reply 506 reply 2
Amy Elrod
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The challenges for confronting sin during a counseling session would be: make sure that the counselor does no harm to the client by asking what is in the best interest of the client with the confrontation, not act out in anger or with an attitude if the client is not compliant or argumentative, utilization of the power dynamic with the client, and lead the client to a redemptive and restorative relationship with God (Brewer, n.d). Without the incorporation of spirituality in session, the client is not seeking a relationship or need to heal their brokenness through Christ. Instead, confession may lead them to simply want to be told that they will be okay, feel more shame and remorse, or rely too heavily on the counseling relationship instead of taking personal responsibility for improvement. If the client's attribution style is that of psychology or external, it would steer the client away from owning their responsibility for their actions and want others to pity them for being the victim.
It is not recommended that a counselor use direct censure since it can pose a significant risk to the clinical relationship and the rapport that has been achieved. It is also possible for the counselor to perverse the power dynamic by thinking that he/she is superior to the obvious neglect and lack of improvement in Jim's case. This is probably a man that does not respond well to being berated and may very well put up a wall or switch to another counselor if shamed. McMinn states that the "counseling relationship works well when it mimics the redemptive relationship experienced with God through Jesus" (McMinn, 2011). Jesus knew that Judas and Peter would betray Him, but He sat with them and ate his final meal beforehand. We are to show this same type of love to others.
A caution that I think counselors consistently overlook is the humility aspect of counseling. It is so easy for anyone to judge another based on their sin, but what we all tend to forget is a sin is a sin is a sin. Jesus wasn't excepting of certain sins nor did He rate them from least to worst. We all sin every single day and sometimes without purpose and to God any sin is forgivable and every person worth love and forgiveness. It could be relatively simple for a counselor to draw their own assumptions about a lifestyle or perversion that was not their own, in addition to, being more educated and knowledgeable could lead to an air of arrogance and dismissal of the client's underlying need.
Jim may see nothing wrong with his behaviors if he is modeling his parents actions or has an attribution style of being the victim and helpless; maybe his world view is he was born bad and cannot be any different. Or maybe he feels as if he is so far gone, what would be the point of trying to change now. Instead of being another condemning nag to Jim, I would get his consent to introduce spirituality into his sessions and show him, through Scripture, that an unconditionally loving and compassionate parent did exist and He wanted to be a huge part of Jim's life. I would use the pondering and questioning aspects of confrontation as McMinn described. I would reiterate the fact that we are ALL sinners, but we all have the capacity to determine our paths in life with God as our pilot. I would also refer Jim to a mental health medication clinic to be evaluated for an underlying mental disorder that may be driving his substance abuse and impulsive, risky behaviors. In session, he and I would work through the fact that everyone chooses their actions and everyone reaps the consequences. He may have had problem parenting, but he could change that cycle with parenting support and faulty thinking changes. If Jim was suffering from alcoholism or an opioid addiction, I would refer him for detox before continuing counseling sessions.
Brewer, G., & Peters, C. (n.d.). COUN 506, Week 7, Lectures 1 & 2. Sin, Confession, and Redemption in Counseling & Counseling Methods Related to Confrontation and Confession. [PowerPoint]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Online.
McMinn, M.R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling (Rev. ed.) Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House.
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