Photo taken by Meagan Eckhardt
One aspect that resonated with me from the reading this past couple weeks is
the concept of "Being a whole person." In the book
The Journey
Begins by John Thomas, and Lisa Sosin the authors discuss the concept of
being a whole person, and how that benefits not only the counseling session but
the individual counselor. So what does it mean to be a whole person? When I
think of my entirety I think of my spirituality, my physical body, and my
psychological makeup. We as counselors must be spiritually healthy, and
psychologically healthy in order to treat those that are mentally and
spiritually unhealthy (Thomas & Sosin, 2011). The term "health"
cannot be compartmentalized in the life of any individual, but especially in
the life of a counselor. If a counselors is spiritually unhealthy, it will in
turn affect their psychological health, and visa versa. It is not only
recommended but necessary that counselors assess and examine their lives, and
grow in areas of weakness. This can be done by developing mentoring-like
relationships with older wiser counselors, or any individual who can be trusted
to walk through life with you. A Christian counselor must realize their
dependence on the Body of Christ, and not view themselves as a separate entity
not in need of help. Personally I have gleaned so much through class, and my
professors, but have learned to practically apply what I am learning through a
mentor-like relationship with a woman at my church. Her friendship has taught
me so much about my weaknesses, and through those self-revelations she has
walked me through the process of growing. I have found that as I have grown
with her I am able to help others in a more effective way. Finally, I realize I
will never “arrive” or be lacking of errors, but I believe there is power in a
counselor understanding themselves, their weaknesses, strengths, hurts, and
passions, Through this understanding counselors are able to use the wholeness
understanding of themselves to accurately administer healing and help to other
broken individuals.
Thomas,
J., & Sosin, L. (2011). Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian
counselor for the journey. Nashville, Tenn.: B & H Publishing Group.
A commonality between most posts this week is that each of them closely relate to being a whole person. This commonality should rather further stress to the reader the importance of being whole and the direct link that it has to being a competent counselor.
ReplyDeleteAs counselors in training reaching that wholeness is of great importance. It is indeed significant that as mental health helper we are found in a healthy state, so we can provide assistance to others in need. It is almost illogical to expect effective and positive outcome from two unhealthy individual trying to help each other out. Job well done with you post!
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