Mind at Peace

Peaceful Mind

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"And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:7 NASB

 

 

I felt that the reading targeted a lot of the tough issues that we may face during counseling such as termination and the process of the actual counseling sessions. Being very new to the field with the limited newly acquired skills at times it makes me feel inadequate to be able to accomplish successful counseling with a counselee.  I thought that the book helped lay out the overall process to help me understand the bigger picture of things. Part of the process is to bring forth the weak points in a person so it can be brought to the counselee attention. When I think about confrontation I automatically associate it to something negative but the book reveals that this can be a useful tool when used correctly with clients, it promotes growth. Another aspect that I found interesting were all the different types of termination; I guess I had never really thought about how many different ways there are to come to an end of a counseling relationship.The book showed how to deal with most of the terminations in a very similar manner, through communicating to the counselee that it was coming to an end and if were a decision on the counselee to have just one last session to talk through it. Walking the counselee and even ourselves through all the sessions just to show how much they have benefited from the sessions, shown through their behavior and reactions to everyday situations or maybe even new perspectives on things. Being able to give a counselee closer is also very beneficially to the counselor as well it goes to show that they helped them through a tough time and most importantly that both were reliant on God or God’s will. It seems to be a comfort in knowing that even though our sessions are coming to an end that God will never leave them and will always be on their side.

 

Reference

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

 

Moving Forward

 

Freight train moving
From: www.allposters.com

 

I enjoyed reading the chapters and found the information useful and was able to connect the content with other classes that I am taking. I reflect on the importance of training and competence in counseling for the counselor. The counselor needs to be equipped with tools in terms of skills and knowledge that will be beneficial in moving the counseling session forward. I reflect on the collaborative relationship of the helping process the counselor should provide a welcoming atmosphere from the initial contact with the client. At this point, the counselor demystifies counselling. Thomas and Sosin (2011) indicate that some counselees may have a dark mysterious undertaking about the counseling process. The counselor works on demystifying the process and clarifies any doubts that the client may have. The client may be hopeless and not be able to have any sense of hope for current problems, the future or even with the counselling process. The counselor helps the client realize the benefits of counselling and how it can help. For the Christian counselor, the Bible serves as reminder of the faithful word of God. Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) reminds us of God's faithfulness in periods of uncertainty. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

The counselor also takes the opportunity to reinforce the benefits of counseling and how the process may be helpful to the client. According to Thomas and Sosin (2011) of great importance is the ability of the counselor to be part of the client’s story the counselor listens to the client’s story and becomes an editor rather than the main character.

The counselee needs to be aware of the process and travel together with the counselor in the journey towards recovery. Like a train, they both have to stay on the same track .  Investment in collaborative relationship from the initial phase of the counseling process yields rewards later in other phases of the process. A trusting relationship allows the counselor to get more from the clients’ story. The client benefits from the counselors’ knowledge and skill in picking out the important pieces of information that may even seem irrelevant to the client. Thomas and Sosin (2011) encourage counselors to be patient and compassionate with the task of connecting with the client.

 

Reference

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

The Guide who guides the guide

 

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Chapter 9 of the Sosin textbook really highlights the degree of care of managing the counseling session, especially from the Christian perspective. I love the idea of the counselor representing the three heavenly offices of Christ: The prophet, the priest and the shepherd.

 

I am reminded of Elijah, Isaiah and Jeremiah, the prophets of the Old Testament who were chosen by God to offer what was often times a message that confronted, warned and caused discomfort for the Jews. Yet, the deep heart of their message was always a call of love from God. Attempting to pull the Jews from their rebelling hearts and back into His presence. The priest, who takes care of those under their care, guiding them and providing comfort for those who sometimes had no one else to turn to. A priest is symbolic of the God they serve. And my personal favorite -the king- the leader who leads the way. A king's purpose is to raise morale, provide system, and reveal a pathway to a victorious future.

 

As counselors, we should not take on the king role in terms of governing or making decisions for the client. Instead I believe it is imperative to be as passionate as a prophet, caring as a priest and as powerful a driving force for the client in guiding them towards a more healthy, fruitful, acceptable way of living.

 

Final point I'd like to mention is my interest in the AIM model (Found on page 307). I have not grasped the model fully, but knowing its foundation and implications for Christian counselors is quite encouraging. I'm surprised it is not included in any of the texts for the 506 class.

 

P.S. Relating the Hitchiker's guide  photo to counseling, I would definitely hope throughout the course of my career that God will give me the strength and wisdom to guide my clients down roads unimaginable to them (In a sense where they know, sense and meet God). Of course, only way possible of achieving that is allowing the Guide to guide me, the guide.

 

 



Towards Positive Growth

Caption: Avocado Seedling

© 2006 Mark Hofstetter

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Reflecting on this section of the text for me begins with chapter nine as an overview of the intake session and proceeding helping sessions. Thomas and Sosin (2011) mention the progression of the counseling journey in phases which overlap. Sometimes it feels like many phases are integrated into one session and it becomes difficult to transition between the intake/informed consent, exploration, and goal setting phases. Perhaps first thinking about counseling in terms of the framework to be employed will clarify the phases of counseling that then unfold (Thomas and Sosin, 2011, p.307).

I notice the progression in the material into chapter seven on feedback, interpretation, confrontation, and silence. These are such practical tools that seem to be easily integrated into daily relationships. However, the in counseling relationship awareness of timing and personal motive for these skills is integral.  For instance personally, I see that interpretation is so necessary, but I have the tendency to let my thoughts about interpretation take up mental capacity during the session. Instead letting the interpretation come naturally out of exploration with the client may be a way to consider the skill.

Lastly, after understanding the progression of counseling and work accomplished in the client’s life there comes the time for termination. Thomas and Sosin (2011) frame the termination of counseling in such an honest yet joyful way. Regardless of the method of termination or need for referral, as counselors we can prepare for termination with hope for the client, because of hope in Christ. This thought brings back the reminder that both client and counselor are individuals before the LORD, under His authority. As a counselor I can take off the burden of ensuring change in the client, and pick up the skills He blesses us with to work with the client towards positive growth.

Reference:

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

Caption: Hot air balloon over sea of mist

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Chapters seven, eight and nine of Thomas and Sosin (2011) , further explored the therapeutic relationship between a counselor and client. I found the section that spanned Pages 290-298 extremely helpful. Throughout the section Thomas and Sosin gave examples of questions the counselor could use to aid the client in establishing, setting and evaluating goals for themselves. Posing questions without leading the client, in a direction other than their choosing is a struggle for me. Therefore keeping these suggestions in mind while working with client and in practice sessions will be extremely beneficial.

            Chapter 9 of Thomas and Sosin (2011) gave an in-depth look at the five main stages of the therapeutic process. Though in class and in practice sessions each is introduced and practiced. I found it helpful to see each of them laid out in writing. Figure 9.1:p.268 was especially helpful. It allowed me to see overlaps throughout the therapeutic process. (I found it more helpful to make my own diagram and used figure 9.1 as a starting point). Though the therapeutic process isn’t hard to remember. I feel that it is important for counselors to know and understand the process just as well if not slightly better than they understand all counseling techniques. Without extensive knowledge of the counseling process it will be harder for counselors to effectively move through them during sessions. it will also make it extremely hard for the counselor and the client to see progress throughout counseling relationship and assess when termination or a referral is needed.

 

 

Thomas, John & Sosin, Lisa. (2011).  Therapeutic Expedition. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group.

ABIDE IN ME

                                            caption: Abide In Me
                                            Retrieved from: www.Jeshua21.wordpress.com

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me

Chapter 7 of Therapeutic Expedition by Thomas and Sosin, the writers talks about the power of the tongue. Receiving feedback has always being something that was hard for me to do. As a substance abuse counselor, I remember doing everything in my power to not have my weekly supervision with the clinical supervisor. I was worried about what would be said about my work as a counselor whether good or bad. In reading this chapter I learned that it was imperative to be very sensitive when giving a feedback because it might make the counselee feel wounded. The chapter also talks about the skill of confrontation. Jay Adams, the founder of nouthetic counseling speaks to the value that confrontation plays in the helping process. Sometimes working with addicts requires the counselor to be confrontational. I believe that this helps the counselor to point out the issue to the counselee without sugar coating it. I have personally had clients come back to thank me for not sugar coating what they needed to hear. One major tool that I learned from this chapter is silence. Silence is something that I struggle with and I hope to improve on as I go through my training as a counselor.

Chapter 8 also talks about the termination process. This is one process that I never paid attention to in the past. This is because addicts in the methadone treatment are always known to come back to treatment after they taper off the methadone. I never knew the effect it had on the client.

The last chapter which is 9 also talks about managing the counseling session. This chapter brings to light the different stages in counseling.

I truly enjoyed reading the three chapters and one thing that stood out the most was the AIM model. I like the fact that it was derived from Abide in Me. In everything we have to depend on our heavenly father!

The process of our Journey

Caption: "Traveled roads lead to future paths"

Photographed by: Erica Contreras (myself)

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

One of my most favorite pass times is hiking. I am not athletic or physically fit, and for those who are in that sense knows that hiking up a mountain can be torture. So why do I put myself through it? Because I know that at the end of the hike I will have a beautiful view and a great sense of accomplishment. However getting to the top means I must go through a process, one I am not much of a fan of. I have notices that usually on my hike when I first start its usually really hard! As I continue to walk it tends to get easier, and then usually when I’m closer to the end it gets hard again. In the same way as counselors we will go on a Journey with our clients. One that will have some hard parts and some that are easier. The goal is to help the client get to the top of mountain, and help them feel as if something has been accomplished through the process. I believe chapter 9 does a great job of helping us counselors see what the helping process looks like from beginning to end.

Chapter 7 was an interesting chapter for me to read, because as emerging counselors we are still learning a lot of things about when to keep our thoughts to ourselves, and when it is ok to give feedback. It is interesting to see how many times the bible warns us about the things that we say. A bible verse that always makes me think about what I am going to say is Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” As counselors what we say, and when we say it, is very important to the process and journey we are traveling with our clients. Words can make or break our clients and the progress that we are trying to achieve. I believe that when you get to the stage where you can give feedback and be a bit confrontational, it is one of those parts that are difficult to travel. However sometimes it is very necessary that we be put in uncomfortable and difficult situation to be able to get where we want to get. Always remember to do everything in love and with the clients best interest in mind.