering counseling to individuals in need and training for those desiring to help others.
  • Equipping students to understand themselves, loved ones, friends, and co-workers.
  • Providing essential experiential learning for working in the field of Christian counseling.

Foundational Beliefs:

  • NACC is a Christian service organization committed to the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Belief that counseling, to be effective, must be founded upon and directed by the Word of God.

Partnership with VLBI:

  • VLBI partners with NACC to offer professional credentials to believers called to counsel.
  • Provides training that aligns with Christian principles and the Word of God.

Benefits of Training:

  • Empowers counseling professionals to play a vital role in individual change and growth.
  • Fosters constructive and godly thinking, feeling, and actions within the community.
  • Equips individuals with knowledge to understand human behavior and relate to others.
  • Authentic and current credentials are recognized, ensuring ongoing evaluation.

How Training Impacts Your Community:

  • As a counseling professional, you actively contribute to the mental health and well-being of your community.
  • Serve as a partner in facilitating positive change and growth in individuals' lives.

Certification from NACC:

  • The main benefit of taking the Counseling Training Course and obtaining NACC certification is knowledge.
  • The insights gained are valuable in various aspects of life, enabling individuals to help those who are hurting.

At VLBI, we are committed to providing high-quality, Christian-based counseling training in collaboration with NACC. Join us on this journey to become a counselor and make a positive impact in your community.

Certification and Certificate Programs:

At Victorious Living Bible Institute (VLBI), we are committed to equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual foundation to make a positive impact in their communities. Our certification and certificate programs are designed to empower pastors, ministers, counselors, leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs on their journey of personal and professional development.

Board Certified Christian Counselor
(10-Week Accelerated Zoom Training)

A Virtual Lay Counselor course that will enable students to help hurting people God’s way by facilitating the spiritual and personal growth of individuals, moving them towards dependence on Christ, and interdependence within the Body of Christ.

Tuition Cost: 650.00

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Board Certified Christian Counselor Online Program

A Online, Self-Pace, Lay Counselor course that will enable students to help hurting people God’s way by facilitating the spiritual and personal growth of individuals, moving them towards dependence on Christ, and interdependence within the Body of Christ.

Tuition Cost: $650.00

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Board Certified Pastoral Counselor

For pastors and leaders who are engaged in significant counseling ministry in church, para-church settings, Bible colleges and seminaries. An earned undergraduate degree from an accredited institution or 10 to 15 years of pastoral ministry is required. 

Tuition Cost: $650.00

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Certified Christian Life Coach

Help guide others toward reaching their ultimate goal and achieve success in their careers, personal development, relationships, finances, and other vital aspects of life. Identify and practice as a Christian Life Coach.

Tuition Cost: $650.00

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Anger Management Certificate Course

Help people deal with anger biblically. 

Tuition Cost: $450.00

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Certificate in Crisis Counseling and Suicide Prevention

Improve both confidence and competence in working with people in crisis and those who are at risk of taking their own life.

Tuition Cost: $450.00

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Advanced Certificate in Pastoral Care and Counseling

A single course study for ordained and/or licensed ministers. 

Tuition Cost: $350.00

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Certificate in Domestic Violence Intervention

For those who are interested in gaining expertise specific to domestic and sexual violence evidence-based interventions. 

Tuition Cost: $450.00

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Certificate in Marriage and Family Ministry

Elevate your knowledge and skills for a dynamic ministry to couples and families. Help marriages and families thrive. 

Tuition Cost: $450.00

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Program Facilitator:

Dr. Renae Sellers: 

Dr. Renae Sellers is a highly qualified professional with a diverse educational background and extensive experience in the helping profession. Her journey reflects a commitment to education, Christian counseling, and making a positive impact on individuals' mental health and well-being.

Educational Background:

  • Graduate of Liberty University, Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary, and Practical Christianity Institute of Evangelism.
  • Holds an Associate of Art in Psychology with a Specialization in Christian Counseling.
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Specialization in Christian Counseling.
  • Master of Arts in Biblical Christian Counseling.
  • Master of Arts in Theological Studies.
  • Doctor of Theology
  • Currently pursuing a Doctor of Christian Education (EdD).

Professional Experience:

  • Initiated her career in the helping profession at Unison Behavioral Health in 2011.
  • Experienced Behavioral Health Provider with a focus on serving children and adolescents.
  • Provided mental health education, skill-building, and community support.
  • Facilitated addiction groups for adults and groups for children and adolescents.
  • Worked as a case manager and conducted Mental Health First Aid training.

Certifications and Credentials:

  • Board-Certified Pastoral Counselor.
  • Board-Certified Christian Counselor.
  • Board Certified Life Coach, credentialed by the International Board of Christian Care and the National Association of Christian Counselors.
  • Specialization in pre-marital counseling, marriage, family, children, and adolescents.
  • Leadership and Relationship Coach.
  • SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) Facilitator.

Professional Memberships:

  • Member of the Global Christian Schools Network.
  • Affiliated with the American Association of Christian Counselors.
  • Active participant in the National Association of Christian Counselors.

Dr. Renae Sellers' commitment to education and counseling is evident through her continuous pursuit of knowledge, diverse skill set, and involvement in various professional organizations. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, focusing on the well-being of individuals and families.

 

Student Advisor:

Dr. J. Michelle Whitaker: 

Dr. J. Michelle Whitaker is an esteemed educator in the Miami/Dade County Public School System, known for her dedication to teaching entrepreneurship and small business. Her academic journey and professional expertise reflect a commitment to education and a passion for counseling, particularly in the context of supporting individuals and families in various roles.

Educational Background:

  • Graduate of Barry University, Miami, Florida.
  • Bachelor of Science in Professional Administration.
  • Master of Arts in Professional Administration and Human Resources.
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Human Resource Development.

Certifications and Credentials:

  • Certification in Christian Counseling from Victorious Living Bible Institute in 2020.
  • SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) Certified Facilitator.

Professional Experience:

  • Currently serves as an educator, focusing on entrepreneurship and small business, in the Miami/Dade County Public School System.
  • Brings a wealth of experience as a hairstylist, providing her with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals from various professions and walks of life.

Calling as a Christian Counselor:

  • Possesses a heart of compassion and a quiet spirit, particularly attuned to those in need of encouragement.
  • Recognizes the often overlooked and unspoken challenges faced by Pastor’s wives, a role she is passionate about supporting through Christian counseling.
  • Preparing to release her first book, 'Remember the Vow,' addressing the complexities of marriage and family life.

Dr. J. Michelle Whitaker's multifaceted background, combining education, counseling, and a heart for pastoral support, positions her as a valuable asset to her community. Her forthcoming book underscores her commitment to addressing the intricacies of relationships and family dynamics.

READY TO BEGIN HELPING OTHERS?

Click HERE to download the NACC Paper Application for Christian Counseling or submit the online form below:

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NACC Certification and State Licensing: Understanding the Distinction

It is crucial to recognize that NACC Certification should not be confused with state licensing for counseling. State laws regulating the practice of general counseling vary widely and are designed to protect the public while ensuring professionalism within the counseling profession.

NACC Certification Goals:

  1. Alignment with State Laws: NACC aims to align with state regulatory laws governing counseling practices.
  2. Integration of Faith: NACC emphasizes the integration of faith and the Word of God in counseling, recognizing it as the answer for a world in need.
  3. Ministry of Counseling: Acknowledges that counseling is a responsibility of the local church, and NACC strives to uphold legal guidelines.

State Regulatory Laws:

  1. Protection and Professionalism: State laws are enacted to protect the public and maintain professionalism in counseling.
  2. Varied Regulations: Regulations governing counseling practices differ from state to state.
  3. Legal Guidelines: NACC encourages operating within the legal guidelines established by state regulations.

Conditions for Legal Counseling by the Church:

  1. Service through Legally Recognized Entities: Counseling services should be provided through a legally organized and operated local church or a nationally recognized denomination.
  2. Trained and Commissioned Counselors: Counselors must be trained and commissioned by the legally recognized organization.

As believers, NACC recognizes the importance of providing counseling services rooted in the Word of God. While state regulations exist, they generally do not interfere with the ministry of counseling conducted by local churches, as long as certain conditions are met. NACC Certification aligns with these principles, emphasizing both faith integration and adherence to legal standards.