YHOMIT 20161021

Discussion response 1:

 Confronting sin is a difficult subject to handle, both in the personal and professional setting. The lecture cautions on the challenges we may encounter when addressing sin in the counseling field. So in the psychological model, the goal of counseling is to minimize one’s sensitivity to sin, to help them feel less guilty and feel less ashamed, to be okay with who they are and accept their behavior (as cited in Brewer & Peters (n.d.). Although, the purpose of addressing sin is to help the client understand and eradicate the behavior the complexity of the topic and the psychological stability of the individual play a significant role in how they may react when confronting sin.

            However, another important consideration to keep in mind is that sin can be viewed from various attributional perspectives. From a psychological context, sin is attributed to the sickness of the individual, which is out of the person’s control; therefore, it is not their fault this is known as the “external attribution.” From a spiritual perspective, the lecture speaks about the “internal attribution” as a personal responsibility. Moreover, the lecture talks about the “cosmic attribution” this implies that the nature of the work is evil (as cited in Brewer & Peters (n.d.).  All things considered, the real problem is not the behavior of the individual, but the way the person thinks about their behavior (as cited in Brewer & Peters (n.d.).

            Taking all of the mentioned information in consideration, I believe that Jim’s behavior is connected to the “external attribution.”  It seems that Jim learned behavior had created a sense of low self-esteem, and needless suffering. Therefore, this case is extremely sensitive since Jim’s has had this pattern of behaviors for a long time and therefore, he could be extremely resentful towards everything and anything. In addition, he is only coming for treatment because it has been court mandated. Therefore, he may not be open to the idea of sharing or even wanting the help he needs to overcome his struggles. This is a big barrier because if he cannot be honest with himself, and honest with the counselor (in this case me), then Jim will not be honest with God hence, impeding true healing.

            For that matter, I would not, and I cannot confront Jim in a direct and aggressive manner about his self-destructive behavior.  At this point, God is the only one who can help Jim recognize his destructive behavior pattern to be healed. Therefore, it is necessary that Jim can be open to prayer so that I may be able to extend hospitality. By extending a sense of hospitality, I am accepting Jim with all of his flaws because I am also imperfect. Titus 1:7 (International Standard Version) says, “Instead, he must be hospitable to strangers, must appreciate what is good, and be sensible, honest, moral, and self-controlled. As God's word states no matter the circumstance we should always be hospitable. Being hospitable will show Jim that no one is perfect and that we all struggle in life. Extending hospitality to Jim can demonstrate that God is a God of love and also a redemptive God.  

            Although, extending hospitality to Jim is an excellent way to build a rapport that will lead to openness and healing I must be strong in my faith in order to allow the Holy Spirit to work through me to encourage a desire of transformation in Jim. If counselors continue to neglect the practice of self-care and spiritual formation in what manner can we then be prepared, genuine and efficient when working with individuals like Jim. This area is one that is often overlooked by counselors nowadays. I believe that Christian counselors become comfortable and dismiss the need to continue seeking God’s guidance and therefore, neglecting their spiritual formation and self.  

Reference

Brewer, G., & Peters, C. (n.d.). COUN 506 Week Seven Lecture One: Sine, confession, and redemption in counseling. [PowerPoint]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty UniversityOnline.

Discussion response 2:

Sin in counseling is a complex topic because it can be approached from different angles. Sin in the language of psychology vs the sin of spirituality and theology are different. Depending on what context the counselor is utilizing determines how one would confront sin.

According to the lecture there are two types of sin. One is the personal experience of sin when one makes sinful choices, this type of sin relates to the language of psychology. The other sin type is with a capital “S”, which refers to the universal human experience of falleness, brokenness, and alienation from God.

As a counselor working in the secular human service setting my objective would be to minimize sensitivity to sin. The concept of sin in a secular setting is that it is based solely on perception and that the problem is the client is suffering from the effects of immoral behavior.  Confrontation attribution style in this situation would be focusing on how external forces caused the behavior and the client must learn to not be ashamed and accept their behavior. This concept is a bit challenging as a Christian counselor because we are clearly aware of what sin is, but we would have to stay in ethical standards regardless of our personal views.

 In a therapeutic relationship we must show hospitality, which is the willingness to take a risk for the redemption of a known sinner. It is unethical to allow our personal feelings and sensitivity to hinder the client’s treatment.

 Of the cautions mentioned by the course materials, I believe counselors most often overlook the caution of counseling beyond ones competency. As a counselor we have the natural instinct to want to help others, but it is imperative that we are aware of our specialties and refer our client’s to other specialist if need be.

From what I learned from the lectures/McMinn, I would best address the clear sinful behavior of this client by allowing using the “wondering out loud” method in efforts to show my client what the end scenario may be and help him to make the decision to change is he does not like the end results.

References

 

Brewer, G., & Peters, C. (n.d.). COUN 506 Week Seven Lecture One: Sine, confession, and redemption in counseling. [PowerPoint]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Online.

 

McMinn, M. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers

Blessings Karrington,

I agreed that confronting sin is extremely complex and for that reason, we must show hospitality when dealing with consumers such as Jim. In addition, to being hospitable in the professional field, we must also transfer that same hospitable approach to our everyday lives. It is important that Christian counselors understand their level of maturity to be able to help their consumers but also their spiritual level.

McMinn (2011) presents, a spiritual map and encourages counselors to have (p. 42) due to the complexity of Christian counseling. The spiritual map aims to help Christian counselors and counselees understand who they are in Christ (Imago Dei) which leads to a real sense of need that in due course turns into relational growth and redemption. McMinn (2011) advises that spiritual and psychological health is interrelated and it is comprised of a healthy sense of self, accurate awareness of need, and healing relationships. It is important that we see these two disciplines as interrelated to become competent and efficient conduits of God.

I firmly believe that when a counselor or any Christian person understand who she/he is in Christ an attitude of hospitality naturally emanates from that person. Because one a person knows who they are in Christ and continue to work on their spiritual formation their actions will speak for themselves and people will be able to perceive that they are distinct but in a good way.  

Thanks for your post! and blessing on your personal and professional future endeavors.  

Reference

McMinn, M. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers