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.
Indeed, the last three chapters are spot-on for an ending for a book all about the counseling journey. I, for one, am thankful that these Christian authors took the time and effort to put so much writing for counselors from a Christian perspective. I definitely believe it will not only help us grow professionally, but also spiritually in our walk with God. I remember a pastor once saying, "Becoming a disciple of Christ means making what it is important to Jesus, become important to you". One of the things important to Jesus is people. He loved people, ALOT. As counselors, I believe if we can grow and develop the same love that Jesus had for those around Him...whoo, we will witness some awesome things in our counseling sessions or wherever God leads us.
ReplyDeleteHey Tiffanie, thanks for your post. I appreciated your comments on chapters 14 & 15. I am passionate about working with missionaries. I can see how combining the spiritual components in chapter 14 with the diversity of world religions and counseling theories in chapter 15 will be a challenging task. Christian counselors have to manage not only ethical codes, but a greater sense of duty to honoring Christ through our careers. This text was encouraging and motivational to help gain practical tips on how to carry out this burden with our chosen profession.
ReplyDeleteDear Tiffanie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts on the last chapters of the text. I know we are required to for the class, nonetheless your perspective is appreciated. You mentioned key points about homework and wondering if our clients will “welcome [homework’s] incorporation.” Homework seems to have a stigma carried from our academic carriers. It is insightful for you to consider that clients may not and probably will not want to do homework. I wonder how we can make this technique personal to our counseling style by using different terms. You also mentioned diversity as it was relayed in chapter fifteen. Considering how we can also adjust our perspectives in this regard communicates a flexible attitude. Thank you for sharing, God bless you in the pursuit of counseling.