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Brief Christian Therapy Assignment
This course study has caused more prayerful consideration on my part. As I examine the
skills that need to be incorporated into Christian counseling, I have cried out to the Lord, ‘is this
really your choice for me?’. Am I ready for all these new considerations that I’m reading
about?’ I see counseling in a new light. I do believe I am called to be a counselor, so even
though I am nervous, I still want to serve in this way. I will diligently study the roadmap
provided and hope these ingredients will equip me to be a skilled spirit-led counselor. The
scripture tells us in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (King James Bible, 1769/2017)
Upon examining the components that are integrated into the ten sessions and what I may find
challenging, the third session comprising of treatment planning stands out for me. I have heard
many stories of misdiagnosis, and this is the area I believe would challenge me the most. It will
take experience and time to gain confidence that I am making the right diagnosis and even when
to defer a diagnosis. Our textbook states “Continual prayer for wisdom, discernment, guidance”
(Clinton et al.,2005.p.89) is needed in this session. My plan is to combat this inexperience of
mine with prayer and fasting because I don’t want to second guess myself or be double minded
about whatever course of treatment, I think will best help my client.
Another session component I am concerned about is managing frustration with clients. Our
textbook states "counselors are not immune to countertransference issues and react to client traits
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and behavior with annoyance and avoidance or denial”. (Clinton et al.,2005. p.91) I could be
placed in a setting where I did not realize I would become annoyed, and I would never want to
reflect that type of negative feeling toward a client. I also want to continue to remain Christ-like,
so that I am providing a good example for my clients. I just don’t know how this particular
assessment is made in advance and I will need to learn more about how to ascertain my limits.
Would I be able to work with an abusive person and not feel triggered by the abuse of my past?
There are some questions I will need to find the answer to so that I can possibly curtail becoming
frustrated with my clients.
One component I feel will be utilized well is Trust building. I truly do care for people and
that comes from my heart. When people sense how much you care they find it easy to relax and
open their feelings up to you. I have always been that person that lingered with people and
winded up hearing stories that were not told to anyone else. I consider myself privileged to be a
listening ear and a confidant to people. I don’t tell people secrets and I have always treated
information that was given to me as something to guard as unto the Lord. This will prove very
valuable in the process of establishing rapport with a client in a crisis situation.
Another component that will be like my current role on my job is remaining empathetic and
involved with my clients "amid a long day of sessions” (Clinton et al.,2005.p.91) In my role as a
Manager, I conduct coaching sessions with all members of my team. It can be very draining, but
I do not allow them to see it when I go into the meeting. I put on a fresh smile after praying for
strength. I am gaining practice for my future counseling clients even though the role will be very
different.
Although I am still nervous and I may continue to be nervous, I think this will ensure I walk
in humility. As I lean on the Lord and remain willing to learn and grow through this process, I
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believe he will equip me for this role. I am reminded of the scripture found in Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (King James Bible, 1769/2017)
References
Clinton, T., Hart, A. D., & Ohlschlager, G. (Eds.). (2005). Caring for people
God’s way: A new guide for Christian counseling. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
King James Bible. (2017). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/
(Original work published 1769)
