Contributions

Public Good

Weimar University's Contribution to the Public Good

Weimar University’s vision is to be used of God “to heal a hurting world.” It is where this vision becomes a practical reality, that the public good is positively impacted.  Following are a few examples of positive impact in the recent past.

1

NEWSTART® Lifestyle Program is a health recovery program designed to prevent and reverse disease through natural methods. This physician monitored, scientifically researched, program is based on eight fundamental lifestyle principles proven to help one achieve optimum health. Over the past 35 years, the NEWSTART® Lifestyle Program has helped more than 10,000 guests with quality nutrition education and practical medical advice for a healthy lifestyle.

The NEWSTART® Program also provides learning opportunities for Weimar University’s students who do clinical rotations.

2

Health Expo is a free community service of Weimar University. It is designed to offer participants a free “health check-up.” The Health Expo is arranged at a local shopping center or similar venue and offers people free health screenings, tests, information, and counseling by professionals on everything from diabetes to weight management.
Weimar’s NEWSTART® Health Expo focuses on eight factors related to disease prevention and physical and mental health. These are: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunlight, Temperance, Air, Rest, and Trust in divine power. Each factor is addressed in detail at the health Expo using a combination of color posters with up-to-date medical information, screening tests, and health counseling.

Participants receive a free personal health record with the results of their health screening. Activities at each station include:

  • Nutrition – Cholesterol and glucose test
  • Exercise – Harvard step test
  • Water – Bottled water & hydrotherapy demo
  • Sunlight – Blood pressure test
  • Temperance – Body fat analysis
  • Air – Lung capacity test
  • Rest – Chair massage
  • Trust – Counseling
  • HealthGaugeTM – Health score calculator

There have been approximately 30 Health Expos over the past seven years where students, faculty, and staff assess health needs and provide health education utilizing the NEWSTART® acronym.

3

The NEWSTART® Cooking Laboratory is the ideal venue to explore healthy cooking

and learn about nutrition and special dietary conditions. All of our interactive cooking classes are designed to make cooking fun. The results are flavorful and healthy because of the vast culinary knowledge and easy-to-implement tips.

Scientific evidence now identifies a plant-based diet as the best possible eating plan to prevent disease and live longer. Through this amazing, high-energy series participants learn how to:

  • Eat more, yet maintain a healthy weight
  • Turn vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds into tasty dishes
  • Create satisfying meat-free entrees
  • Make deliciously healthy desserts

The University’s gifted chefs collaborate with our renowned NEWSTART® health team to bring a comprehensive approach to cooking that promotes wellness. In fact, the dietitians and physicians are often present in many of the special dietary classes and help to facilitate discussion and answer questions.

NEWSTART® Cooking Laboratory classes are engaging, include delicious food samplings, and are brimming with educational information, practical tips, and advice. Our classes help anyone who might be transitioning to a healthier way of living or those already on track and looking to learn more. The lab is also ideal for individuals with special dietary needs. There is something for everyone at the NEWSTART® Cooking Laboratory.

In addition to the above cooking labs offered at NEWSTART®, students, faculty and staff conducted approximately 30 cooking and baking schools in the past seven years where they shared healthful cooking methods and health promoting recipes to community members in northern California.

4

Weimar University offers Reversing Diabetes seminars and power-packed lifestyle education courses that deliver practical, clinically proven tools to help diabetics and pre-diabetics improve and even reverse Type-II diabetes. Over half of all American adults are projected to have diabetes or prediabetes by 2020. To date, more than 5,000 guests have had their diabetes either reversed or vastly improved while significantly reducing their risk for most of the diseases of a Western lifestyle.

5

Free Clinics: Weimar University students, faculty, and staff have offered four (4) medical, dental, and eye clinics on campus the past four years. Just this past academic term, students have been approved to receive PAC credit for participating in these clinics.

6

Your Best Pathway to Health is a non-profit, Seventh-day Adventist organization that exists to serve the physical needs of the under-served by providing entirely free mobile, multi-specialty clinics offering medical, surgical, dental, vision, and other critical services. Through a collaborative effort with many entities, including Weimar University, Pathway to Health deliberately seeks to serve as an effective “path” tolead patients to physical and mental healing, as well as improved spiritual health. As a Christian organization, Pathway to Health ultimately exists to serve as Jesus served and to love the residents of each host city as Jesus did.

Weimar University provides significant leadership for numerous departments during Pathways to Health events including Radiology (our General VP, Randy Bivens MD), Mental Health (our CEO, Neil Nedley MD), Lifestyle Counseling (our Chaplain, Don Mackintosh, BSN, MDiv), Triage (Medical Director of NEWSTART® Program, Dr. Roger Gallant), and chaplaincy services (former NEWSTART® chaplain, Richard Constantinescu, MDiv). Weimar University students, faculty, and staff participated in the following Pathway to Health events:

San Francisco / Oakland – April of 2015 – Over 500 health professionals and volunteers served almost 3000 residents of the Bay Area with an array of high-end health services. Patients received approximately $5.2 million in health care services. Reversing Diabetes

San Antonio – April of 2015 – Pathways to Health volunteers treated 6,192 people for FREE at the “Alamodome” in San Antonio, TX. Over 2000 volunteers provided approximately twenty million dollars in care. https://vimeo.com/127975117 Mayor of San Antonio

Los Angeles – April of 2016 – 8,538 treated for FREE at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Over 3000 volunteers banded together to provide more than $30,000,000 in care. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/free-medical-clinic-in-los-angeles-draws- thousands/

7

All Weimar students participate in at least one (and many more than one) mission trip during their time at the University. Weimar students, faculty, and staff have offered medical, dental, vision, and health promotion services, such as Health Expos, in communities around the globe.

Weimar University (college) Mission Trips:

• South Korea
• Zimbabwe
• England
• Philippines
• 2012-13 – Lebanon
• 2013-14 – Lebanon
• 2014-15 – Lebanon and Nepal
• 2015-16 – Brazil

Weimar Academy Mission Trips:

Weimar Academy students, their families, faculty, and staff conducted Health Expos, free medical and dental clinics, student-led evangelistic series, Depression and

Anxiety Recovery programs, Stop Smoking Programs, and construction projects, including orphanages, Native American homes, and community buildings. Approximately 75-100 students, faculty, and staff go each year. Recent trips include:

• 2011-12 – England, South Korea, Arizona
• 2012-13 – Utah, Belize, South Korea, Philippines
• 2013-14 – Utah, India, Jamaica
• 2014-15 – San Antonio
• 2015-16 – Alaska, Belize, Palau, Philippines

 

8

The NEWSTART® Lifestyle Club offers an abundance of free resources for web browsers seeking credible, reliable, and up-to-date health information. The club features streaming video, expert health advice, wellness tips, tools, and more. The club is based on the world-famous NEWSTART® principles that have helped millions live well naturally without the use of drugs. Over 800 people are registered users of the NEWSTART® Lifestyle Club.

Benefits:
• Eat well and lose weight
• Reduce your chance of disease
• Cut healthcare costs
• Look and feel better
• Minimize your risks for Cancer, Obesity, Diabetes and Hypertension

Features:
• Live streaming videos
• Local seminars & events
• Expert health advice
• Wellness tips & tools
• FREE membership
• Recipes and more…

This website is much more than just a resource for the general public. It includes a sponsorship program designed to equip schools, churches, and health care organizations to do health outreach simply and effectively. One of the many features is the ability for sponsors to post local events on the club website. More information on this can be found at https://www.NEWSTARTclub.com.

9

Exercise instruction and opportunity. All NEWSTART® and DR guests are encouraged to use Weimar University’s exercise rooms, 15+ miles of trails, and also work with various staff members (and often students) to help facilitate exercise.

10

Depression and Anxiety Programs are offered on Weimar University’s campus in partnership with Nedley Health Solutions. This program is the most comprehensive treatment program for Depression and Anxiety available in the U.S. Through this program, patients are able to uncover the root causes of depression and acquire the tools that they need for coping with real-life situations. The Depression and Anxiety Recovery program is offered four to five times per year and has helped approximately 420 patients since 2012 when the Program was moved from Oklahoma to Weimar. Most of Weimar University’s students do a rotation in this program to gain clinical experience.

11

Stallant Health, a Weimar University partner, opened its doors on campus in 2014, to provide healthcare to the local community. Weimar benefits from the clinic as it provides jobs to students and clinical experience to pre-medical, nursing, and medical assistant students. The clinic also works with campus faculty and students to provide free health care to the community several days each year.

12

The Weimar Church has provided eight (8) free seminars to the local community over the past four years. These include: health and wellness seminars, free medical and dental services, a food and clothing bank, health coaching, spiritual care and counseling, music programs, small group Bible study and corporate music.

13

The Weimart health food store provides numerous products both on location and online.

14

The Weimar Inn – Provides housing for travelers and, from time to time during Weimar’s history, for those fighting fires.

15

The Weimar Cafeteria – Providing the best of plant based cuisine for staff, students, the local community, and those traveling I-80.

16

The Weimar Farm provides registered organic foods to the local community.

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Campus life at Weimar University offers a unique blend of spiritual fellowship, academic camaraderie, and opportunities for personal growth. You’ll be blessed by classes anchored in God’s Word and teachers who care about your spiritual growth. You’ll enjoy outings with godly friends to the nearby rivers or ski resorts.

You’ll form life-long friendships while you relish delicious, healthy food in the cafeteria. You’ll work alongside teachers and work supervisors dedicated to helping you develop practical skills you can use throughout life. We invite you to come and experience what campus life can be when Christ is the center and everything revolves around Him.

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We offer BA degrees in Religion, Natural Science (i.e., pre-med, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician’s assistant, pre-dental), Pre-Nursing/Nursing, Christian Education, General Studies, Christian Interdisciplinary studies, and Business. In addition, we now offer MA degrees in Counseling Psychology & Wellness, and in Biblical Mission & Wellness. We believe education must be relevant and practical. Our students graduate not just with the required knowledge, but with the ability to use that knowledge meaningfully in their life work. It is our prayer that, through each class, our students will deepen their relationship with God and be prepared to serve Him.

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Weimar University offers students the opportunity to gain the advantages of a distinctively Seventh-day Adventist higher education experience without breaking the bank. Nearly 57% of our students incur zero debt and over 71% graduate with under $2000 of debt!

Intentional spirituality, stellar academics, and a strong emphasis on health and practical training are each a characteristic part of us. Our low debt rates make it possible for you to become a part of us too.

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The nonprofit health and education ministry of Weimar University, Weimar Academy, and the renowned NEWSTART® Lifestyle Program, blesses thousands every year both physically and spiritually. By giving a tax-deductible gift today, you will help provide Weimar University with new opportunities to heal and coach those in physical and spiritual need. Your gift will help others accept the gift of Christ’s healing and salvation. Thank you for your gift and for your continued partnership.

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Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions and answers that may help you find what you are looking for.

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Why Study Here?

Weimar University was founded to impart a knowledge of God to its students. In order to do this, we embrace the principle that God offers the best, most effective methods of education, and that only by following these methods can we be sure of imparting true education to our students.

Are you ready to apply? Then click at the button below. Do you need more information about our Programs? Then find below a PDF with some information for you.

Lifespan Development (3 Credits)

From conception to old age, this course explores focuses on the biological, psychological, and social developmental issues and milestones for each stage of the lifespan, paying particular attention to the aspects of context, culture, and environmental issues. Topics include, but are not limited to: parenting style (child guidance), social contexts, social stress, poverty, low educational attainment, abuse and neglect, gender and family issues salient to relationships, separation, nontraditional and blended families and inadequate housing and how these affect development. Issues of aging and long-term care are included.

Moral Identity and Faith as a Counselor (3 Credits)

This course explores the formation of the student therapist’s identity as a counselor within the framework of Christianity and how this plays out in a secular world of counseling. This course presents philosophical and ethical perspectives integral to the understanding of the contemporary psychologies. Students learn how to analyze the ethical bias of psychotherapeutic psychologies, identify their underlying philosophical assumptions, and develop an appreciation for the moral components in individual, marital, and family identity formation. Also included will be a workshop to enhance spiritual development.

Christian Counseling and Psychotherapy: Basic Theories and Skills (3 Credits)

This course develops an understanding of the major theoretical orientations used by current practitioners, focusing on systemic approaches. Theories provide a coherent framework for understanding how people change. This course will highlight the Biblical understanding of how change takes place. This course covers the concepts and techniques associated with the primary theories of counseling psychology: psychodynamic, existential-humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and post-modern; in contrast with wholistic counseling techniques. Also included are the evidence-based treatments, limitations, and outcome research associated with each concept. The course also highlights cultural and spiritual diversity as it applies to the therapeutic process and awareness of the self, interpersonal issues, and spiritual values as they impact the use of theoretical frameworks. This course also introduces the student to basic skill in attending behavior, clinical interviewing and clinical intervention. Finally, this foundational course clarifies key issues in human nature and prepares the student for developing a worldview that is consistent with their theological and spiritual orientation.

Advanced Counseling Theory (3 Credits)

This course will examine several individuals, and family approaches for counseling. The development of specific behavioral, cognitive, humanistic/experiential, psychodynamic and systemic frameworks will be deconstructed. Student will distinguish Christian approach of addressing individual and family concerns. Students will be involved in experiential activities designed to relate the observation, demonstration and practice to research-based explanations. In this course, we will consider how each approach is used in clinical, school, and marriage and family counseling applications. Training in the use of the therapeutic relationship will be a focus for understanding and intervening with clients.

Group Processes in Counseling (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of group counseling with children, adults, families, and couples. The course focuses on basic group counseling theory including therapeutic group factors, stages of group development, and principles of commonly accepted and research-based group interventions. The course will cover different types of groups, such as support, psycho-educational, and process groups; the tasks, skills, and qualities of effective group leaders; roles of group members; and legal and ethical issues pertaining to groups, group leaders; roles of group members; and legal and ethical issues pertaining to groups. Importance is placed on responsibilities and skills and cultural considerations. Emphasis on small and large group processes and involvement in experiential activities is designed to relate the clinical process to theoretical explanations. Throughout, there is an emphasis on group work within community mental health settings.

Child and Adolescent Counseling (3 Credits)

This course provides an understanding of the broad range of childhood and adolescent problems and maladjustment behaviors. A variety of psychotherapeutic modalities are presented, providing the student with an opportunity to develop knowledge of basic child and adolescent therapy skills, assessments, and treatment strategies. The impact of the development aspects, family dynamics, social environments, and multicultural issues are addressed. In addition, legal and ethical issues and the role of hospitalization are considered.

Addictions Counseling and Treatment (3 Credits)

This course covers the prevention, assessment, and treatment of substance abuse/dependence, behavioral addictions, and co-occurring conditions. Theories of etiology, populations at risk, and the role of persons and systems in supporting or compounding abuse/addiction are discussed. The course reviews the cognitive, affective, behavioral, and neurological effects of psychoactive drug use and the impact of addiction on the family system. Best practices for the screening, assessment, and treatment of addictions and co-occurring behaviors are covered as well as community resources for individuals and family members. Additional focus will be placed on developing understanding of Recovery Oriented Care, social and psychological implications of socioeconomic position, and cultural awareness and competencies.

Counseling Diverse Populations (3 Credits)

This course focuses on the intersection and convergence of culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, socioeconomic status, religion, acculturation, and chronological age and how these inform effective mental health care. The goal is to increase awareness of multiple dimensions of diversity in order to prepare students to work sensitively and effectively with California’s multi-cultural population. Attention also is given to issues of privilege, marginality, and oppression, including sexism, racism, classism, ableism, ageism, and heterosexism. Theoretical perspectives on multicultural counseling will be examined as well as strategies for intervention and advocacy. This course will focus on eliminating biases, prejudices, and processes of intentional and unintentional oppression and discrimination. Throughout, effective strategies for communicating about emotionally charged material is emphasized.

Couples and Family Counseling: Post-Modern (3 Credits)

This course continues the study of the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals, couples, and families using interactional and brief models. This course provides advanced training in the theories and techniques of modern and post-modern schools of family therapy including Cognitive Behavioral, Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Narrative Therapy. Also included are the evidence-based treatments, outcome research, and limitations associated with each theory. Specific family issues addressed include: transition to parenthood, parenting young and school-age children, household division of labor, and blended families. Throughout, careful attention is paid to the historical and cultural context in which the theories were developed and the implications for working with diverse populations in recovery-oriented community mental health settings.

Christian Counseling and Psychotherapy: Advanced Techniques (3 Credits)

This course is designed to further develop the psychotherapeutic skills of students prior to their entry into a clinical placement. Students focus on developing proficiency in the core interviewing qualities, deriving goals for a clinical session, and in making contracts with clients for change. Additionally, students are encouraged to begin developing a theoretical and conceptual understanding of cases and trained to work with diverse populations. Students are also encouraged to address issues regarding the integration of their faith with the practice of psychotherapy.

Assessment of Individuals, Couples, and Families (3 Credits)

This course examines the application of psychological instruments to the assessment of individuals, couples, and families. Fundamentals of psychological assessment are reviewed including standardized and non-standardized testing approaches, basic statistical concepts, and moral, ethical and cultural considerations in assessment. The course will also provide an overview of issues related to cognitive assessment, achievement, aptitude, and neuropsychological assessment. Emphasis will also be on clinical, behavioral, and personality assessment.

Knowing God Better Through Career Development: Theories and Techniques (3 Credits)

This course prepares students to address the intersections of career, values, and life roles in the context of career counseling and responding to career and work-related issues

for majority and marginalized groups. Students will gain core knowledge of major career development theories; examine the implications of sociocultural factors on career development, work transitions, and the career counseling process; gain experience with career counseling assessments and resources; and become familiar with current career development literature.

Crisis and Trauma Counseling (3 Credits)

Students will develop a foundation for assessing and treating post-trauma reactions in adults along with an overview of trauma responses in children. We will begin by reviewing the variety of trauma populations followed by in-depth instruction on the mechanism of development major trauma concerns. The assessment and intervention of post-trauma conditions will be identified. Next, we will address clinical interventions including disaster mental health and exposure-based treatment. Finally, we will review issues affecting therapists working with trauma populations and self-care strategies to prevent compassion fatigue.

Research and Evaluation in Counseling (3 Credits)

The goal of this course is to enable students to become informed consumers of psychological research and to use current research knowledge and tools to improve treatment outcomes. Students will explore methods and issues associated with the conduct and use of research concerning phenomena relevant to counseling psychology. The course provides an overview of hypothesis generation, research design, data collection and interpretation, and utilization of research findings in clinical practice, while considering systemic and sociocultural influences. Students will review seminal research findings including research on specific treatments and common factors across treatments that improve therapy outcome. The course also provides students with assessment tools for evaluating mental health programs and the effectiveness of one’s own clinical practice. Emphasis is given to helping students become knowledgeable consumers of research, including the use of research to inform evidence-based practice.

Clinical Neuroscience and Psychopharmacology (3 Credits)

Fulfills the California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirement for surveying the use of pharmacological agents in patient care. This course provides a basic overview of neurobiology in order to understand the biological bases of behavior and the psychopharmacological treatment of mental disorders. The course includes information about commonly prescribed psychiatric medications for children and adults – indications, contraindications, mechanisms of action, side effects, drug-drug interactions, iatrogenics, and variability related to age, gender, ethnicity, and medical condition. Students will learn how to work cooperatively and effectively with clients, family members, and prescribing clinicians. Additionally, controversies related to the medical model and to specific prescribing practices will be explored.

Psychopathology & Diagnostic Processes (3 Credits)

This course examines the major types of psychopathology. It explores techniques of intake interviewing and determining mental status to formulate a differential diagnosis based upon the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Students will also recognize and understand the controversial history of the development of the DSM. The

course also includes a critical examination of the clinical and experimental literature in psychopathy. Etiologies of cognitive/affective functions and dysfunctions and implications for therapeutic intervention are also addressed.

Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy (3 Credits)

This course will provide students with an understanding of human sexual development with a particular focus upon sexuality counseling from a systems perspective. The goal of this course is to learn about the many facets of human sexuality and the treatment of sexual dysfunctions in a safe and respectful environment. Topics include the physiology, psychology, and sociology of sexuality, including the effects of sexual attitudes and functioning on individuals and families. Gender Identity and LGBTQ and sexual perspectives will be reviewed. Clinical applications, including the treatment of sexual difficulty and dysfunction will also be explored. Students will develop familiarity with the language and terms of sexology and demonstrate an ability to apply this knowledge to clinical situations. Finally, students will explore the above with a framework of Christian compassion and love, exploring how God created sex to be beneficial. A review of AIDS, HIV, and STDs will be given.

Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Counseling (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the legal, ethical, and moral issues related to the practice of LPCC and MFT in the state of California. This course focuses on contemporary professional law and ethics and moral dilemmas related to counseling practice. Students review statutory, regulatory, and decisional laws related to the scope of therapy practice, including confidentiality, privilege, reporting requirements, family law, and the treatment of minors. Professional codes of ethics (ACA, AAMFT/ CAMFT, and APA) will be reviewed. California law that is relevant to the practice of counseling will be examined including goals and objectives of professional organizations, standards of training, licensure, and the rights and responsibilities of professional counselors. Case examples will be discussed. Consideration is also given to the student practitioner’s values and behaviors, especially in relation to becoming a Christian therapist.

Practicum in Counseling (6, 3 per term)

The purpose of this course is to develop counseling competencies when working with a variety of clients with unique presenting concerns. Specifically, the focus will be on your ability to engage your clients in treatment, establish a working alliance, identify dysfunctional patterns, and use either general strategies or ECBIS strategies to facilitate change. You will work toward the development of a personally acceptable and professionally effective style of establishing and working in helping relationships. We will work toward helping you to examine your behaviors and rationales and to modify for greater effectiveness.

Course Prerequisites:
This is the terminal course for the program and will run concurrently with a weekly seminar that will address issues in counseling practice.