PACO 500
LECTURE NOTES: SOLUTION-BASED SHORT-TERM PASTORAL COUNSELING
HANDOUT
Note: In order to complete the Discussions: Solution-based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling
Phases assignments, remain closely connected to this handout, required readings, lectures, and
previous learning activities. For future reference, journal on this handout as you engage subject
matter.
Aim to become very familiar with all content and websites as soon as possible. You are expected
to draw upon this framework and integrate pertinent insights from ALL required course materials
into each thread (see Course Schedule and Discussion Guidelines & Rubric).
All of PACO 500’s readings and learning activities attempt to provide language and skills for
becoming an effective and efficient people-helper. As a required resource, this handout provides
a rationale for using Solution-based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling along with an overview of
its counseling process and skills for developing related competencies.
1. In what ways does a solution-based, short-term strategy become a value-added to a student-
minister’s counseling experience?
Solution-based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling uses a collaborative methodology to
align with God’s intentions (Kollar, 2011, p. 57). In the process of understanding the
problem/issue affecting the care-seeker’s life, the student-counselor will come to realize
that s/he is not the game-changer. Instead, the collaborative relationship (i.e., the
counselor, counselee, Word of God, and Wonderful Counselor) utilized empowers
“relocation” (i.e., a purposeful process of moving from where one is to where one needs
to be under the dominion and direction of a well-defined guiding purpose statement;
Rice, 2005).
oIn no fashion is a problem or issue ignored or minimized; in fact, the opposite is
true. Problem description requires teamwork. Kollar (2011) identifies the action
of problem description, goal formulation, and vision clarification as a co-creative
methodology between the Holy Spirit, counselor, and counselee (p. 57).
oIn the first phase of the counseling process, the student-counselor is prompted to
actively listen to the Holy Spirit and counselee. This timely partnership enhances
the counselor’s ability to understand the problem being described. That is, to
“get” what it is, when it is most often and least often present, and how it threatens
who or what is important to the care-seeker.
oWhen a problem is satisfactorily understood, a goal/solution may be
collaboratively developed along with a describable, measurable, and repeatable
plan of action to move out and away from the problem.
oThe Solution-based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling process does not assume the
care-seeker can move toward the goal alone. Upon finding the keys to solution,
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effort is made to identify and secure partners to support care-seeker’s forward
progress.
Unlike problem-focused approaches which require more time, Solution-based, Short-term
Pastoral Counseling manages the counseling process effectively and efficiently with its
brief (e.g., 3–5 sessions), time-limited (e.g., 50–90-minute time frame per session),
focused (e.g., identifiable phases within the counseling process; see “Hawkins Analysis
Grid” and “Core Competency Two: Developing Your Style to Connect with People” –
Chapter 3 in Dr. Younce’s dissertation below) boundaries.
Solution-based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling challenges the student-minister to rethink
existing paradigms and to value each care-seeker as a fellow image-bearer. This
reflection often cultivates the essential interpersonal skills (i.e., empathetic, considerate,
authentic) to flex with a care-seeker’s fallen-ness without compromising truth and grace.
As with any effective people-helping strategy, a significant emphasis is placed on
interpersonal skill development. Solution-based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling learning
activities provide students with language to discuss what makes them tick and become
ticked off. Gaining language to describe human behavior, along with corresponding
people-helping skills, facilitates rapport building and cultivates a context for change.
Solution-based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling challenges each student-minister to
operate under the authority of the Word of God, in the power of the Holy Spirit, within a
community of accountability for the purpose of intentionally pursing the imitation of
Christ and moving others toward faith in and imitation of Christ.
Take this discussion further and review a fellow Liberty University student’s doctoral
dissertation which captured much of Solution-based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling’s
competency based approach, “The Significance of Developing Core Counseling
Competencies in Pastoral Care Ministry.” This is available in the Learn section of
Module 4: Week 4. Alternatively, you can access the article via this web address:
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/488/.
2. Are we to assume that similar theoretical monikers such as solution-focused brief therapy
and Kollar’s (2011) solution-focused pastoral counseling are just different names for this
course’s Solution-Based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling?
Not at all! Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is a secular theory which primarily houses
solution-focused and brief therapy approaches, both of which are secular theories. The use of
“solution-based” rather than “solution-focused” permits us to move away from a “one theory
serves all” orientation and meaningfully develop an eclectic (i.e., wise integration of
contributions from other theories such as cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive
behavioral therapy, strategic therapy, etc.; see Kollar’s chapter 18 discussion of theories and
tasking) and biblically responsible counseling approach that goes beyond Kollar’s primary
focus on behavior.
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The goal of Solution-Based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling seeks to resource the helping
relationship under the dominion and direction of a guiding purpose--being and becoming
more like Christ in every relational context. This approach is soundly informed by the Word
of God, conspicuously enriched by truth, grace, mercy, and assertive wisdom, empowered by
the person and work of the Holy Spirit, and effectively managed within a faith-based
community of accountability.
Solution-based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling addresses the needs of the whole person and
acknowledges our profoundly fallen human condition. Additionally, it asserts that the
ultimate source of profound change/healing is the redemptive work of our God and Savior
Jesus Christ. Correspondingly, as commentary is received from various disciplines, all
material is carefully sifted and sorted through a biblical lens. Therefore, it is essential to
understand that PACO 500 uses a Solution-Based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling process
rather than a solution-focused process.
3. What are the distinctive features in our Solution-based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling
strategy?
Markers useful for locating one’s self within the fluidity of the counseling session are
identified as distinctive features: purpose, goal, chief aim, role/responsibility, behavioral
position, and guiding assumptions.
Phase One Purpose: Get the Care-seeker’s Present Story (Session One)
oGoal: Problem description
oChief Aim: Listen Well
oRole/responsibility: Counselor builds rapport/demonstrates fit (i.e., via attentive
listening, counselor identifies with and validates concerns)>Counselee
talks>Counselor actively listens for Counselee’s description/understanding of life
with the problem
oBehavioral Positions: attending, blaming, or willing
oGuiding Assumption(s)?
Memorize Kollar’s Guiding Assumptions. Just like with Scripture, the Holy
Spirit can bring these truth-based principles to mind at just the right time (Jn.
14:26).
Consider this Pastoral Counselor’s dilemma: Care-seeker is awfulizing and
seems stuck in a going nowhere cycle. What do I need to remember? “God is
already active in the counselee” and “Finding exceptions help create
solutions” (Kollar, 2011, p. 62–67). The care-seeker is so stuck s/he cannot
see God’s previous involvement. I need to look for clues of God’s
involvement. Finding exceptions to the problem will likely reveal a coping
skill that has been overlooked.
Key Insight to Remember: Until you are invited into the Care-seeker’s world and commit
to counseling, you must remain in Phase One. If you are invited, do make sure that you
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can commit and have the assurance that you are fit and able to do good and no harm. If
there is any doubt, it would be wise to refer to another people helper. Counselee remains
in Phase One as long as s/he is in attending position. A blamer can move forward but will
be a “lamer” until a realistic perspective can be gained. Once a truth-based reality can be
developed, the lamer will become a gamer and move toward responsibility and the
willing position.
Phase Two Purpose: Develop the Care-seeker’s Preferred Story/Solution (Session Two)
oGoal: Goal formulation
oChief Aim: Collaborate well
oRole/responsibility: Counselor builds rapport/demonstrates fit (i.e., via attentive
listening, counselor identifies with and validates concerns)>Counselee sets the
direction and Counselor tacks with counselee’s process and collaboratively tests
counselee’s notions for reality/do-ability
oBehavioral position: must achieve a willing position
oGuiding Assumption(s)?
Memorize Kollar’s Guiding Assumptions. Just like with Scripture, the Holy
Spirit can bring these truth-based principles to mind at just the right time (Jn.
14:26).
Key Insight to Remember: Counselee is not in a willing position and ready to move into
Phase 3 until a goal has been satisfactorily described and developed. The Miracle
Question is a timely collaborative tool to cultivate a forward look with life without the
problem.
Preferred Story/Solution is shaped by the Common Sense Test: Counselor will foster
solution-based perspectives when focused on Kollar’s (2011/1997) basic tenets:
Tenet One – “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!”
Tenet Two – “Once you know what works, do more of it!”
Tenet Three – “If it’s not working, do something different!” (pp. 82–84)
Phase Three Purpose: Clarify and Execute Action Plan (Session Three)
oGoal: Vision (i.e., goal) Clarification
oChief Aim: Execute well
oRole/Responsibility: Counselor builds rapport/demonstrates fit (i.e., via attentive
listening, counselor identifies with and validates concerns)>Counselor and
Counselee actively participate in building hope and supporting forward progress
oBehavioral position: forward progress requires a willing position to be maintained
oGuiding Assumption(s)?
Memorize Kollar’s Guiding Assumptions. Just like with Scripture, the Holy
Spirit can bring these truth-based principles to mind at just the right time (Jn.
14:26).
Key Insight to Remember: Small concrete steps lead to small changes which eventually
generate bigger changes. As forward progress is achieved, consolidate it with supportive
feedback. Be prepared to use the supportive feedback technique as well as other Solution-
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based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling core skills when the sameness of life is
encountered, resistance is experienced or expressed, and relapse is likely. It would be
wise to collaboratively think about supporting the change process with accountability.
This notion may become part of tasking after the break.
Helping Strategy must pass the Common Sense Test: Counselor will cultivate a solution-
based paradigm when focused on Kollar’s (2011/1997) basic tenets:
Tenet One – “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!”
Tenet Two – “Once you know what works, do more of it!”
Tenet Three – “If it’s not working, do something different!” (pp. 82–84)
Phase Four Purpose: Connect Care-seeker to Community (Session Four)
oGoal: Consolidate and Support Change
oChief Aim: Connect well
oRole/Responsibility: Counselee commits to a community of accountability
directed at preferred story during & after the process of dishabituation of
unhealthy patterns and re-habituation of healthy patterns. Counselor reinforces
commitment to change through supportive feedback and by arranging
accountability through pastoral care and small group ministries in soul-care
context.
oBehavioral position: willingness and forward progress are maintained through
meaningful support
oGuiding Assumption(s)?
Memorize Kollar’s Guiding Assumptions. Just like with Scripture, the Holy
Spirit can bring these truth-based principles to mind at just the right time (Jn.
14:26).
Key Insight to Remember: Be proactive with efforts to successfully disengage. If you
prepare ahead of time to meaningfully connect with responsible community, s/he will
likely maintain forward progress.
How will you evaluate a “successful disengagement” from the counseling scenario? If the
counselee comments more on what he was able to accomplish with the resources
provided, rather than you, then s/he is probably moving out and away from the problem
with a high level of ownership. However, as you disengage, do not disconnect as pastoral
care will continue to be needed to maintain forward progress.
Accountability must continue to reinforce the Common Sense Test: Appreciative
helpers/hopers need to foster solution-based perspective and practice Kollar’s
(2011/1997) basic tenets:
Tenet One – “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!”
Tenet Two – “Once you know what works, do more of it!”
Tenet Three – “If it’s not working, do something different!” (pp. 82–84)
4. Do we have to create our own guiding assumptions or can we adopt/adapt Kollar’s Guiding
Assumptions?
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It would be wise to start with Kollar’s nine guiding assumptions (chapter 7). To create an
appreciation for each assumption, write a brief explanation describing what it means to you.
A pertinent example would help anchor the assumption as well. Consider Kollar’s discussion
of remaining in agreement with the intent of the Holy Spirit. Assumptions are part of our
Solution-based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling methodology for co-creating perspectives,
solutions, and strategies in session with the Holy Spirit, counselor, and counselee (Kollar,
2011, p. 57).
Other assumptions to consider from Competent Christian Counseling (2002, p. 351)
1. All people are created in the image of God and, as his image bearers, have infinite value
and worth.
2. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
3. For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in
him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16, WEB).
4. The most effective pastoral counseling takes into account the whole person: body, soul,
and spirit.
5. Different approaches can be helpful with different kinds of people struggling with
different kinds of problems.
6. People have various strengths and resources to help them solve their problems.
7. Small changes are all that are necessary. Small changes lead to large changes. A change
in one part of a system usually leads to a change in other parts of the system.
8. Problems are solved; people are not cured.
9. Change is inevitable, growth is optional
5. In what ways might we apply insights from Clinton & Hawkins’ Quick Reference Guide in
the Solution-based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling structure?
Look at the section labeled “Using the Quick Reference Guide to Biblical Counseling” (pp.
10-11).
Phase One: Getting the Present Story (Consider: Prayer Starter; Portraits; Definitions & Key
Thoughts; Assessment)
Phase Two: Developing the Preferred Story (Consider: Prayer Starter; Assessment; Wise
Counsel; Biblical Insights)
Phase Three: Clarifying and Executing the Action Plan (Consider: Prayer Starter; Wise
Counsel; Action Steps; Biblical Insights; Recommended Resources)
Phase Four: Consolidating and Supporting Change (Consider repeating Phase Three
application)
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6. What are the key skills most often associated with Solution-based, Short-term Pastoral
Counseling?
In addition to insights gleaned from Nichols’ Masterpiece (2017), Petersen’s (2015) Why
Don’t We Listen Better? and Kollar’s (2011) Solution Focused Pastoral Counseling, consider
accessing the following web resources by copying the links into the address bar of your
browser:
THE ART OF TRIAGE AND REFERRAL
Title Web Link
Three C's of Pastoral Counseling - Dr.
Cynthia Eriksson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBfnKM7xb28
Pastoral Counseling: The Art of
Referral
https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/2002/09/pastoral-
counseling-the-art-of-referral.html
LISTENING SKILLS
Topic Title Web Link
SOLER Active Listening
Through Body
Language
http://healthpsychologyconsultancy.wordpress.com/
2011/08/25/active-listening-through-body-language/
Active
Listening
Example
Counselling – Active
Listening Skills
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0eYhY5DUEY
Paraphrasing
Example
Paraphrasing: A Type
of Active Listening
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ4u4jgZ7Jo
Paraphrasing
Example
Listening Skills
Paraphrasing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhCggSecq_0
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TECHNIQUES
In addition to Kollar’s (2011) tracking questions (chapters. 10, 11), feedback process (chapters
12, 13), always be mindful of the counseling mnemnic: MECStat (i.e., Miracle Question;
Exceptions to the problem; Coping skills; Scaling questions; the supportive feedback break –
time-out, affirmation, tasking). This memory device will highlight Kollar’s presentation of core
techniques (chapter 15: Not Knowing & Yes Set; Miracle Question; Scaling; Exceptions;
Compliments; the Break).
Title Web Link Additional Context
Solution-focused Therapy:
Counseling model for busy
family physicians
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/
articles/PMC2018451/pdf/
11768927.pdf
ABCs and Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
gQRAekLA73I
The ABCDEs of REBT
(Moves Like Dryden)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
J_frDwckrys
A fun view of ABCDE and
Rational Emotive
Behavioral Therapy
Dr. Adrian Rogers 5 Steps to
Mental Health
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
e-JRgAZySIM
A Christian perspective on
Mental Health
False Wisdom / True Wisdom https://www.tvcresources.net/resource-
library/sermons/false-wisdom-true-
wisdom
Consider the need for True
Wisdom by Matt Chandler
Taking Control of our
Thoughts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
9bLgDoFkdqo
A Christian perspective on
changing your thinking
Change My Attitude –
Complaining
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
tWIk-lEJ53E
Brad Tate’s sermon
7. Will we use David Benner’s (2003) Strategic Pastoral Counseling stages (i.e., Encounter,
Engagement, and Disengagement) in our Solution-based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling
structure?
No. The expectation is to use the four phases presented in this course; however, Benner’s
three stages offer additional description to our four-phase structure.
oPhase One: Getting the Care-seeker’s Present Story or Portrait (Session 1: Encounter)
[possible disengagement if referral is needed]
oPhase Two: Developing the Care-seeker’s Preferred Story/Solution (Session 2:
Engagement)
oPhase Three: Clarifying and Executing Action Plan (Session 3: Engagement)
oPhase Four: Connecting Care-seeker to Community (Final Session: Disengagement
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