My Counseling Theory John Sitka III
Abstract
When a person decides to enter the field of counseling whether by Gods’ calling or by personal motivations one needs to determine how they will conduct his or her’s session and which therapeutic techniques to use. Even though there are a variety of counseling techniques, picking one to match ones belief and personality could prove to be a monumental and insightful
My Counseling Theory Introduction
The Military gives minimum instruction to their senior enlisted and their officer corp on how to counsel their subordinates. My personal experience with counseling was acquired while serving on active duty in the United States Navy. The training is usually restricted to job performance, substance abuse, suicide appraisal, and career counseling. In most of the management and leadership classes, Transnational Analysis patterns, schemes, and games of communication, Maslows hierarchy of needs, and the Jahari’s Windows are reviewed and discussed as pertaining to its practical use.
Even though my personal goal is to become a Marriage and Family Counselor, this paper will focus on My Individual Counseling theory and techniques. My approach, while indifferent to the type of counseling whether Marriage and Family, Individual or Group Counseling, will be distinctly Christian Counseling. Christian Counseling where it is applicable , appropriate, and ethically possible with due regard to the religiosity of the client. It may not directly refer to Scripture, but will be Christian at least by principle, based upon the needs or problem of the client. Today’s Christian counselors need to know biblical counseling and the sufficiency in Christ. There is criticism of Christian counseling as being actually Christian.(Adams, 1974a; Adams, 1974b; Adams, 1974c; Adams, 1974d; Beck, 1997; Ganz, 1976) This, of course, might be a fair warning to those entering the field including myself.
presuppositions.”(MacArthur, 1993)
In Jones & Butman (1991), four eclectic approaches of therapy, Chaotic, Pragmatic,
Metatheoretical or Transtheoretical Eclecticism and Theoretical Intergrationism are discussed. Mine will come from the Theoretical Intergrationism eclecticism approach with a “home base” orientation of Cognitive-Behavioral. There are techniques of the other approaches to which I am in agreement, however, based upon my beliefs as a Christian and personal experiences I do not agree with the theories as a whole.
My reason for using the Cognitive-Behavioral approach comes from a personal life and death experience I had. At a young age of 19, I was stationed aboard a ship in Hawaii and one of the activities I took up as recreation, was scuba diving. While still in training we had learned many techniques of safety and emergency procedures. The final step in our training was a deep dive on an airplane wreck a half mile offshore. There was no problem setting up and swimming out to the designed spot. However, while descending I had started to experience an increase of air flow through my regulator which made it difficult if not impossible to breath. At about 50 ft depth it was unbearable, I looked at my depth gauge I looked up to the surface at the extreme depth and then spilt out my regulator. When discharging my regulator, my mask broke free and filled up with sea water, which in turn, stung my eyes. I began to panic and was almost out of air. At this point in time I remembered my training and started to convince myself to be calm and think my way out of this.
gotten an air embolism and died. The instructor soon surfaced to check on me, and found that my regulator was stuck open due to sand. We reset the regulator and continued to dive on the wreck. During the entire dive, I had to reassure myself that every thing would be alright. Using that example, the training I received and acted upon would probably be considered operant learning behavior. In addition, I used cognitive decision making not to panic and reason myself out of a crisis situation, thereby demonstrating good coping skills.
Theory of Structure
My concept of the individual in relationship to structure is that of a holistic approach, similar to that referred to by Worthington (1997). It is holistic in that no one part of the individual can be affected without affecting the whole individual. That a problem with the body will affect a persons thinking or cognition, a persons feeling or affective reaction and their spirit or soul. An examples of this is, if the body is sick ones cognitive and affective parts are affected like depression. We can see this in Proverbs, where it states merry heart is medicine for the soul. Also stated in the book of James 2:15-16 “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, Depart in peace, be warmed and filled, but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?”(New King James Version) Without providing for the physical needs of that individual how could they be expected to be concerned about spiritual matters.
Version) In Luke 16:19-31 in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus we find the rich man upon his death in a place of torment, were he is caused to suffer for his life’s transgressions. One will notice that he is able to reason or think, is able to feel the pain of sorrow and emotions and also to feel the physical discomfort of pain and thirst; the five senses without the presence of his body.
From this parable and further research of Scriptures it is my belief that a persons soul or spirit is all that he/she is in essence, and that the body is also apart of the individual while living on earth.(see also Foa, & Kozak, 1997) God seems to recognize the whole individual, as including the body, because at some future point in time all saints will be given a new and glorious body., thus completing the individual for eternity. By the same token at the resurrection of the dead, all people who have died will be restored physically, be judged, and separated. This we see with the example of the sheep being separated from the goats. All will be given their eternal rewards of body and spirit.
Theory of Motivation
With reference to time, the past can be a motivation of behavior. Whether it be learned or a failure to learn appropriate behavior. A parent can model appropriate behavior and teach their children the proper conduct in society and life or may fail to teach them, which may result in immature growth and behavior as an adult. (Adams, 1974b; Aguilera, 1994; Craig 1996;
Ingersoll & Orr, 1993; Miller, 1989; Schlessinger, 1997; Winbush, 1993) A biblical Proverb 22 :6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”(New King James Version)
There are those in psychotherapy who ascribe to the unconscious and preconscious as a motivation to specific human behaviors. The author conceives people have free will and consciously choose to do or not to do something. Pop-Psychology wishes to focus ones problems, indiscretions, and faulty cognation’s on one’s unresolved past or unconscious thinking. (Adams, 1974b; Butle, Fennell, Robson & Gelder 1991; Ellis, 1997; Foa, & Kozak, 1997; Meichenbaum,1993; Thase, Reynolds, Frank, Simons, McGeary, Fasiczka, Garamoni, Jennings, & Kupfer, April 1994)This would not seem to follow the Genesis account of gaining the ability of good and evil and the ability to choose thereof. This ability to reason consciously (Isa 1:18) is viable and important to the healing process, in that the decision to do so, promotes the development of appropriate growth patterns for the future.
Theory of Development
The author does agree with Piaget and Erickson in their theories of personality developments. The Jewish physician and disciple, Luke, gives us insight on a biblical perspective of
torah, and is proclaimed with a traditional ceremony called Bar-Mitzvah. This would seem to match Piaget developmental stage of “Formal Operation.” (Aguilera, 1994; Craig, 1996) Something interesting to note and which may be a cause of some debate is in 2 Samuel 11:23 where David had caused Bathsheba to become pregnant and give birth to the child. God had judged that the baby should die and when the baby dies David says, “But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, [italics added] but he shall not return to me.”(New King James Version) The author believes the child had gone to God in heaven despite our sinful nature, the child was not yet able to reason, and therefore could not be held accountable. Also in the book of Romans it states that those who have not heard about Christ will be judged by there own standards of conduct and reasoning for good and evil. This would seem to indicate to the author a point of a developmental stage of reasoning and
accountability.
In looking at the passage in Luke chapter two we also find Jesus’ growth and physical and mental maturity was not complete, due to his continuing obedience to his parent, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (New King James Version). Jesus does not being his ministry until he is in his 30s. This could be considered Erickson’s seventh stage of development, adulthood, “Generative vs Stagnation.” Or being purposeful and productive.(Aguilera, 1994; Craig, 1996) Up to this point in time development growth was based upon self growth and learning to interact with other. In this stage (adulthood) one can now ask “What can I offer future generations.”
Theory or Individual Differences
genetical identical. Even in early biblical times, Genesis 11:1-9, after the flood, people became arrogant. At the Tower of Babel, God found it necessary to cause humanity to have a diversity of languages and cultures.
Men and women are profoundly different, not just in the physical realm but also in thinking and communications. That is why many marriage books are written concerning these differences. In the beginning when God created someone to be a help mate to Adam he did not create her
exactly like him. Imagine how boring it would have been for Adam to have someone exactly like himself, as someone once stated “Viva La Difference.”
Although men and women are clearly genetically different the big question is, Does genetics play a role in our difference and personalities. The answer to both would seem to be yes. Research predominantly shows that we are obviously all different genetically despite our standard 46 chromosomes. However, that genetics influence our personalities, is still open to scientific debate. Research does indicate that some genetics will influence some of our basic abilities, such as musical, athletic, or even intelligence (Downs, and Williamson
Syndrome).(Aguilera, 1994; Colt & Hollister 1998; Craig, 1996) The question is, does genetics influence anxiety, introversion and even homosexuality?
Despite the proponents of what behavioral genetics think, even they have to be honest and admit that your genes are not your destiny. In fact they realize that environment has as much to do with enhancing or retarding the gifts and abilities we have all been given. Whether one becomes a renowned musician or accomplished athlete probably would depend on upon practice, support of family, and available opportunities. (Adams, 1974a Colt & Hollister 1998; Craig, 1996; Ingersoll & Orr, 1993) A biblical reference to gifts in Matthew 25:14-30 is that the Creator has endowed each of us differently. It is parable of the three servants, one servant was given 5000 talents, another 2000, and another 1000. As the parable goes on, it clearly indicates that it is up to the individual free will to decide how he or she will take what God has given then and utilize it either for good or for evil.
Another example is the parable in Matthew chapter 13, of the seed being planted by the farmer. Some fell on the road and was quickly carried off by the birds, some on ground that grew up quickly and some in no moister, some in weed, and some on good and fertile ground. This parable was used to describe peoples various reactions upon hearing and/or not receiving the Word of God. The author’s belief is that no matter what we start out in life with or without, it does not give anyone the right to say that their reason for doing things, good or bad, is that it is in their genes. Rather it is the individual’s responsibility as a fully functioning adult, to live up to ethical and moral society standards. (Adams, 1974a; Adams, 1974b; Adams, 1974c; Adams, 1974d) The environment not genetics plays 50 percent if not more on personality development and behavior. (Colt & Hollister 1998; Craig, 1996; Schlessinger, 1997)
Hepburn whose characters name is Rosie, a missionary, looks up from her Bible and says eloquently, “We are put on the earth to rise above nature.” (p. 9)
Theory of Health
Aguilera (1994) gives a model of health, where a person starts off in what is a state of equilibrium. When a stressful event occurs, a state off disequilibrium occurs, which in turn requires a need to restore equilibrium. This would seem quite natural for human beings not wanting to feel pain or discomfort. This would seem a good motivator for change depending on the degree of stress and/or perception of the stimuli.
This brings us to the next step in her model, which has three balancing factors; “Realistic perception of the event, Adequate situational support” and, “Adequate Coping Mechanisms.” If all previous factors are adequate, it should result in resolution of the problem and cause
equilibrium to be regained. (Aguilera, 1994; Tan, 1987)
When referring to health, one cannot overlook the need for knowing what would be considered a healthy mental state. Again this seems to be one of those subjects always open to interpretations. If we go back to biblical reference we can start off in the Garden of Eden and see that people are created in the image of God. The components of this image would seem to be a basic model or frame to start from, for this model of health.
rich, multi-faceted reality, comprising acts, capacities, virtues, dispositions, and even emotions.” (p. 44)
Human beings do derive pleasure in the very act of resisting temptation, from not getting something, or someplace the easy way. Also it is profoundly satisfying to forgo immediate pleasure and benefit, for another person, at some expense to yourself without being conscious of it. One can chose to act like a human being with the ability to make choices, and acknowledging that the absence of hurt and discomfort is insufficient to give life meaning or purpose. When the choices in life are determined by virtue and values, you bring purpose, meaning, and integrity to it. (Schlessinger, 1997)
In view of this our capacity to reason and behave in a manner acceptable and pleasing to God, could be a considered a model of health. So too, is conforming to societal norms and morals, if they are in keeping with Gods principle of good and loving conduct i.e. “To love your neighbor as you would love your self. ” Not as a corrupt society such as Sodom and Gomorrah and others throughout history whose moral standards led to their own destruction and downfall. This is similar to individuals who go against their own Makers design of character and
conscious.
Murray Bowen has a concept of Societal Regression. Which means like the family, society contains within it opposing forces toward undifferentiation and toward individuation. Modern society’s decision making process is based on the affective level instead of the cognitive level.
on the basis of feelings and opt for short “Band-Aid” solutions.”(Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 1991)
The apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3:2-7 enlightens Timothy of what modern humanity will be like. Tragically it has come to pass in our day and age. Society’s narcissistic view has caused entire cultures to be fragmented, which inherently produces no support group for individuals or families under stress or seeking identity. Christian counseling has much to offer humanity today due to the fact that it is cross-culturally and time tested. (Adams, 1974a; Adams, 1974b; Adams, 1974d)
“First, there are those who assume that modernity is morally bankrupt and is, in fact the cause of personal and social ills. Culture has no resources for healing, emotional or moral… It is time for Christian therapists and pastoral counselors to be unabashedly honest about one of their most significant resources of healing: a culture-creating, liberating story. For us to be “up front” about our story is not moralistic or dogmatic. Various feminist, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics have been clear about their cultural story. In a pluralistic culture, to tell one’s story is not an imposition. In fact, not to “come clean” is professionally unethical. The uniqueness, coherence and particularity of our story is an asset, not a liability. It is time we unembarrassedly state that our culture point of departure for therapeutic process is the Christian story and that there will be some significant differences from other therapies which emerge in modernity. ” (Dueck, 1987)
Theory of Illness
Eden is were we will begin for our theory of illness. For the Biblical account it seems that man and woman were in complete harmony with each other, their environment and God. In an
attempt to distort God’s work, Satan enticed Eve into violating Gods command and in turn Adam did like wise.
This act of disobedience, a Moral evil, is what we call “sin.” This is a term not usually welcome in most Pop-Psychological circles. (Adams, 1974b) When God pronounced judgment, He not only judged both Adam and Eve but all of creation. We are now condemned for eventual destruction, death, and decay. After eating of the Fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, the eyes of men where opened but now he was subject to making decisions that had consequences and he was responsible for those consequences. (Adams, 1974a; Adams, 1974b; Adams, 1974c; Adams, 1974d)
Latter in the account we find Cain, a son of Adam, who was jealous of his bothers offering to God. Genesis 4: 6-7 quotes,
“So the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”(New King James Version)
Here we see that Cain has a choice to make, it is within his power to change and do what is right despite the temptation. He succumbs and does the dreadful act of murdering his brother. Like Cain everyday people everywhere are faced with choices constantly, and like Cain they have a choice to do what is right and to master sin. Not be a slave to it.
It is clear that humanity is a slave to sin in some fashion or another. Some of these forms of slavery are quite clear and obvious such as drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders,
Ellis, 1997; Foa, & Kozak, 1997; Meichenbaum, 1993; Thase, Reynolds, Frank, Simons, McGeary, Fasiczka, Garamoni, Jennings, & Kupfer, 1994) There are those forms that are not so obvious but can have equally devastating consequences, such as being a workaholic, greed, a love of things or of ones self and even love of another mans wife. The question however should be is sin the only reason for illness, even mental illness?
Jones and Butman (1991) suggest three types of Evils or ills of this world. Moral Evil, Natural Evil and Finitude Evil. Moral Evil has already been discussed. They go on to suggest that Natural evils are the cause of many of humanities problems. Some examples of these evils maybe evidenced in the following quote,
“Chemical brain imbalances appear to be predisposing factors in such disorders as manic-depressive illness...Not limited to biochemical problems, natural evil also occurs when people endure deprived or traumatic childhood environments and so suffer psychologically in adulthood for what they failed to receive as children.”(p. 52) Finitude Evil is that which is based upon our own human limitation of not being all-knowing, all-seeing, clairvoyant or able to predict the future. There is a paradox that can be seen Romans chapter 7,
wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”(New King James Version)
One can glean from this passage of Scripture, which we are unable to obey God perfectly and yet we are totally responsible for our disobedience. Jones and Butman (1991) give no
resolution to this matter, however, Schlessinger (1997) suggests that it is because we are in the image of God that we have the ability to overcome our natural tendencies and it is that which places us above all of the animal kingdom and makes us a reflection of our Creator.
Theory of Cure
Does having a problem actually require a cure? Erickson believes that is necessary to have a crisis or stressful event for the next stage of developmental maturity. (Aguilera, 1994; Craig, 1996) If a Zen-Buddhist turns into his own mental world does this necessarily constitute good mental health? (Jones, & Butman, 1991) Dr. Hawkins, (1987) uses a verse from
Ecclesiastes to show that there are situations in life that have no cure or fix, like divorce, loss of a loved one or child, “What is crooked cannot be made straight, And what is lacking cannot be numbered.”(New King James Version)
attempt restitution. (Adams, 1974a)This can be a lengthy and painful process. By the same token a bereaved parent or spouse and even a divorced individual may need time to properly grieve the lost and not be forced to be restored immediately. (Aguilera, 1994; Tan, 1987; Tan, 1987;
Worthington, 1989, 1997)
Job was a biblical figure who lost his family his fortune and his health. His friends and even wife were of no comfort to him, and despite all these sorrows he found no fault with God, in fact his following statement show us this, “Then his wife said to him, Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die! But he said to her, You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity? In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” (New King James Version) This indicates to the author strength of character despite grief and sorrow. As stated before grief can be healthy and a necessary part of life when dealing with life’s unexplained tragedies.
All counselors deal with the question, “Why does this happen to me, or Why is this happening to me?" Christian counselors have much to draw from in scripture, such as the Epistle of 1 Peter. Sometimes bosses, employers, and even bureaucrats can be sources of much grief and conflict. In 1 Peter 3:18-24, Peter says to submit, and uses Jesus as an example. Submission to authority is difficult at best for most people. Yet, Peter in verse 12 is tells us God misses nothing. The question arises, Is God sovereign? Jay Adams (Adams, 1993) shares this. “All problems have solutions; every blighting effect of evil will be erased and all wrong righted.”
“Yes, it has always been that way; the sovereignty of God is the ultimate truth that meets human needs. That is why pastoral counselors, above all men, must believe this truth and search out its implications of each and every counseling situation…that is why today, in the midst of many modern crises that individuals and families undergo, the pastoral counselor who mostly assuredly affirms the sovereignty of God will bring the most significant help of all. Freudian fatalism, Rogerian humanism and Skinnerian
evolutionary theory all fall woefully short of this help. Nothing less than this truth can satisfy the longing heart or calm the troubled soul.” (Adams, 1993)
The gospel of Luke Chapter 5:12-15 describes a man full of leprosy who, upon seeing Jesus fell on his face, and asked him, “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me Clean.” Jesus put forth his hand, touched him and said, “I will be thou clean,” (King James Version) and the man was healed. The culture of the time made it forbidden for anyone to have contact with such a one as this case. However, having compassion and empathy for someone in such desperate need is a great example of counseling today’s clients with AIDS. (Aguilera, 1994)
In Luke 5: 27-32 again Jesus calls forth a publican, named Levi. Levi is a tax collector who even in today’s society, would be considered a pariah. In the days of Jesus they were two-fold sinners in that they collected taxes for the Roman empire and made money from their brother Jews. In verse 29:
King James Version)
Jesus not only uses a little Gestalt therapy on the Pharisees but proves His goal to remove blockage and restore the relationship even between God and the human race. We know that all of creation and all of humanity is tainted due to sin. Every human being because of Adam’s fall has a sinful nature. This nature not only separates us from God but affects our interpersonal
relationships with each other. (Adams, 1974a; Adams, 1974b; Adams, 1974c; Adams, 1974d) What is the solution?
Going back to the pervious verse, Jesus calls to the sinners. Who are theses sinners, who are those who need the Great Physician or a Wonderful Counselor (Isa 9:6; see also Adams, 1974a). Psalm 14: 1-3, Psalm 53: 2-3 and the Epistle of Paul to the Romans in chapter 3 give this grim statement,
“As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” (New King James Version)
Adams, 1974d)
Therapeutic Techniques Assessment
Worthington (1989, 1997) presents an outline of his therapeutic process of Assessment, Change, and Termination. First the assessment phase has several elements; such as to solicit information about the client, who they are, why there are calling and what the initial perceived problem is. Once a decision to see the client is made and an appropriate time set, the next step in the assessment process is establishing the relationship with the client. Without some connection or rapport no healing can begin.
Christian therapists need to be “relationship specialists” (Kottler & Brown, 1992). Jesus was the example of this in the gospel of Matthew. From the Sermon on the Mount most people learn of the “Golden Rule,” “do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Guiding, educating, helping and encouraging again in Luke Chapter 24:13-35, the Lord Jesus Christ displays those characteristic of a Wonderful Counselor. Two men were traveling to a village called Emmaus, from Jerusalem, and they were talking about all these things that had happened. While they were together, Jesus drew near, and walked with them [italics added] but they did not know it was him. First he asks a good opening question: “He said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?”(King James Version) The men go on to explain the events of the past few days. Jesus being a wise counselor begins educating them and encourages them with quotes from scriptures, although they are grieving.
others based upon age of the client, time available, the level of competency and needs. Part of the assessment is to determine the past in relationship to the current problem(s). (Kaplan &
Saccuzzo, 1993) There is a need to determine the level of religiosity even if the individual has no religious beliefs. This will help in learning how to pursue a course of spiritual healing.
(Dougherty, & Worthington, 1982; Johnson, & Ridley, 1992; McWhirter, 1989; Worthington, & Gascoyne, 1985)
Perception of what a Christian counselor is or does is an important facet within our initial interview with a prospective client. (Dougherty, & Worthington, 1982; Johnson, & Ridley, 1992 McWhirter, 1989; Worthington, & Gascoyne, 1985) The first concern of a counselor is; does the client really care if it is Christian therapy? Research by Wyatt & Johnson (1990) indicates a positive correlation between those clients willing to see counselors with Christian belief and those counselors with agnostic views.
approach to sessions?
“Many non evangelicals and evangelicals therapist untrained in spiritual guidance lack the skills necessary to conduct such a therapy. However, when therapist widen their approach through study, consultation and practice they are better prepared to understand and manage inseparableness of evangelic Christianity and family life situations…It is necessary to become familiar with families’ interpretations of Christianity and biblical teachings and their desire to conform to their ideologies…Many Christian families desire a Christian therapist, believing that a Christian therapist would understand and identify with critical belief structures that are central to their existence, and would provide
leadership in finding biblical solutions…Although actual behaviors may be different than desired ,evangelical families have perceptions of ideal goals which they strive to achieve that are based on their perception of biblical teachings.” (DiBlasio, 1988)
The final part of the assessment phase, once the problem is identified, is to create a treatment plan before every session, set an agenda, and also establish a team approach with the client to solve the problem. If there is more than one problem, then determine which problems the client would be willing to work on and where they would get the most benefit from the time allotted. An agreement with the client on how many sessions to be conducted, goals to
accomplish with a commitment to comply with weekly homework assignments is quite important. Having the client take ownership of their own problem(s) and recovery is the goal which will enable the client to have a successful outcome. (Johnson, & Ridley, 1992; Tan, 1987)
The assessment phase is usually the first two sessions, the next phase is considered the change phase which may include the next 10 to 20 sessions, usually conducted weekly
used not by just cognitive-behavioral therapist but others theories as well. Change
When a client has a problem such as depression, a counselor could use, “Becks Treatment of Depression.” With a child who has nocturnal enuresis or autism, one might try behavioral therapy techniques. Jones and Butman (1991) suggest the Pragmatic Eclecticism as being a style that reduces the practitioner to being a technician or using a cookbook approach. The author believes that each individual’s problems or needs are Idiographic, based upon the notion that no two lives or perceptions are the same. If Operant Learning techniques are usually successful for nocturnal enuresis, then it should be the first technique to start with. (Butle, Fennell, Robson, & Gelder, 1991; Ellis, 1997; Foa, & Kozak, 1997; Jones, & Butman, 1991; Meichenbaum, 1993; Tan, 1987; Thase, Reynolds, Frank, Simons, McGeary, Fasiczka, Garamoni, Jennings, & Kupfer, 1994)
However, techniques will be based on the client’s uniqueness and the counselor’s
personality, in order to motivate and communicate effective change. What a counselor believes is important whether or not the counselor is aware of it. (Johnson, & Ridley, 1992) One’s views and values will show up in spite of the ethical implications.
express his or her values. When therapists believe that the therapy relationship or process will improved by explicitly acknowledging their values and beliefs, they can do so. Such values should be clearly labeled there own.”(Patterson, 1989)
Other techniques used predominately by Cognitive-Behavioralist are Role Playing, Shaping, Modeling, Tokens and Token Economies, Imagery and the use of Metaphors.(Butle, Fennell, Robson, & Gelder, 1991; Ellis, 1997; Foa, & Kozak, 1997; Meichenbaum, 1993; Rosenak, & Harnden, 1992; Tan, 1987; Thase, Reynolds, Frank, Simons, McGeary, Fasiczka, Garamoni, Jennings, & Kupfer, 1994) The use of symbolism and metaphors in Jesus’ counseling and teachings seem to be a significant tool for the therapist to use to encourage permanent behavior change by universal recognition.(Adams, 1974b; Johnson, & Ridley, 1992)
“Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us? So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon! And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.”(New King James Version)
compassion for the people in need. “Salvation of course is the primary function ascribed to Jesus Christ in the Scriptures. Christ’s message was a promise of salvation and healing, a healing of physical, spiritual, and psychological pain.” (Polyson, Herrema, & Barrow, 1988)
A type of technique the author is comfortable with is confrontation, similarly use by Gestalt therapists. Before such actions are to be explored, a solid relationship with client would be established first so as to convey an Agape love for the client and not one of self righteousness. (Johnson, & Ridley, 1992; Rosenak, & Harnden, 1992; Tan, 1987) Confrontation may be
necessary with denial such as substance abuse or sexual offenders. Schlessinger (1997) goes on to reinforce this concept,
“As I mentioned before, therapist might benefit their client’s growth by introducing “principles,” i.e., values and basic morals (issues of right and wrong actions), into the therapeutic process. It is more humanizing to hold individuals accountable for the hurt they cause than to forgive them their continuing transgressions because they “hurt,” or to postpone changing actions until they really understand their historical pain.”
(Schlessinger, 1997, p. 164)
“If the offending person repents, then they will be received back into the group thus healing the victim and the offender...First, Ending the negative behavior is enormously important for the well being of the victim, but the victim needs to move on to forgiveness if the cycle of interior violence (resentment, anger, etc.) is to be healed…Second, there is concern for the offender who has been loved (“owned”) while his or her destructive behavior has been disowned … But the conviction of sin is through understanding and love not through denunciation” (Donnelly, 1984).
Termination
The last part of the phase is termination, which usually takes place the last 2 to 5
sessions. During this phase, ambivalence with the client about ending therapy would probably be alleviated if prior to this time the client is reminded of the impending termination to counseling halfway through Change Phase. The session during this phase will usually start to spread out from twice a month to once a month. A follow up will be conducted at a six month interval and one year after counseling, to see if the client has progressed and if further treatment is necessary. Finally the Counselor
Taking care of a client is as important as it is to take care of ones own mental health on a regular basis. What about the counselor, does not this person experience at times mental anguish and even burnout? Would a counselor with less than optimal mental faculties be able to serve their client effectively? Proverbs 27:17 is wise advice for all practicing counselors, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”(King James Version) Counselors seeing other counselors or therapists periodically seems to be necessary and beneficial and a wise check and balance.
significantly related to their ability in their professional role…result in some of the benefits:
● An increase in emotional health of the therapist
● A deepened understanding of intra- and interpersonal functioning and increased self-awareness
● A decrease of therapeutic blind spots
● An increase in the therapist’s personal conviction about the ability of therapy to work
● An increase respect for the role of the client
● A mechanism to provide role models for therapist
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