The Journey to Self-Awareness

Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind. 

Psalms 26:2 (NIV)

Photo taken by myself

No caption

I entered the counseling program with a desire to be able to help others, as I’m sure it is for most counseling students.  We live in a fallen world, with fallen people who need Jesus and a helping hand. The problem is that sometimes I’m so focus on helping others it is easy to forget, that I myself have the same fallen nature and am just as broken as the next person. What I have understand from the readings is that it is important to know who you are and what you believe in and also be aware of your faults. Knowing whom you are and what you believe in is important for one to fully understand personal worldviews as explained in Chapter one. Also knowing what your faults are is important so that we can avoid hurting our client, as explained in Chapter three. Although it is only my third semester in the counseling program, I’ve had many moments where I have come to realize things about myself. Sometimes they are good, and other times they are bad. I’m grateful for this processes in which the Lord is leading me to become more aware of my weaknesses and my strengths.

I understand in the journey of life, there will be many up and downs. The way we see things, as people, or as counselors will sometimes change, but one thing that will never change is God’s word and it what it means to us. I know that at the end of the day I will be able to see that cross and know that although I’m fallen and make mistakes, his love and grace will always pick me up.  It is because of that love and grace from our father that we will be able to share love and grace with our clients.

A Clear Reflection

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13, ESV).

Caption: A Clear Reflection in Zigong, China
Photographer: Myself

As I read through chapters 1-3 of Thomas and Sosin (2011) I was hit with the need to be so in tune with the Spirit as we journey with clients through the counseling process. There is a need to learn techniques and theories, which is crucial, but these are able to be gained and a level of proficiency reached with much hard work—this is the comfortable aspect of the learning process. However, the realization that there is much left to the discretion of the counselor makes me feel, at times, inadequate and brings up my own insecurities. As a new, young counselor (in the making), it is intimidating to follow my own impulses paired with my minimal experience. What really struck me as I was reading these chapters was the advantage we have, as believers pursuing the role of counselor. We have the Spirit which we are called to walk in. While the technical knowledge is necessary, it is equally necessary to be walking in the Spirit in order that we ourselves can be guided as we guide our clients. As we become more in tune with the leading of the Spirit, we will grow in our awareness of how to best demonstrate hope to the client. I loved when Thomas and Sosin (2011) referred to counseling as being “created at the intersection of two subjective human beings” (p. 57) and also when they spoke of the ability for the counselor to reflect the hope of Christ through grace given to the client in relationship with the counselor (p. 43). As believers called to bring hope to a broken world, I can think of no better way to do so then being a clear reflection of Jesus in the midst of much suffering and pain.

Reference

Thomas, J. C. & Sosin, L. (2011). Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for the journey. Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group.

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ" Philippians 4:13

“I Can Do All Things Through Christ” Philippians 4:13

http://www.freeimages.com/browse.phtml?f=download&id=1431376

Being a counselor is a journey, not only for the counselee, but for the counselor as well. As counselors we go through a journey with our patients by helping and guiding them while they are in the midst of chaos, however, it can become very easy for a counselor to get lost in this midst of all the chaos. This is why it is imperative that a counselor knows where he/she is and where they plan to go by knowing themselves and being aware of the struggles that they are going through. Often times, counselors forget this important factor and succumb to the darkness of the chaos and counter-transference may occur, as well as compassion fatigue. Thankfully though, there is a light that counselors may follow themselves to insure the correct path that they are guiding their patients in, and this light is Jesus. When Jesus is our center, He gives us the capability of succeeding through the darkness in times we thought we would fail, by escorting His children through the chaos triumphantly. If Christian counselors can remember the verse, Philippians 4:13,  “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (NKJV), then they will be able to confidently overcome the difficulties and the trials that counseling can present. This is because at then end of day, it will not be our own strength that succeeds in counseling, but the strength given from the Lord, who loves His children unconditionally. When our strength will fail us, as counselors, Jesus will be there to guide us, while we guide those we have the privilege of counseling.

There Is a Time for Everything, and a Season for Every Activity Under the Heavens - Ecclesiastes 3:1

                                                 Caption: Waterfall in Crab Tree Falls Mountain Range, Virginia

                                                                     Photographer: Me (Camille Piccirillo)

This picture reminds me of the perfect balance of exploration and rest. Our exploration as we learn and discover counseling techniques, yet resting in the power of Christ. 

Throughout the reading, the first topic that stood out to me was how Thomas and Sosin (2011) use a house illustration on page eight to describe the importance of the world view a counselor holds. The concept of a one’s worldview being a vital part to one’s counseling is backed up in the following chapter when the authors express the equality of different counseling techniques as a whole. This idea was made due to one of their final statements being “… as a Christian counselor, the ultimate source of help rests not with you but with the Holy Spirit.” (p. 64). It relieves pressure knowing the Lord is doing the work!

While our intention as counselors is to help our clients, Thomas and Sosin (2011) caution their readers to remain conscious of their own health. The authors state that “Ironically counselors are often unaware that their counseling work is hurting them.” (p. 78). Fortunately, the authors encourage one to counteract burnout and countertransference with personal counseling. 

Lastly, I was challenged by the statement “As a counselor, you cannot help what you do not see, and you cannot see what you do not understand.” (Thomas and Sosin, 2011, p. 60). For me, this will be a vital part of my counseling career. This topic relates to the different techniques or theories one would implement, but it also challenges one to think outside of one’s normal thought process. Instead of getting frustrated or failing to understand a client, I will be reminded to try to see what my client is seeing and then attempt to open up my understanding of the situation.

Reference

Thomas, J. C., & Sosin, L. (2011).Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for the journey. B&H Publishing.

               Christ working through us to others.

                         

 There is much to be thankful for, if when the bottom falls out I could remember the times of Blessing. My therapeutic expedition started many years ago with several loving and careful counselors. God did put people in my path that helped me tremendously to understand that God’s will is so much better than anything I could do on my own. It seems that my path to become emotionally healthy is a life long journey. Even Paul struggled with the flesh and doing what was easier instead of doing what was right and good. Yes, I freely admit that the dialogue I have with myself is not always the most positive and in fact sometimes is negative, it's then I must stop and pause a moment with the word and remember “God makes no junk”! Our reading has reminded me that if not careful my issues could become my counselees issue if handled without compassion and understanding. Jesus called me to help those struggling to find freedom and peace and certainly for me not to pass to them my issues, also referred to as countertransference. Counselor’s often give advice that may or may not be in the best interest of the counselee. Our mindset should always be on helping them to come to know Christ, and for the Holy Spirit to help them know the truth. Maybe we do not depend enough on our Savior’s wisdom and power and try to depend on our own power and wisdom. Counselors must do no harm whatever the cost to us personally.

Reference

Thomas, J., & Sosin, L. (2011). Therapeutic Expedition. Equipping the Christian Counselor for the Journey. Nashville, Tennessee: B&H Publishing Group.

Bring Forth Life

"A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none."

"A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all."

-Martin Luther

Picture: A walk through the woods of Virginia.

Taken by me.

The picture above depicts the woods, stripped of their leaves due to the cold weather of winter. The trees are stripped bare of its earthly, colorful decor and void of life. Our text lists all the different reasons people come to counseling in chapter 3. The reasons vary and the needs are many, but one thing is for sure, these people are coming to YOU, the counselor,  for help.

The last sentence in chapter one of Therapeutic Expedition  by Thomas and Sosin, it reads, "The benefit of counseling that is biblically based is that life issues are confronted with open acknowledgement of a Creator. His values, His perspective, and His ability to redeem and restore.". I find this to be comforting, because if one is truly called by God to be a counselor, then we already know that in our power we are not able to restore or redeem another individual out of their pain and sufferings of being human.

But, oh, how great is our God! In a world full of hurt and pain, our God gives His sons and daughters a calling to come out and  to serve, to heal, to reveal, and to magnify His love and glory for all to see. Our textbook puts much emphasis for Christian counselors to be led by the Holy Spirit, and that in doing so,  they will develop the love and resilience to stand firm and "be alongside" those who are hurting on this therapeutic journey. So that in hopes, as mourning bears through the night.....that joy will come in the morning. One may come into counseling broken, stripped of joy, and void of seeming-less life; but, what if they leave with a sense of hope? A new hope that will produce a new birth, a fresh breath of new life......wow, what a magnificent, unimaginable, incomparable beauty that will be! 

THE WONDERFUL COUNSELOR

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV)

                        

                                             Caption: Julie McAllen's (photographer)

  Retrieved from :http://fruitageofthespirit.wordpress.com/2011/02/19/wonderful-counselor/

 

                  

Through out the Bible Jesus Christ was called the counselor. What makes Jesus a wonderful counselor to me is that He understands us. He understands exactly what you are going through. And when you come to Him in need of counsel he knows our situation, he knows your heart and knows your mind.

As a counselor, I believe it is our calling to be christlike when counseling. We are to help and understand our counselees without judging them. I was encouraged after reading the first three chapters of John C. Thomas and Lisa Sosin's book Therapeutic Expedition. The writers mentioned the significance of counseling even during the days of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

The first chapter reminds me the scripture in the Bible that states "Unless The Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it, unless The Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain" (Psalms 127:1). This verse makes me understand that I have to be prepared spiritually and emotionally in order to help others. The second chapter talks about how to help and third talks about the cautions.

Working in the past as a substance abuse counselor, countertransference was something that I struggled with the most. I viewed my clients and their addictive behavior as something that was intentional. I was always harsh and confrontational with them. After reading chapter one to three I learned not to transfer my own thoughts or feelings to my future counselees because that does not portray me as Christlike. 

He is Able

"The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing" (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV).


Caption: Humpback Mountains in Waynesboro, Virginia
Photographer: Myself

 This picture is a perfect reminder of how great and mighty our Lord is. He is able! As a counselor in training, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the copious amounts of information presented to us in class and through life experiences. In all honesty, the tasks of a counselor seem daunting at times. The responsibility of proper diagnosis and treatment is detrimental, not only to our careers but most importantly to our clients. Regardless, I firmly believe that the Lord equips us to fulfill each step along His directed journey.

As a counselor, we will meet individuals with all types of brokenness. Thomas & Sosin (2011) advocate, “no matter how maladjusted, wounded lost or evil your counselees seem, they are redeemable” (p. 27). Thomas & Sosin (2011) clarified further: “nothing is beyond the penetrating power of God’s redemptive grace; He specializes in the impossible” (p. 27). Our Lord is truly incredible! Each client who seeks counseling may come with varying motives. As a counselor, it is critical to meet the clients where they are at. This means techniques will vary from client to client, and it is critical to be flexible to make changes when needed. Thomas & Sosin (2011) suggest utilizing techniques that are fitting and comfortable to work with.  

When counseling, it is crucial to assess each situation carefully for any potentially hazardous results. Thomas & Sosin (2011) presented several forms of hazards that counselors must work hard to eliminate from occurring within counseling sessions. While intentions of may be pure, if we are not self-aware we may end up hurting clients instead of helping them. Chapter 3 challenged me to examine my responses to not only clients, but in all daily interactions with others.

Reference

Thomas, J.C., & Sosin, L. (2011). Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the christian counselor for the

         journey. Nashville, Tenn: B & H Publishing Group