Always Growing

              

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 As expected, for a book in which the authors did a step by step manual for beginners on their journey, it is no surprise that they would end the book with a huge word of encouragement.  In the section "Developing as a Counselor" (p. 474), the authors emphasize the importance of counselor development.  

               If we truly think about it, our first baby steps into the profession began as young children. From the time we are born, we are developing and growing personally, not only learning about ourselves, but others around us. Through childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and even middle adulthood, we are constantly refining our people skills (least as future counselors, we should be) in order to help those in need.

               The book goes into the valuable lesson of experience (p. 475) and how experience is a great teacher for counselors. The more we engage in counseling, the more we get to grow as an individual, refining our character and sharpening the counseling tools that we currently possess. Right now, we are wielding beginner tools; and as our journey progresses, we will soon be wielding intermediate and then eventually, master counseling tools as we grow and endure in our profession. I do not know about you, my fellow counselors, but personally, I am excited to see where this journey takes me. Above all, there is one great lesson that will take anyone to  greater heights than they can imagine. This lesson has been stated several times by the authors of our book in many different ways, and the lesson is this: Trust God, place your hope in God, for He is able to take you way beyond anything you can possibly imagine. Want to be the best counselor you can be? Easy, place all your ways in God's hands, and He will guide you to be the best you can hope to be. Proverbs 3:6

Reference

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

Journey Is Not Over

Gloucester, VA

Taken by: Myself

December 26, 2010

"And his appearance was like lighting, and his clothing as white as snow" - Matthews 28:3

This week’s readings consisted of Chapters 13-15. Chapter 13 focuses on different helping strategies incorporated in the counseling session. Chapter 14 discusses the integration of spiritual counseling. Lastly, Chapter 15 looks at different issues that may arise during the counseling career. Chapter 13 provided helpful information regarding assigning homework. As an upcoming counselor I wonder if my client will welcome the incorporation of homework. The chapter goes on to discuss the use of humor in the counseling session. It is important to note the benefits of humor and also recognize that humor must be used at the appropriate time. Lastly, Jones & Butman discuss the last helping strategy which is metaphors. Metaphors allow the counselor to relate information to familiar things.

            Chapter 14 discusses the use of spirituality in the counseling field. I feel this chapter to be very beneficial, especially for those who plan to be counselors in a Christian based setting. The chapter discusses ethical issues that may arise when using spiritual counseling. I enjoyed how Jones & Butman provided the differentiation between “God image” and “God construct.” We have already completed and performed intake assessments but it was interesting to review what a Spiritual assessment and/or intake entails.

            Chapter 15 discusses different ethical issues a counselor may face throughout their career. It touches on the professionalism expected from the counselor, ethical and legal standards, and how record keeping should be handled. I enjoyed reading the diversity in counseling. The United States is a very diverse country and our clients will be of different ethnicities, religions, cultures etc. It is important to notice this and adjust our counseling perspective according. I enjoyed these three chapters and will use this information to further develop my identity as a counselor.

God's Blessing

The question is, “Is this the start of a new day or the end of the day sunset”? Thomas and Sosin have done a wonderful job in the text they have shared with us. This journey we are on of becoming great counselor’s, is not without challenges.  Spiritual assessment is very important if we are to know where the counselee is in their relationship with God. There are times when an individual says they are a Christian but what does that really mean? They could be a Muslim in which how we counsel them would be somewhat different than if we were counseling a born again believer. Our mission is still the same to always “seek to understand” our counselee’s. Counselors who learn to share with their clients will establish a relationship that will create an environment where healing and personal growth can happen. There is so much satisfaction in knowing we can make a difference and can help a person know the love of the one and only God. The text talks about how important forgiveness is in the healing process. Forgiveness is not only a biblical concept but essential to moving beyond the hurting process. It could be the counselee caused pain to someone or the other person may have caused the offense.

This class has been so good for me, and I have learned a great deal about myself. Much more than I was expecting and it is all good. I have had the privilege and honor to meet so many special and good people and look forward to what God has next.

Reference

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

HE IS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH

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Chapter 13 through 15 gives us more insight on the different techniques we have been practicing throughout the entire semester.  one of the main techniques mentioned in chapter 13 that I’m really fond of is the miracle question. Not only did I try to use this technique every chance I get during our practice and recording session but I also used it at work with my clients. I was able to learn and understand how bad some of my clients wanted to change based on the answers they provided.

Thomas and Sosin (2011) mentioned that some counselors will see counselees if they do not do their homework. I was surprised to learn that any counselor will even take that approach.  In 510 class, I learned about the different theories and I have come into conclusion that reality theory is something that I will be using. And with reality therapy, the counselor assigns homework with the hope that the client completes the assignment. From my understanding, reality therapist is not to get discouraged or punish the client if the counselee does not complete the homework assignment.

In chapter 14, it was mentioned that bringing spiritual element into counseling is more complex. I totally agree with the writers because I have thought about it several times how I can integrate spirituality without imposing it on the counselee. It comes naturally when I am having conservation or giving advice to friends but in a professional setting I do not know how I can make it happen.

I began to wonder the title of this blog was going to be after writing it, then I came to me that “ you started with Him and you are finishing with him”  Hebrews 12:2 tells us that we should look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the same, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Amen!

Finishing the course....

The Thomas and Sossin text gave us many good examples to use in our counseling relationships.  The use of humor, metaphor, and homework can all help to personalize the session.  Because we are each unique, we can begin to develop our own personal counseling style.  I am a strong proponent of journaling, and just recently began journaling my prayers.  It has brought me comfort and insight.  It has been relatively easy to bring a spiritual dimension into our practices, since we are at a Christian university.  I think it will take quite a bit of effort and study to be able to integrate spirituality into our counseling as we go out into the world.  I have learned a bit about how attachment styles contribute to the way we later relate to others, and oftentimes, those coming to counseling may have faced difficulty in their important primary attachments and may take more time to come to trust in the counselor and counseling relationship.  We must be able to discern a person’s “God image” and their God construct.”  It is also important that we understand our own “God Image” and “God construct” and work to bring them into alignment.  I am working to experience God more fully in my personal life, and to hear his direction for myself.  I am also working to allow vision to influence my path.  Jesus said He only did what He heard and saw the Father do.    I have experienced much healing when others are in the flow of the Holy Spirit and ministering to me.  As we get close to the end of this term,   I am reminded again to take a step back and look at the whole picture.  We have many things to learn in this program, and I’m glad we will have time to continue practicing our skills and sharpening them.  I really enjoyed getting to know some of you and watching you grow.

Reference

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

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Oceanside Pier at sunset, clouds and palm trees with a brilliant sky at dusk.
Image ID: 27610  
Location: Oceanside Pier, California, USA

A Journey Before Me

A Journey Before Me

Caption: A pier along the Oceanside.

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Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

            My goal is to become a professional counselor one day, but I realize that I still have many steps to climb before I reach my goal. I am in the beginning of stages of the molding process of becoming a professional counselor, as this is my first year of obtaining my master’s degree in counseling. I am currently at level one, as mentioned by Thomas & Sosin. I have high motivation and commitment to learning the skills necessary to become a counselor and I am currently learning how to apply them correctly in counseling (Thomas & Sosin, 2011). The journey, thus far, has been an interesting yet fulfilling start, as I am not only polishing my counseling skills for the future, but I am becoming more aware of myself and the things in my life. This journey is opening my mind to things that I did not see before, and is enabling me to clearly view just how amazing God has been throughout my life by seeing the trials He has helped me through. The journey did not start with graduate school, as God used the trials I went through as a way to mold and prepare me for this career as a counselor. I know that the journey is far from over, as there will be new trials to face in the future; however, I am confident that with the Lord’s help I will be able to conquer them and press on. I just need to keep my eyes on His light.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (ESV)

Maker of the Sunset

The Maker of the Sunset

Maker of the Sunset

Photographer: Myself

As this class comes to an end, this section was a great reminder of concepts that we have learned in the past, and others that we will continue to learn along the journey that we are taking to be the best counselors that we are able to. This text has given us practical advice and explaining the skills that are necessary to become great counselors.

Chapter thirteen discussed homework and how to best use it in the counseling sessions in order to bring about change in the client (Thomas & Sosin, 2011, p. 417-422). Having been in counseling before and never experiencing homework myself, this section will help me when creating homework that will truly benefit the client and promote positive growth. I especially like the mnemonic devices that are used throughout the book which gives quick references to a skill that they are trying to teach to counselors in training (Thomas & Sosin, 2011, p. 420-422). These helpful guides will help me immensely when dealing with various aspects of counseling. Humor was another topic that stuck out to me in the chapter given the fact that I love humor and did not know how it would play a role in the counseling process (Thomas & Sosin, 2011, p. 422-425). As long as it is appropriate, and helpful to the situation, humor really can be affective, and I have been able to see that even in my own life.

The final two chapters on bringing spirituality into the sessions and also professionalism was something familiar from other classes. The overarching theme in Chapter fourteen were being careful make sure the all of the codes of ethics are followed and allow the client explore spirituality at their own pace (Thomas & Sosin, 2011). Making sure that the client is the one leading in the portion of counseling is vital. In the final chapter, Thomas and Sosin (2011) were encouraging growth in professionalism and honing skills that will be beneficial to the clients. One quote that stuck out to me was, “The more you counsel, the more you can learn and develop into an effective helper” (p. 475). Knowing that skills will get better in time gives hope for the future as a counselor in training. The main concept that Christian counselors need to keep in mind is that we know the One who creates that sunset on a daily basis and the One who is in control of all things, which should bring comfort realizing that we do not have to be the one to bring about change.

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

Stewardship

Stewardship. 

 

from www.holytrinityparish.org

 

 

Chapter 15 of the text embraces the concept of upholding professionalism in counseling. Like any other professional career, the practitioners are expected to uphold ethical and legal standards that govern their practice. Awareness of the code of ethics provides the counselors with limits through which they can practice and at the same time it provides direction especially in time of conflict. The counselor can utilize the knowledge base to make decisions that are ethically and legally right. In protection of the community, the ethical standards provide a minimum standard of practice to ensure that the client is not harmed. The informed consent also protects the counselor by spelling out expectations of therapy. The ethical and legal principles are in line with the biblical foundation for loving one another  as in John 13. 34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  As a counselor you would want to be treat others as you would like to be treated or even better. How wonderful is it to know that as a good steward to the community  you are also serving the Lord. Colossians 3:23-24 says that  “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Respect of people regardless of their cultural background is also emphasized in this chapter. Thomas and Sosin (2011)  indicate that counseling without respect for differences of diversity will likely fail and hinder interventions. Receiving other people with a passionate heart like christ commands us to love one  another  and seeking to understand cultural differences will likely break down barriers. According to Thomas and Sosin (2011) , historically cultural differences have been viewed as deficits . It is therefore paramount that the counselor to be culturally competent.


Reference

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

Using Humor

My humorous idea of a Farmville sequel and humorous comments from my friends. Photo taken by me.

Proverbs 17:22, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up bones.”

            I enjoy a good joke, a funny story, and puns that make people groan long and loudly.  Therefore, it is no surprise that the section of Thomas and Sosin’s (2010) book that deals with humor captivated my attention.  When appropriate, using humor can help my client experience some of the psychological and physiological benefits of laughter and help us develop a closer bond.  A good joke can break the ice, after all.  Humor would also allow me to see my client a little more clearly, revealing a part of him/herself that could show me health or dysfunction.  With all of these benefits, what could go wrong?  Unfortunately, plenty can go wrong.  Humor can be perceived as offensive or insensitive to one’s race, values, beliefs, and more.  Not only that, but context is also an important factor in using humor.  Thomas and Sosin (2010) list some helpful guidelines for determining whether humor is appropriate for a given moment.  First, humor should be something that helps establish rapport with the client.  Second, the counselor needs to know the client and whether the humor would hurt or help the client.  Third, humor might not be merited for particular clients or situations.  Fourth, humor should be used with an intentional purpose in mind.  Fifth, the delivery method is important to staying appropriate.  Personally, I would add a sixth one, being that the counselor should know him/herself and whether humor is easily delivered or always bungled.  I think I might use humor very sparingly as I often have a poor delivery, plus my puns are meant to draw the ire of my crowd rather than to make them laugh.  Getting a rise out of my clients for my own amusement is certainly not ethical.

He Makes Beautiful Things

Caption: Ecclesiastes 3:11

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"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11, New King James Version)

Thomas and Sosin (2011) truly did take us on an academic, heartfelt expedition. Chapters thirteen through fifteen punctuated what we have learned in this course by speaking on the topics of techniques and our own preparation as counselors.

One of the most intriguing points in the text was that our personality is welcomed in counseling as a way to help clients. Not in a sense of being friends; rather, through the use of humor we as counselors can bring appropriate light to a stigmatized process (Thomas and Sosin, 2011). By expressing humor in an intentional way we can subtly inspire hope. This was a most refreshing point to read as I was wondering myself how our own personalities play into counseling.

Just as our personality is developed and somewhat engrained, so too is our spirituality and relationship style. In human development we learn that both environment and nurturing take place to mold us into our current beings. Those same experiences impact our faith and relationship to God. I am happy to think my personality can be helpful to clients. But their own developmental journey, God image, and God concept will be so much more helpful (Thomas and Sosin, 2011).

Lastly, the authors made a poignant quote about our development as counselors and the ability of the counselees. They said, “Be assured that your counselees will survive your limitations and inadequacies” (Thomas and Sosin, 2011, p. 475). Client healing is not hinged on our ability to perform techniques with perfect precision. The power for healing is in God and He in them. God truly makes beautiful things, we will fail and we will learn and therein lies the beauty of the expedition.

Reference

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