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A certificate in the Hope Approach is a sign of having demonstrated expertise in the Hope Approach to couples counseling. 

There are 3 types of certificates available in the Hope Approach to Couples Counseling:

Student Certificate Registration

1.  Inform Dr. Ripley of your intent to pursue the certificate in the Hope approach by email: hopecouples@hopecouples.com 

2.  Send the following to Dr. Ripley:

  • A copy of your student identification and letter or current transcript demonstrating you are a graduate student in mental health or theology/divinity

  • Your contact information:  Name, address, city, zip code, phone number, and email address

  • A $99.00 check made out to Ripley Consulting

3. The certificate package with all the information and materials you need will be mailed to you within 2-4 weeks.

For graduate students and residents in the mental health disciplines or divinity school/school of theology.

Student or Resident Certificate

The Student Certificate in Hope Focused Counseling distinguishes you as fully trained in the Hope Focused Approach to couples counseling.  As you apply for internships or positions, you can demonstrate your ability in couples treatment.

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To qualify, a couples counselor must:

  1. Read the textbook "Couple Therapy: A New Hope-Focused Approach" by Ripley and Worthington (order online or at your local bookstore).

  2. Watch the accompanying video training with lectures and demonstrations of Hope couples counseling

  3. Pass the Hope certification test, both multiple-choice and open-ended questions, with a 90% pass rate.

  4. See one couple using the Hope treatment manual (under supervision if needed), submit case intake report, and turn in audiotape or videotape of at least 90 minutes worth of hope-focused therapy to be reviewed by Hope staff for acceptance. 

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The total cost for a student certificate is $99.00 and includes access to all video training, tests, and a copy of the evaluation rubric used for evaluation of your report and clinical tape by Dr. Ripley or her delegate.  After passing the evaluation, a framable certificate will be mailed to you.  

Pastoral Certificate Registration

 1.  Inform Dr. Ripley of your intent to pursue the certificate in the Hope approach by email: hopecouples@hopecouples.com 

2.  Send the following to Dr. Ripley:

  • A copy of your ordination papers, license for ministry, job position as a pastoral counselor, or diploma from a divinity school or school of theology. Schools must be accredited.

  • A description of basic counseling training you have received. This certificate is not designed for lay-leaders or ministers without any basic education in general counseling. 

  • Your contact information:  Name, address, city, zip code, phone number and email address.

  • A $99.00 check made out to Ripley Consulting.

3. The certificate information and materials you need will be mailed to you within 2-4 weeks.

Pastoral Certificate

For ordained ministers or chaplains.

The Pastoral Care Certificate in Hope Focused Counseling distinguishes you as certified as fully trained in the Hope Focused Approach to couples counseling.  You receive the training you want to improve your pastoral care and receive a certificate to demonstrate your training.

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To qualify, a minister/pastor must

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The total cost for a pastoral certificate is $99.00 and includes access to all video training, tests, and a copy of the evaluation rubric used for evaluation of your report and clinical tape by Dr. Ripley or her delegate.  After passing the evaluation, a framable certificate will be mailed to you.

1.  Inform Dr Ripley of your intent to pursue the certificate in the Hope approach by email: hopecouples@hopecouples.com

2.  Send the following to Dr. Ripley

  • A copy of your state-issued license (psychology, social work, counseling...).

  • Your contact information:  Name, address, city, zip code, phone number and email address.

  • A $119.00 check made out to Ripley Consulting

3. The certificate package with all the information and materials you need will be mailed to you within 2-4 weeks.

Professional Certificate

For licensed mental health providers (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist, social work, counseling).

The Professional Certificate in Hope Focused Counseling distinguishes you certified as fully trained in the Hope Focused Approach to couples counseling.  Your desire to further your post-graduate education with in-depth training in the Hope Focused approach will be demonstrated with a certificate in the approach.  

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To qualify, you must:

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The total cost for a professional certificate is $119.00 and includes access to all video training, tests, and a copy of the evaluation rubric used for evaluation of your report and clinical tape by Dr. Ripley.  After passing the evaluation, a framable certificate will be mailed to you.

Professional Certificate Registration

* These certificates demonstrate completion of the course of study. It is not a professional license, is not recognized by any state, and does not guarantee that the recipient is able to independently practice couples counseling. The certificate is supervised and certified by Dr. Ripley and the Charis Institute Staff.  It is not for credit at Regent University. It is intended as a demonstration of adjunctive training specific to the Hope approach beyond general graduate training in a mental health discipline or pastoral care.

Interested in earning the certificate?

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Download all forms and the information about certification here:

Certificate Instructions, Forms and Rubrics

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To take the tests online: 

Multiple choice test link:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HopeMC

Essay test link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HopeEssay

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