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) c approaches to confronting sin, c 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 c 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.
