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) %approaches to confronting sin, %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 methodof 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%%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
3rdEdition, 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.
