Confrontation in Counseling
According to McMinn (2011), “Coping with temptation and managing sin cannot be done
with willpower alone, because even the human will is sinful. “ Only by drawing near to God
and allowing God to draw dear to us can we overcome sin.”
How would you decide to confront sin in counseling?
I believe, as does McMinn (2011), all Christian counselors should seek to confront sin, but
confronting sin is NOT a priority for initial counseling sessions. It is important to establish
rapport with the client. Like prayer and scripture, I would be very careful to introduce
confrontation of sin in counseling. To confront sin early in counseling without establishing a
strong therapeutic relationship can alienate your client. We should question ”Which clients
should I confront with their sin, and how should I go about confronting them?” McMinn (2011)
In counseling there are four (4) a approaches to confronting sin, a silence, pondering,
questioning and direct censure.
What method would you choose to confront sin and why?
It would depend on the personality style of the client, but I would prefer the Pondering or
“Columbo” confrontation method of asking indirect questions, and “easing the client toward
a more complete understanding of conscience.” McMinn (2011) This method is less riskier
and gives the client a safe space for the client at least initially. I would also consider the
use of periods of silence to allow the client time to reflect or visualize their own thoughts
or understanding. This period of silence also allows the Holy Spirit to speak to them
personally without me interrupting the client with my own thoughts, which may be off
course. This can be a critical, transforming juncture for the client in counseling, which
deserves space, time, and respect. We want the client to discover and an own their own
healing and transformation with Christ for it to be lasting and effective!
What method would you NOT choose to confront sin and why?
I would NOT choose the Direct Censure approach. I have used this approach before as a
Minister, and I know many clergy use this approach as well. In my opinion it is very
ineffective, and actually can turn people away from the Lord and the church, instead of
towards Him. The approach can be perceived as being judgmental. McMinn (2011)
indicates it as “elevating the counselor’s values to a position above the client’s values.” God’s
Word states “Judge ye not, for ye will be judged.” Matt. 7:1
The goal of Christian Counseling is transformative in nature. We want our clients to own or
discover their own healing and transformation through their personal relationship with
Christ, and NOT because the Bible says so or worse because we say so! We desire to have
the client change be from Inside – Out as referenced from the METAMORPH Integrative
Counseling Grid. There are rare instances, where this may be appropriate. I believe there is
a high risk to this approach being perceived as judgmental and arrogant! I would have to
led by the Holy Spirit to use prayer or scripture within the counseling session.
Utilize Entwistle’s text to integrate your reflections.
I agree with Entwistle's (2015) definition of the term integration as an “…effort to find
connections between psychology and theology, because they have been dis-integrated or
torn asunder. Our lives and our experiences have been dis-integrated, and a part of God's
restorative grace is reintegrating that which has been artificially severed.” If all things were
created through Christ, “then the work of integration becomes not just feasible, but
imperative as we attempt to understand the essence of this unity.” Entwistle (2015)
We are all sinners, and have come into a fallen world. Counselors should always look to
address or confront sin in our lives through confession and forgiveness. McMinn (2011).
“The desire for transformation lies deep in every human heart.” Ortberg (2002) God wants
us to be transformed into new creatures in Christ! Romans 12:1 Our goal as Christian
counselors is to turn hopelessness into the hope in Christ, to encourage and to pray for
God’s help, patience and guidance.
Entwistle’s (2015) Allies model “recognizes the underlying unity of human nature, and the
legitimacy of both theology and psychological investigation” (Entwistle, 2015) The Allies
model also recognizes a all truth is known by God, who is sovereign over all things. “The
Allies model acknowledges the sovereignty of Christ as creator and sustainer of all things.”
(Entwistle, 2015)
References
Entwistle (2015). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity 3rd Edition, An
Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration.
Published by CASCADE Books.
McMinn, M. (2011). Psychotherapy: Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling. Tyndale
House Publishers.
Ortberg, J. (2002). The Life You’ve Always Wanted Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People.
Zondervan
COUN 506 (LUO) METAMORPH Integrative Counseling Grid. Week Four, Lecture Two.
