Running head: JOURNAL PACO 500 1
Subject Matter Conversations/ Journal
Alexander Rivera Alvarado
Liberty University
JOURNAL PACO 500
Week 3/September 11-17
What’s this? (relates to something unclear, confusing, or a concern)
Boundaries as a Counselor. When is it correct to say no to a client? Can we be perceived as
cold when we ignore or decide to not help somebody?
So What? (relates to something convincing and/or convicting)
One of the issues that a counselor faces is to know or learn when to say no. Availability,
and openness play an important role in this topic. Many personality traits are important
and useful for a counselor, but there are also personal habits that could affect the
personal
life of a counselor. Thus, it is necessary for a counselor to maintain a set of boundaries
that can allow him to have a healthy lifestyle and an excellent work performance. Also,
counselor is not a savior or the “ultimate fixer”. In case of complications or difficult situ-
ations with a client, counselor can refer or discontinue the relationship with the counse-
lee.
What’s Best Next? (relates to what must be cut-out, corrected, commenced or continued)
The use of boundaries is a necessary and a healthy practice for counselors. The lesson on
boundaries is not only useful for counselors, but for anybody that desires to have stability
in his/her life.
Week 4/September 18-24
2
Week 2/September 4-10
What’s this? (relates to something unclear, confusing, or a concern)
Pastoral Counseling. “Not everything is Spiritual”
So What? (relates to something convincing and/or convicting)
Professor’s Rice Experience suggests that in order for people to better understand biblical
concepts “dumping truth” has not been the best method. I really appreciate Dr. Rice’s per-
sonal experience with counseling. Throughout the course, my classmates and I have seen
how relating with others should incorporate not only the spiritual aspect, but the physical,
emotional and humanitarian characteristics that conform an individual.
What’s Best Next? (relates to what must be cut-out, corrected, commenced or continued)
Let people feel welcomed and listened. Make them feel comfortable so they know the
counselor is there to help them.
JOURNAL PACO 500 3
Week 5/September 25-October 1
What’s this? (relates to something unclear, confusing, or a concern)
In Masterpiece from Dr. Nichols, there is a free invitation to receive the love of Christ for
anyone who wishes to enter the Kingdom of God.
So What? (relates to something convincing and/or convicting)
The illustration that Dr. Nichols presents in Masterpiece about an artist and his creation is
an excellent way to describe the work that God is doing in all our lives. Many people that
do not understand or have knowledge of the Word of God, understand Christianity as the
“perfect way to live”. Nevertheless, Christians know that it is the opposite. Our sin nature
constantly wants to take over our lives and separate us from the love of our creator.
The book of Dr. Nichols provides many examples of important characters of the Bible
that disobeyed God and were clearly “imperfect”. Therefore, as Christians, it is necessary
to remember that we live in a fallen world and that it is impossible to live a perfect life.
What’s Best Next? (relates to what must be cut-out, corrected, commenced or continued)
Although sin separate us from God, it is important to remember that God is merciful lov-
ing creator. God will always welcome us the same way he did with Moses, David and
other important characters of the Bible.
What’s this? (relates to something unclear, confusing, or a concern)
Why Don’t We Listen Better? Petersen’s roles for talkers and listeners and unrealistic
scenarios
So What? (relates to something convincing and/or convicting)
The Talker-Listener Card method designed by Petersen could have significant positive ef-
fects in people’s relationships. Nevertheless, timing and the reality of scenarios might
force a person to answer immediately which could cause disagreements and unpleasant
moments. More than having a method in which a card is passed through 2 individuals, a
person, through practice, needs to be able to recognize the right time to listen and the right
time to talk.
What’s Best Next? (relates to what must be cut-out, corrected, commenced or continued)
The communication process can be simple or complex depending on the individuals and
their ability and willingness to understand each other. Identifying the right time for listen-
ing and talking in a conversation must be a daily practice.
JOURNAL PACO 500 4
Week 8/October 10-16
Week 6/October 2-8
What’s this? (relates to something unclear, confusing, or a concern)
The 360 Worksheet and the differences in perceptions about an individual.
So What? (relates to something convincing and/or convicting)
The way a person perceives his own actions and behavior can differ from what others can
see and perceive. During the 360 Worksheet, it was interesting to see how my girlfriend
perceived some of my actions, personality and behavior. For a counselor, it is important
to understand and remember that the counselee is the “expert” and he knows more than
anybody else about his personal story. During the four Phases of Pastoral Counseling de-
veloped by Dr. Rice, most of the talking and definition of goals are the responsibility of
the counselee and not the counselor.
What’s Best Next? (relates to what must be cut-out, corrected, commenced or continued)
It is important to show humility and give space to others when they are expressing their
feelings and thoughts. God made everyone in a unique way and every individual deserves
to be heard and treated with love and patience.
Week 7/October 9-15
What’s this? (relates to something unclear, confusing, or a concern)
The DISC assessment revealed important information about the personality of each stu-
dent in the classroom.
So What? (relates to something convincing and/or convicting)
A counselor first needs to put his own pieces together to help other people. Understand-
ing his personality traits and behavior can serve him to help other with the process of dis-
covering his own personality. Moreover, the DISC shows important areas of the personal-
ity of an individual that need constant work and improvement.
What’s Best Next? (relates to what must be cut-out, corrected, commenced or continued)
God is the only one that can shape us and help us change those aspects of our personality
that make us vulnerable to sin. Constant prayer and keeping a relationship with God will
provide peace and endurance for those hard moments.
JOURNAL PACO 500 5
What’s this? (relates to something unclear, confusing, or a concern)
Dr. Nichols phrase, “Always living in view of eternity”.
So What? (relates to something convincing and/or convicting)
Dr. Nichols presentation provided the class with encouragement and important knowl-
edge about the use of the word of God in our lives. The phrase, “Always living in view of
eternity”, motivates Christians to continue the hard walk or battle that is taking place on
earth. Although this life is full of struggles and challenges, God has a place prepared for
us in heaven.
What’s Best Next? (relates to what must be cut-out, corrected, commenced or continued)
The war is constant, but the reward is closer. Every day that passes, we have an opportu-
nity to get right with God through His grace. Concentrating on things above and not on
things below as the Bible states, it is the best way to live our temporary life on earth.
Week 9/October 23-29
What’s this? (relates to something unclear, confusing, or a concern)
Importance of posture and body language in counseling “SOLER”
So What? (relates to something convincing and/or convicting)
When counseling, it is necessary for the counselor to be aware of the body language dis-
played by the counselee and his own. SOLER stands for sit up, open posture, lean in, eye
contact and relax. These elements are very important for counselor to remember espe-
cially when building rapport with clients.
What’s Best Next? (relates to what must be cut-out, corrected, commenced or continued)
The acronym SOLER is a simple way to remind the counselor of the different postures
recommended to have a conversational session with the client.
Week 10 and 11/October 30-November 5
What’s this? (relates to something unclear, confusing, or a concern)
Discussion about the meaning of “Symphonic Personhood”
So What? (relates to something convincing and/or convicting)
Symphonic personhood is a term used to explain that humans are designed of different el-
ements that function together for God’s glory. This term is essential when understanding
hum relationships. Dr. Rice explained that we are designed to have a relationship with Je-
sus; functionally, that relationship with Jesus always has a concrete socio context.
JOURNAL PACO 500
6
What’s Best Next? (relates to what must be cut-out, corrected, commenced or continued)
God made us with a specific purpose. We are designed to be in a relationship with Jesus
and spread and reflect that love to others. As we understand more of the different compo-
nents that conform human relationship, we can evaluate and relate with others in a more
effective way.
Week 12 and 13/November 20-26
What’s this? (relates to something unclear, confusing, or a concern)
In relationships, “the condition of somebody’s relationship with Jesus reflects his rela-
tionships with others”.
So What? (relates to something convincing and/or convicting)
God has explicitly stated in the Bible that we must love our neighbors. This love can only
come from a strong relationship with Jesus. We need to examine ourselves to see if we
are in the faith. What’s the condition of our heart? Is Jesus a priority in our life? In a busy
and crazy world, it is necessary to remember and examine our hearts to know the condi-
tions of our relationship with God.
What’s Best Next? (relates to what must be cut-out, corrected, commenced or continued)
In the Book of Matthew, Jesus states that a good tree will always give good fruit, but a
bad tree cannot give good fruit. In the same way, only if we are feeding ourselves with
the nutrients coming from the purest and healthiest source, we will be able to produce in
abundance for us and others.
Week 14-15/November 13
What’s this? (relates to something unclear, confusing, or a concern)
The importance of rest in ministry. Important statistics about the level of stress in pastors.
So What? (relates to something convincing and/or convicting)
It was a blessing to receive a class about how to handle stress properly. There is a need
nowadays for pastors to find time for themselves just as Jesus did when escaped from the
multitude of followers that were begging for a miracle. Thus, how much should a pastor
be able to handle? Although it is hard to answer this question, one thing is clear: a pastor
needs to be rested in a good mental, physical and spiritual health to be able to help others.
What’s Best Next? (relates to what must be cut-out, corrected, commenced or continued)
The message is not only for pastors, but for anyone who wishes to have a life with less
stress and more free time.
Week 16/December 11-12
JOURNAL PACO 500
7
What’s this? (relates to something unclear, confusing, or a concern)
FAITH Handout Examination. 4 Phases of Pastoral Counseling
So What? (relates to something convincing and/or convicting)
The 4 Phases of Pastoral Counseling developed and presented by Dr. Rice has helped me
to understand clearly the field of pastoral counseling. Starting with being a good listener
and finishing with the provision of support to the client has been an amazing class. A lot
of myths were debunked after taking this class. Nevertheless, more than concepts and
academic knowledge, this class has helped enormously in my personal relationships and
my awareness of my relationship with God.
What’s Best Next? (relates to what must be cut-out, corrected, commenced or continued)
It is impossible to say that I will not apply the knowledge acquired in this class in my per-
sonal life. It has been an outstanding experience to be able to share the classroom with
godly individuals and an excellent guide. Dr. Rice, Thank you so much for your patience
and kindness towards us. God bless you Sir!!!
