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.
Dear Keith,
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a wonderful reflection on the end of the text. Your reflection on seeking to understand brings my thoughts full circle to the beginning of the course. Dr. Knight and John both taught us about the importance of seeking to understand versus the danger of seeking to be understood. There will always be much to unpack on the subject, but I believe your thoughts summed up the topic poignantly. Your comment about forgiveness as “not only a concept but essential” made me ponder as well. As a Christian going into this field I am grateful that even though our colleagues and clients may not be saved, Christ’s truths will still be true for them. The task then is praying that they will see the beautiful hand of the LORD in our profession.