DIPLOMAIN FORMATIVE SPIRITUALITY AND COUNSELLING

1. Scope and Duration

1. Diploma in Formative Spirituality and Counselling consists of lectures, case studies, spiritual direction and counselling sessions, and a scientifically prepared research/integration paper.
2. This is a one-year (two semesters) programme, aiming to initiate candidates into the dynamics of formative spirituality and counselling, mainly through a profound study of various relevant theories in fields of formation, spirituality, and counselling.
3. One of the primary thrusts of this programme is psycho-spiritual integration that is expected from those who undertake the mission of animating young religious and seminarians as well as pastoral accompaniment of the faithful in parish and school/college settings.
4. Diploma in Formative Spirituality and Counselling is planned as a residential programme to facilitate regular Eucharistic celebration, prayer sessions, recollection, etc., in the community and spiritual direction and personal and group counselling sessions arranged by the Vinayasadhana Institute.

1. Requirements for Admission:

1. A higher secondary certificate with at least a second-class grade or any other higher degree from a recognized school or college.
2. Adequate theological study at any Catholic theological institute or university.
3. The applicant must be below 50 years of age. In certain cases, the age requirement may be relaxed at the discretion of the competent authority, after an aptitude test is successfully completed.
4. An interview and examination, if required.
5. A letter of introduction and recommendation from the candidate’s Major Superior/Ordinary or a competent person acceptable to DVK.

1. Academic Programme

1. The academic programme offered as part of Diploma in Formative Spirituality and Counselling consists of 46 Credits, and the courses are grouped under three major categories: (1) Obligatory Basic Courses, (2) Supplementary Obligatory Courses, (3) Optional Additional Courses, and (4) Integration Paper.
2. The programme is arranged in such a way that once the candidates undergo this one-year academic formation, they will be able to equip themselves with a basic understanding of formation, spirituality, and psychological counselling and would attain a reasonable amount of psycho-spiritual wholeness.

1. Marks and Grading System

1. The grade of Diploma in Formative Spirituality and Counselling will be determined by calculating the marks according to the following proportions: Semestral Examinations: 80%; Research Paper/ Integration Paper: 20%.

 

 

 

NONCANONICAL: DIPLOMA IN FORMATIVE SPIRITUALITY AND COUNSELLING

Course Structure

No	Obligatory Basic Courses	Credits
01	Holistic Spirituality and Psycho-Spiritual Formation	3
02	Christian Spirituality	2
03	Chavara and Carmelite Spirituality	2
04	Call, Discernment and Discipleship	2
05	Formation: Biblical Perspectives	2
06	Spiritual Direction – Theory and Practicum	3
07	Canonical Dimensions of Formation	2
08	Foundations of Human Behaviour and Development	4
09	Theories and Techniques in Counselling	4
10	Basic Skills in Counselling and Application	3
11	Positive Psychology in Formation	2
12	Mental Health and Disorders in Formees	4
13	Psychospiritual Approaches to Formation	3
14	Formation: Indian Models	2
15	Research Paper/Integration Paper	4
		42
	Other Requirements (Obligatory)
01	Transformative Meditations	3
02	Group Therapy	3
03	Assessment of Family in Formation	1
04	Psychological Assessment for the Formees	1
05	Eco-spirituality	1
06	Research Methodology	1
		10
	Optional Subjects (Students have to do 9 ECTS/Credits)
01	Neuro Linguistic Practice	1
02	Transactional Analysis	2
03	Emotional Hygiene	1
04	Contextual Formation	3
05	Internship in Formation	2
06	Spirituality of Priesthood, Religious life, Laity in Vatican Council II	1
07	Prayer in the New Testament	1
08	Discipleship in the Gospels	1
09	Challenges and New Trends in Priestly and Religious Formation	1
		8
Total ECTS/Credits		60

 

DIPLOMA IN FORMATIVE SPIRITUALITY AND COUNSELLING

COURSE OFFERED 2025– 2026
No	Title of the subject	Hours	Credit
SEMESTER 1
	Introduction to holistic Spirituality and Psycho-spiritual Formation	45	3
	Foundations of Human Behaviour and Development	60	4
	Call Discernment & Discipleship: Biblical Perspective	20	1
	Methodology	20	1
	Transformative Meditations	60	4
	Spiritual Direction	30	2
	Theories and Techniques in Counselling	60	4
	Basic Skills in Counselling and Application	60	4
	Academic Spirituality: History	45	3
	Depth psychology and Discernment of Vocation	45	3
	Practicum: Spiritual Direction	20	1
SEMESER 2
No	Subject	Hours	Credit
	Assessment of Family for Formation	20	1
	Canonical Dimensions of Formation	20	1
	Contextual Formation	30	2
	Group Therapy	20	2
	Indian and Carmelite Spirituality	20	1
	Mental Health	45	3
	Neuro Linguistic Practice	20	1
	Positive Psychology	20	1
	Psychological Assessment	15	1
	Eco-Spirituality	20	2
	Formation: Biblical Perspectives	20	1
	Internship in Formation		2
	Integration Paper		4