Counseling Abusive Marriages

with Darby Strickland

This course is not merely academic—it is practical and born out of helping those suffering in abusive marriages. This course addresses marital dynamics where one partner (or both) is (are) perpetually sinning against the other in such a way that it causes physical, spiritual, sexual, or emotional suffering, oppression and/or enslavement. These dynamics insist that we shape the counseling process differently than typical marriage counseling. Therefore, we will work to identify when and which dynamics are present, as well as understand them both theologically and practically. We will also explore methodology that will address both individual’s hearts, motives, desires, and relationships with the Lord with the hopes of providing pathways to rescue and redemption.

"quote"
—Darby Strickland

What to Expect

Course Work

Each week you'll listen to pre-recorded lectures, read articles and books, and engage with other students through small group discussions.
You'll complete a response paper, a community resource project, and a final exam. You will demonstrate your understanding and personal growth in the topics covered during the lectures and reading.
Your online instructor will give you feedback and interact with you throughout the course.
Throughout the term, you'll have the opportunity to participate in optional online engagements with your instructor.
Please note: You must have access to a computer to complete this course.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Describe and apply a counseling model that:
- is based on a biblical view of people, relationships, and marriage.
- provides the essential conceptual elements for organizing and understanding oppressive, abusive, and manipulative persons in marriage as well as the relational dynamics and damages that result.
- helps shape people’s stories so they are able to see how the gospel penetrates and applies.
- provides guidance for establishing direction and goals for the counseling process for both the oppressor and the oppressed.
Know the elements of an abusive marriage/relationship counseling method and understand how it differs from marriage counseling.
Be able to interact critically and constructively with current secular models, appreciating their strengths and weaknesses as understood within a biblical worldview.
Wisely utilize tools, resources and church support in order to identify and address these destructive relational patterns.

At a Glance

course cost

$725–$775

course length

10 weeks

workload

6–9 hours/week

prerequisites

None

Meet the Lecturing Faculty

Darby is a faculty member and counselor at CCEF, where she has served since 2003. She has a master of divinity with a counseling emphasis from Westminster Theological Seminary. Darby brings particular passion and expertise in helping the vulnerable and oppressed, especially women in abusive marriages. She has contributed to Church Cares and the PCA Domestic Abuse & Sex Assault church training materials. She has counseled in a missionary church setting and has also held leadership roles in women’s ministry. She is the author of When It's Trauma (P&R Publishing, 2025), Is It Abuse? (P&R Publishing, 2020), has written a handful of minibooks, and has contributed to several other books.

darby's resources

Free Audio: Trauma as Exile

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