Couples Counseling
Life is all about finding the proper ethical way of living. There can be many ethical
challenges and concerns when properly executing the endeavors of life. Not everyone has the
same moralistic values. (Sanders, 2013) explains that within the confines of Christian counseling
dealing particularly with couple’s, ethical challenges such as competence, responsibility,
confidentiality, and integrity may arise and create concern.
Skills that are needed when effectively counseling couples include, but are not limited to,
knowledge, communication, confidentiality, and integrity to name a few. Lack of knowledge can
create barriers and ineffective counseling. It is vitally important to not accept a counselee if their
problems are beyond your education and experience. In accordance with the article (Hook &
Worthington, 2009) on Christian couples counseling, it is perceived that professional counselors
and pastoral counselors have a better competence in handling such spiritual and relational
matters than those of the lay counseling cloth. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to proper
education.
When it comes to discovering abuse in the context of counseling, the counselor needs to
evaluate and recognize potential dangers. If the couple is willing to work together, repent to each
of their own sins, forgive and reconcile back to each other, then mental and emotional traumas
will heal properly. (Sanders, 2013) recommends that there needs to be some form of spiritual
coping methods and religious community support involved in abuse victims of either side. This
can take lots of time, and nothing is out of reach of power with God. When it comes down to
abuse that can be dangerous and couples are unwilling to be reconciled (Sanders, 2013) writes
that confidentiality may be broken if the following three are presented in counseling. First is
clear and present danger to themselves and others (Sanders, 2013). Second, the means of
confidentiality can be broken if the law requires it (Sanders, 2013). Finally, a client may waive
his or her rights to confidentiality (Sanders, 2013).
Lay counselors need to refer their respective clients out to other sources when their
education and experience precedes the clients spiritual, mental, and emotional needs. This will
prevent negative impacts like false teaching and unassured competence from happening.
There can be many rewards when it comes to properly guiding couples through a
counseling process. For myself, the reward would be watching the Holy Spirit of the living God
use me as a vessel to reconcile a marriage and bring people even closer to him through his
inerrant word and guiding spirit. The covenant of marriage to Father God is one of the most
important covenants that he has created for mankind.
Children’s Counseling
When it comes to counseling children there are a few ethical concerns and challenges that
are associated with counseling. (Sanders, 2013) explains that these ethical issues can become
quite complex due to the parameters of the law, developmental issues of the child, and the child’s
understanding of stated purpose of treatment in their PCP (Personal-Centered Plan) or FCP
(Family-Centered Plan). These are just to name a few. Other issues involve confidentiality,
mandated reporting of abuse and neglect, dual relationships, informed consent and privacy
comments (Sanders, 2013).
To execute counseling of children properly one must have the skill set of communicating,
observing, and creating trust between counselor and child (National University, 2021). One who
engages in child counseling is engaging in children who can potentially be abuse victims, have
disorders and even exhibit behaviors that are unhealthy. So, proper training and techniques must
be learned to help find the best solution that benefits the child and parents.
If child abuse is discovered in the sessions of counseling it is imperative and mandatory
for the counselor to properly report said crimes of abuse so action may be taken, and the child
escapes further abuse.
A lay counselor should refer to more competent counselors when their own biased
opinions start to be displayed, a stronger voice is needed so sides are not taken and when there
seems to be multiple relationship ensued (Sanders, 2013). According to (Zust et al., 2017)
counselors of all kinds have come to a positive consensus that says we need to refer to someone
who is better equipped because I am not expert in what my client is dealing with. Remember that
proper preparation prevents poor performance.
The most rewarding thing that I can thank of when it comes to counseling children is that
fact that I can do it biblically and help guide and teach them in the way to go for the Lord God
almighty.
References
Sanders, R. K. (2013). Christian counseling ethics: A handbook for psychologists, therapists and
pastors (2nd ed.). Intervarsity Press Academic. Pgs. 158-216
Hook, J. N., & Worthington, E. L. (2009). Christian couple counseling by professional, pastoral,
and lay counselors from a protestant perspective: A nationwide survey. The American journal
of family therapy, 37(2), 169–183. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926180802151760
National University. (2021, June 1). Essential skills needed for a child psychologist. National
University. https://www.nu.edu/blog/what-it-takes-to-be-a-child-psychologist/
Zust, B. L., Housley, J., & Klatke, A. (2017). Evangelical Christian pastors’ lived experience of
counseling victims/survivors of domestic violence. Pastoral psychology, 66(5), 675–687.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-017-0781-1
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
