Advanced Christian Counseling Skills and Techniques 2 · Advanced Christian Counseling Skills and Techniques 2.0 P.O. Box 739 • Forest, VA 24551 • 1-800-526-8673 •

AdvancedChristianCounseling

SkillsandTechniques2.0

P.O.Box739•Forest,VA24551•1-800-526-8673•www.AACC.net

AdvancedChristianCounselingSkills&Techniques2.0

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WelcometoLightUniversityandthe“AdvancedChristianCounselingSkillsandTechniques2.0”programofstudy.Our prayer is that you will be blessed by your studies and increase your effectiveness inreaching out to others. We believe you will find this program to be academically sound,clinicallyexcellentandbiblically-based.Our faculty represents some of the best in their field – including professors, counselors andministers who provide students with current, practical instruction relevant to the needs oftoday’sgenerations.We have alsoworked hard to provide youwith a program that is convenient and flexible –givingyoutheadvantageof“classroominstruction”onlineandallowingyoutocompleteyourtrainingonyourowntimeandscheduleinthecomfortofyourhomeoroffice.Thetestmaterialcanbefoundatwww.lightuniversity.comandmaybetakenopenbook.Onceyouhavesuccessfullycompletedthetest,whichcoverstheunitswithinthiscourse,youwillbeawardedacertificateofcompletionsignifyingyouhavecompletedthisprogramofstudy.Thank you for your interest in this program of study. Our prayer is that you will grow inknowledge,discernment,andpeople-skillsthroughoutthiscourseofstudy.Sincerely,

RonHawkinsDean,LightUniversity


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TheAmericanAssociationofChristianCounselors

• Represents the largestorganizedmembership (nearly50,000)ofChristian counselorsandcaregiversintheworld,havingjustcelebratedits25thanniversaryin2011.

• Known for its top-tier publications (Christian Counseling Today, the Christian CounselingConnectionandChristianCoachingToday),professionalcredentialingopportunitiesofferedthroughtheInternationalBoardofChristianCare(IBCC),excellenceinChristiancounselingeducation, an arrayof broad-based conferences and live training events, radioprograms,regulatoryandadvocacyeffortsonbehalfofChristianprofessionals,apeer-reviewedEthicsCode, and collaborative partnerships such as Compassion International, the NationalHispanic Christian Leadership Conference and Care Net (to name a few), the AACC hasbecomethefaceofChristiancounselingtoday.

• With the needed vision and practical support necessary, the AACC helped launch the

International Christian Coaching Association (ICCA) in 2011, which now represents thelargest Christian life coaching organization in the world with over 2,000 members andgrowing.

OurMission

The AACC is committed to assisting Christian counselors, the entire “community of care,”licensedprofessionals,pastors,and laychurchmemberswith littleorno formal training. It isourintentiontoequipclinical,pastoral,andlaycaregiverswithbiblicaltruthandpsychosocialinsights that minister to hurting persons and helps them move to personal wholeness,interpersonalcompetence,mentalstability,andspiritualmaturity.


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OurVision

TheAACC’svisionhastwocriticaldimensions:First,wedesiretoservetheworldwideChristianChurch by helping foster maturity in Christ. Secondly, we aim to serve, educate, and equip1,000,000 professional clinicians, pastoral counselors, and lay helpers throughout the nextdecade.WearecommittedtohelpingtheChurchequipGod’speopletoloveandcareforoneanother.We recognize Christian counseling as a unique form of Christian discipleship, assisting thechurch in its call to bring believers to maturity in the lifelong process of sanctification—ofgrowingtomaturityinChristandexperiencingabundantlife.Werecognizesomearegiftedtodosointhecontextofaclinical,professionaland/orpastoralmanner.Wealsobelieveselected laypeoplearecalledtocareforothersandthattheyneedtheappropriatetrainingandmentoringtodoso.WebelievetheroleofthehelpingministryintheChurchmustbesupportedbythreestrongcords:thepastor,thelayhelper,andtheclinicalprofessional.ItistothesethreerolesthattheAACCisdedicatedtoserve(Ephesians4:11-13).

OurCoreValues

InthenameofChrist,theAmericanAssociationofChristianCounselorsabidesbythefollowingvalues:

VALUE1:OURSOURCEWearecommittedtohonorJesusChristandglorifyGod,remainingflexibleandresponsivetotheHolySpiritinallthatHehascalledustobeanddo.VALUE2:OURSTRENGTHWearecommittedtobiblicaltruths,andtoclinicalexcellenceandunityinthedeliveryofallourresources,services,trainingandbenefits.VALUE3:OURSERVICEWeare committed toeffectivelyandcompetently serve the communityof careworldwide—bothourmembership and the churchat large—withexcellenceand timeliness, andbyover-deliveryonourpromises.VALUE4:OURSTAFFWearecommittedtovalueandinvestinourpeopleaspartnersinourmissiontohelpotherseffectivelyprovideChrist-centeredcounselingandsoulcareforhurtingpeople.VALUE5:OURSTEWARDSHIPWe are committed to profitably steward the resourcesGod gives to us in order to continueservingtheneedsofhurtingpeople.


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LightUniversity• Establishedin1999undertheleadershipofDr.TimClinton—hasnowseennearly200,000

students from around the world (including lay caregivers, pastors and chaplains, crisisresponders,lifecoaches,andlicensedmentalhealthpractitioners)enrollincoursesthataredelivered via multiple formats (live conference and webinar presentations, video-basedcertificationtraining,andastate-of-theartonlinedistanceteachingplatform).

• Thesepresentations,courses,andcertificateanddiplomaprograms,offeroneofthemostcomprehensive orientations to Christian counseling anywhere. The strength of LightUniversity is partially determined by its world-class faculty—over 150 of the leadingChristianeducators,authors,mentalhealthcliniciansandlifecoachingexpertsintheUnitedStates. This core groupof facultymembers represents a literal “Who’sWho” inChristiancounseling. No other university in the world has pulled together such a diverse andcomprehensivegroupofprofessionals.

• Educational and training materials cover over 40 relevant core areas in Christian—

counseling, lifecoaching,mediation,andcrisis response—equippingcompetentcaregiversand ministry leaders who are making a difference in their churches, communities, andorganizations.

OurMissionStatement

TotrainonemillionBiblicalCounselors,ChristianLifeCoaches,andChristianCrisisRespondersbyeducating,equipping,andservingtoday’sChristianleaders.

AcademicallySound•ClinicallyExcellent•DistinctivelyChristian


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Video-basedCurriculum

• UtilizesDVDpresentations that incorporateover 150 of the leading Christian educators,authors,mentalhealthclinicians,andlifecoachingexpertsintheUnitedStates.

• Eachpresentationisapproximately50-60minutesinlengthandmostareaccompaniedbyacorrespondingtext(inoutlineformat)anda10-questionexaminationtomeasurelearningoutcomes.Therearenearly1,000uniquepresentationsthatareavailableandorganizedinvariouscourseofferings.

• Learning is self-directed and pacing is determined according to the individual time

parameters/scheduleofeachparticipant.• With the successful completion of each program course, participants receive an official

Certificate of Completion. In addition to the normal Certificate of Completion that eachparticipant receives, Regular and Advanced Diplomas in Biblical Counseling are alsoavailable.

Ø TheRegularDiploma isawardedbytakingCaringForPeopleGod’sWay,BreakingFreeandoneadditionalElectiveamongtheavailableCoreCourses.

Ø TheAdvancedDiplomaisawardedbytakingCaringForPeopleGod’sWay,BreakingFree,andanythreeElectivesamongtheavailableCoreCourses.

Credentialing

• LightUniversitycourses,programs,certificatesanddiplomasarerecognizedandendorsedbytheInternationalBoardofChristianCare(IBCC)anditsthreeaffiliateBoards:theBoardofChristianProfessional&PastoralCounselors(BCPPC);theBoardofChristianLifeCoaching(BCLC);andtheBoardofChristianCrisis&TraumaResponse(BCCTR).

• Credentialing is a separateprocess from certificate or diploma completion.However, theIBCC accepts Light University and Light University Online programs as meeting theacademic requirements for credentialing purposes. Graduates are eligible to apply forcredentialinginmostcases.

Ø Credentialinginvolvesanapplication,attestation,andpersonalreferences.

Ø CredentialrenewalsincludeContinuingEducationrequirements,re-attestation,andoccureitherannuallyorbienniallydependingonthespecificBoard.


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OnlineTesting

TheURLfortakingallquizzesforthiscourseis:http://www.lightuniversity.com/my-account/.

• TOLOGINTOYOURACCOUNT

Ø You should have received an email upon checkout that included your username,password,andalinktologintoyouraccountonline.

• MYDASHBOARDPAGE

Ø Once registered, youwill see theMyDVD Course Dashboard link by placing yourmousepointerovertheMyAccountmenuinthetopbarofthewebsite.Thispagewill include studentPROFILE informationand theREGISTEREDCOURSES forwhichyouareregistered.TheLOG-OUTandMYDASHBOARDtabswillbeinthetoprightofeachscreen.Clickingonthe>nexttothecoursewilltakeyoutothecoursepagecontainingthequizzes.

• QUIZZES

Ø Simplyclickonthefirstquiztobegin.• PRINTCERTIFICATE

Afterallquizzesaresuccessfullycompleted,a“PrintYourCertificate”buttonwillappearnearthetopofthecoursepage.YouwillnowbeabletoprintoutaCertificateofCompletion.Yournameandthecourseinformationarepre-populated.ContinuingEducationThe AACC is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to offer continuingeducationforpsychologists.TheAACCisaco-sponsorofthistrainingcurriculumandaNationalBoard of Certified Counselors (NBCC)ApprovedContinuing Education Provider (ACEPTM). TheAACC may award NBCC approved clock hours for events or programs that meet NBCCrequirements.TheAACCmaintainsresponsibilityforthecontentofthistrainingcurriculum.TheAACCalsoofferscontinuingeducationcreditforplaytherapiststhroughtheAssociationforPlayTherapy (APT Approved Provider #14-373), so long as the training element is specificallyapplicabletothepracticeofplaytherapy.It remains the responsibility of each individual to be aware of his/her state licensure andContinuing Education requirements. A letter certifying participation will be mailed to thoseindividuals who submit a Continuing Education request and have successfully completed allcourserequirements.


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Presentersfor:

AdvancedChristianCounseling

SkillsandTechniques2.0


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PresenterBiographiesEric Scalise, Ph.D., is the Vice President for Professional Development with the AmericanAssociation of Christian Counselors. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a LicensedMarriage&FamilyTherapistwithover34yearsofclinicalandprofessionalexperience in themental health field. As the former Chair of Counseling Programs at Regent University, Dr.Scalise provides academic oversight as the Vice President for Academic Affairs with LightUniversityOnline.HeservedsixyearsontheVirginiaBoardofCounseling.Otherresponsibilitiesincludehis role as the ExecutiveDirector of the International Boardof ChristianCare (IBCC),Senior Editor forAACCPublications, ExecutiveDirector eCounseling.com, andBoardMemberfor the International Christian Coaching Association (ICCA). He is an author, a national andinternational conference speaker, and frequently consults with organizations, clinicians,ministryleaders,andchurchesonavarietyofissues.KenNichols,Psy.D.,isPresidentofALIVEMinistries(AlwaysLivingInViewofEternity),whichisacounseling,consultingandconferenceministry.HehasservedasDeanofBehavioralScienceatSouthernCaliforniaSeminary,ChairmanofthePsychologyDepartmentatSanDiegoChristianCollege,andasFamilyMinistriesPastoratShadowMountainCommunityChurchinSanDiego.Dr. Nichols worked in ministry partnership with Dr. David Jeremiah for 25 years. He is anauthor, speaker, and seminar leader, and provides counseling, training, and consulting formissionaries,pastorsandministryleaders.HismostrecentbookisUntietheFearKnotsofYourHeart.HeservedintheU.S.ArmyAirborneasaSenior/JumpMasterparatrooperandworkedinArmyIntelligencewithatop-secretclearance.


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AdvancedChristianCounselingSkillsandTechniques2.0TableofContents:

ACST101:ClientStress:SymptomsandSources....................................................................11EricScalise,Ph.D.andKenNichols,Psy.D.

ACST102:ClientResistance,DifficultClientsandEffectiveConfrontationSkills.....................24EricScalise,Ph.D.andKenNichols,Psy.D.ACST103:Integration:ApplyingBiblicalPrinciplestotheProblemsofLife............................40EricScalise,Ph.D.andKenNichols,Psy.D.


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ACST101:

ClientStress:SymptomsandSources

EricScalise,Ph.D.andKenNichols,Psy.D.


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AbstractJesusteachesthatthepeaceheoffersisnotthesamekindofpeacethatisfoundintheworld,

butitisapromisefromGod,independentfromthecomplexitiesandstressorsoflife,thatone

canstillhavearemarkablespiritualpeaceonadeeper level.Clientswillcome intotheoffice

with presenting distress, but there are important differences between stress and burnout.

Stress has certain implications for clients that include the depletion of body and brain

functioning.Thechallengeistotakestressseriouslyassoonaspossibleandfindameaningful

balance between being committed to working hard, constructively and in the context of

individualizedboundaries.AsthistopicisapproachedandonerespondstotheSpiritofGod,it

providesboundariesandsafety so thatonecancontinue to serveChristwithenergy, fidelity

andfocuswhilefinishingstrong.

LearningObjectives

1. Participantswillbeabletoclarifythedifferencesbetweenstressandburnout.

2. Participantswillunderstandtheimplicationsofstressonthebrainandthebody.

3. Participantswillbeabletoidentifytheroleofthecounselorinhelpingaclientwhoisin

distresswhileincorporatingbiblicalprinciples.


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I. Introduction

A. BiblicalBackground

“CometoMe,allwhoarewearyandheavy-laden,andIwillgiveyourest.TakeMy

yokeuponyouandlearnfromMe,forIamgentleandhumbleinheart,andyouwill

find rest for your souls. ForMy yoke is easy andMy burden is light.”—Matthew

11:28-30

1. Jesusteachesusthatthepeaceheoffersisnotthesamekindofpeacefoundinthe

world,butit isapromisefromGod,independentofthecomplexitiesandstressors

oflife,thatwecanstillhavearemarkablespiritualpeaceonadeeperlevel.

2. Alotofclientswillcomeintotheoffice,especiallyduringaninitialsession,andthey

areprobablydistressed,incrisisandwoundupemotionally.

• It is about creating an environment that says you can take a deep breath

emotionally, cognitively and spiritually, unpack the things that are going on in

yourlifeandde-stress.

• If the client is wound up, then you are not going to experience a lot of

movementwiththatclient.

B. DifferencesbetweenStressandBurnout

1. Burnoutisadefensemechanismcharacterizedbydisengagement.

2. Stressischaracterizedbyoverengagement.

3. Inburnout,theemotionsareblunted.

4. Instress,theemotionsbecomeoveractive.


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5. Inburnout,theemotionaldamageisprimary.

6. Instress,thereismorephysicaldamagethatcomesintoplay.

7. Theexhaustionofburnoutaffectsmotivationanddrive.

8. Theexhaustionofstressaffectsphysicalenergy.

9. Burnoutproducesdemoralization.

10. Stressproducesdisintegration.

11. Burnoutcanbebestunderstoodasalossofone’sidealsandhope.

12. Stresscanbebestunderstoodasalossofenergy.

13. Burnoutproducesasenseofhopelessnessandhelplessness.

14. Stressproducesasenseofurgencyandhyperactivity.

15. Burnoutproducesthingslike:

• Paranoia

• Depersonalization

• Detachment

16. Stressproducesthingslike:

• PanicAttacks

• Phobias

• AnxietyDisorders


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17. Burnoutmayneverkillyou,butyourlonglifemaynotseemlikeliving.

18. Stresswillkillyouprematurelyandyouwon’thaveenoughtimetofinishwhatyou

started.

II. Stress

A. Overview

1. Stresscontributestoparalysisofthewill.

2. Stressalsocontributestoavarietyofphysical,emotionalandrelationalsymptoms.

B. ContributingFactors

1. When expectations are not met, whether imposed or pursued, they result in

unresolvedpersonalandrelationalissues.Then,thepersonisstressedout.

2. 90%ofthosewhogototheemergencyroomhaveamajorstresscomponent.

• Wearealldifferent.

• Different kinds ofmakeup in our personalities give us the ability to deal with

stressatdifferentlevels.

• Thereisnotatemplatethatfitseverybody.

3. Itproducestheinabilitytoconcentrateandfocus.

• Onesymptomofstressisthatpeopleshutdowncognitively.

4. Beforeyoucanworkwiththeunderlyingissues,youhavetoworkwithsomeofthe

symptomsthatarepresenting.


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5. Stressdoesitsworkinspiteofourdenial.

C. BuildingBlocks

1. “WhatamIsupposedtobedoing?”

• Roleambiguity

2. “AmIdoingtherightthing?”

• Roleconflict

3. “AmIdoingtoomuch?”

• Roleoverload

4. “DoeswhatIdoreallymatter?”

• Rolesignificance

5. “AmIalonetomuch?”

• Roleisolation

6. “AmIstillincontrol?”

• Rolerigidity

D. Dilemma

1. Ourculturerewardshardwork.

2. Weliveinoneofthemosttechnologicallyadvancedsocietiesandoneofthemost

relationallydisconnectedsocietiesever.


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3. Theculturalmindsetproducesalotofstress.

4. Iftheexpectationsthatwehaveabouthowlifeissupposedtoworkaren’tpanning

out, then our stress level increases because it is based on a false narrative or

culturalnarrativethatisnotalwaysparticularlyhealthy.

E. Perfectionism

1. Theexpectation:

• “Ihavetoperform.”

• “Ihavetoperformatacertainlevel.”

• “Ihavetoworktomaintainthatlevel.”

• “Ihavetobeperfectinjob,relationalandpersonalperformance.”

2. Whenwedon’tmeasureup,webecomeimpatient,irritatedandrigid.

III. Effects

A. Reaction

1. When we stay in the sustained hyper driven environment, we become reactive

insteadofresponsive.

2. Reactionsareexplosive.

3. Reponsesaremoremeasured,thoughtoutandanticipated.

4. Clientswho are extremely stressed tend to havemore reactivemoments in their

relationshipsandenvironmentsthantheytendtohaveresponsivemoments.


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B. DepressionandAnger

1. Research demonstrates a correlation between extended periods of unresolved

stressandclinicaldepression.

2. Clinicaldepressioncausesparalysisandrobsyouofthejoy,purposeandmeaningin

life.

3. Unresolvedstresscanleadtoandmaximizeotherareasofweaknessinourlife.

• Anger

4. Angerhasalottodowithdepression.

C. HansSeyle

1. Canadian endocrinologist who developed the concept of theGeneral Adaptation

Syndrome.

2. Hisdefinitionofstress:

• Thenon-specificresponseofthebodytoanydemand.

3. Asacounselorthissuggeststhatalmostanythingcanproducestressinaclient’slife.

D. EustressandDistress

1. Eustressistheday-to-day,normallivinginabrokenandhurtingworld.

2. Itisagoodsourceofstress.

3. Itisnotnecessarilyunhealthyunlessitischronic,constantandincreasing.


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4. Weallexperienceeustress.

• “Normalstress”

IV. WhatIshappening

A. TheBrain

1. Thebrainhasseveralkeycomponents.

2. Theneocortexareaofthebrainiswherethinkingandcognitiontakeplace.

• Itiswhereweanalyzethingsandprocessthingscognitively.

3. Thelimbicsystemiswhereouremotionsareprocessed.

• Itisthecreativepartofself.

• Thereareacoupleofsystemswithinthelimbicsystem.

4. Thenucleusaccumbensistheengineofrewardandpleasurewithinthebrain.

• Itrespondstobothpleasureandtopain.

• It processesday-to-dayevents andalso things like trauma, significant loss and

stressrelatedeventsinaperson’slife.

5. Under conditions of stress, theamygdala redirects thinking away from the cortex

areaofthebrainandsendsittothefeelingpartofthebrain.

6. Stressreleasescertainhormones.

• Thetwoprimarystresshormonesareadrenalineandcortisol.

• Adrenalineisastimulant.

• Itproducestheflight,frightorfightresponse.

7. Thebloodflowisgoingtoyourmajormusclegroups.


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8. Theapproximateresponseinmostpeoplewhoarefacingstress:

• Increasedtranquilizers

• Increaseduppers

B. OtherEffects

1. Theeffectsofstressareaccumulative.

2. Whenwedealwiththislevelofstressinanyconsistentway,webelievethatwedo

nothaveanyoptiontomakesubstantialchanges.

C. WhatToDo

1. Givepeopletools.

2. Doaproperassessment.

D. TheBrain

1. Everytimewefeelstressedandadrenalineandcortisolarereleasedinthebrain,it

impactstheneurotransmittersthatarenecessaryfortheprocessingofinformation

withinourbrains.

2. Neurotransmitterstakemessagesfromonebraincelltoanother.

3. Aschemicalshit,theyarecreatingnewneuralpathways.

4. Neuroplasticity:thebrainhastheabilitytoadjust,flex,changeandgrow.


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5. Thechallengeistheimmediacy.

• Ifaclientdoesn’tseesubstantialchangewithinashortperiodoftime,thenthey

tendtogetdiscouraged.

6. Becausethiskindofstresstendstoweardownthe“parts”ofthebrain,anhedoniais

produced.

• Anhedonialooksalotlikedepression.

• Itisreallyaboutthelossofpleasure.

• AnhedoniacomesfromacoupleofLatin/Greekwords:

Ø “An”:theabsenceof

Ø “Hedon”:pleasureanddelight

7. Peoplestartpursuingalternativepleasureproducingactivitiesorbehaviors.

• Addiction

• Gambling

• Drugabuse

• Pornography

E. TheBody

1. Toomuch adrenaline and cortisolnarrow capillaries and other blood vessels that

leadintoandoutoftheheart.

2. Theydecreasetheflexibilityandthedilationpropertiesofbloodvessels.

3. Theydecreasethebody’sabilitytoflushoutbadcholesterol.

4. Theydecreaseasmuchas50%ofthecapacityofourcognitiveprocesses.


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5. Itincreasestheproductionofbloodcholesterol.

• Toomuchcholesterolinthebloodleadstoabuildupofplaque.

• The buildup of plaque leads to the narrowing of arteries, increased blood

pressure,hypertension,heartdisease,etc.

6. Itincreasestheblood’stendencytoclot.

F. Statistics

1. TheAmerican InstituteonStresshas indicated that80-90% of all doctor visits are

stressrelated.

2. AccordingtotheAmericanHeartAssociation,morethan50millionAmericanssuffer

from high blood pressure and nearly 60 million suffer from some form of

cardiovasculardiseaseresultinginover1milliondeathseveryyear.

• Thatis2outofevery5diebecauseofheartrelateddisease.

• 1deathevery32seconds.

3. Itistheleadingcauseofdeathinthiscountryandithasbeeneveryyearsince1900.

• Itcrossesallsocioeconomic,cultural,racialandeducationalbarriers.

• Heart disease, not breast cancer is the number one cause of death among

womeninthiscountry.

4. AccordingtotheUnitedStatesDepartmentofHealthandHumanServices,25%ofall

prescriptions written are for psychotropic medications such as antidepressants,

antianxietyagentsandsleepagents(valium).

G. Conclusion

1. Sometimespeopleareonlywillingtodealwithstresswhentheyexperienceacrisis.


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2. WehaveGod, theHoly Spirit, dwellingwithinus to giveuswisdom,discernment,

comfort,encouragementanddirection.

3. Thechallengeistotakeitseriouslyassoonasyoucan.

4. Theanswerisn’tapathyorirresponsibility.

• Theanswerisameaningfulbalancebetweenbeingcommittedtoworkinghard

constructively and the context of boundaries that are right for you (not

comparing,competingorconforming).

5. AsweapproachthistopicandrespondtotheSpiritofGod, itprovidesboundaries

and safety so thatwe can continue to serveChristwith energy, fidelity and focus

whilefinishingstrong.


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ACST102:

ClientResistance,DifficultClients

andEffectiveConfrontation



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AbstractThe temptation is topersonalizeor control thosewho come inwith a resistant attitude,but

resistance is a natural process and message from the client. Do not personalize it or

professionalize it. Embrace it and make it part of therapy and the treatment strategy. If

resistance issensed, then it is importanttobegintotry todiscernandanalyze it.Oneof the

initial strategies to address client resistance is to continue to develop a safe, trusting

environmentthatgivestheclientfreedomtoshareinordertoseemovementintheirlife.This

session investigates techniques used with resistant clients and how tomost effectively deal

withconfrontationasatherapist.

LearningObjectives

1. Participantswillexplorecommonreasonsforclientresistance.

2. Participantswillunderstandtheroleofconfrontingandthecounselor.

3. Participantswillbeabletoidentifytechniquestoimplementwithresistanceclients.


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I. Introduction

A. Scripture

1. Bynatureweareresistantinourspiritualjourney.

2. Godcompassionatelycontinuestoworkinusandthroughustorecreatehisimage.

3. The temptation is to personalize or control those who come in with a resistant

attitude.

4. Donotinterpretitasstubbornness,powerplayorsomethingpersonal.

5. Resistance,beyondthepracticalnature,isamessage.

6. Do not personalize it or professionalize it. Embrace it and make it part of your

therapyandtreatmentstrategy.

B. BeginningResistance

1. If you are sensing resistance, it is important that you begin to try to discern and

analyzewhatkindofresistancethatyouaregetting.

2. Ifyouhavecourt-orderedcounseling,thenitmaybeverynaturaltohavearesistant

client.

3. Sometimesyoucanseesomeresistancewithchildrenand/oradolescence.

4. Someresistanceisbecausechangeisdifficult.

• Evenchangethatiswantedanddesiredcanbedifficult.


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5. Controlisnotsomuchacharacterologicaldisorderissue.

• Moreoften,itisasurvivalskillthatpeoplepickupalongtheway.

II. Strategies

A. InitialStrategies

1. Oneoftheinitialstrategiestoaddressclientresistanceistocontinuetodevelopa

safe, trusting environment that gives the client freedom to share in order to see

movementintheirlife.

2. Youdon’twanttoworkoutofresistance.

• Youwanttoworkthroughresistanceasacounselor.

3. Sometimesyouaregoingtopickuptransferenceandcountertransference.

4. Formanypeople,thenaturaltendencyistoseeconfrontationasanegativeword.

• Aggression

• Domination

• Anger

• Outburst

5. Confrontationdoesmeanthat,inagoodway,youaregettinginfrontofthatclient.

6. Itisoneofthemostdifficultskillsthatcounselorsbecomecomfortablewith.

• Itdoesn’tcomenaturalformanyofusthatarecalledtothehelpingprofession.

• Thosewho are called to be counselors are usually compassionate and people

oriented.

• Theywanttoalleviatepain.


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7. Confrontationisaskill.

• Like any skill you can learn it, acquire it, practice it, hone it and improve

performance.

8. Every:

• Pastorneedstobepastored

• Teacherneedstobetaught

• Counselorneedstobecounseled

9. Becareful that therearen’tnuancesordynamics inourowncounseling style that

arecreatingtheresistancebecauseofourownattitudes.

B. Confrontation

1. ThewordconfrontationcomesfromLatin.

2. Itisderivedfromtwothings:

• Con—together

• Frons—forehead

3. Websterdefinesconfrontationas,“Tocomeface-to-facewithorstandinfrontof;to

facewithhostilityortoopposedefiantly;tobringclosetogetherforthepurposeof

comparisonorexamination.”

4. The literal translation of confrontationmeans to stand in front of the issue with

somebody.

5. Youarestandinginfrontoftheissuewiththatclient.


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• Theissuemayhavesomepainassociatedwithit.

• Theissuemayhavesomeanxiousnessassociatedwithit.

• Theissuemayhavesomedamageassociatedwithit.

6. Unsuccessfulconfrontationisoftenanin-your-facemonologue.

• One-dimensional

7. Wehavetobecarefulascounselorsbecauseweareinthepowerposition.

8. Successful confrontation is not an in-your-facemonologue, but it is a face-to-face

dialogue.

9. Ifyouare in thepositionofbeinganauthority figure,andasacounseloryouare,

and that person has an issue with authority or people they perceive to have

power/control over them, then thatmay very naturally cause a person’s internal

radartoswitchon.Theyaregoingtopushback.

10. Sometimesresistanceisnothingmorethananattemptontheclient’sparttoavoid

thebusinessthattheyknowtheyneedtobedealingwith.

11. Unskilledconfrontingonthepartofthecounselorcanproduce:

• Outburst

• Emotionalwounds

• Afalsesenseofsuccessorresolution

• Relationalfailure

• Bullying

12. Often, we have to confront our clients on poor choices, behavior, behavior

management,relationaldynamics,misinterpretationsandmisunderstandings.


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13. Dealingwithaclientinaconfrontingwaybasedongenuine,authenticcareandlove

issomethingthattheymayhaveneverexperiencedintheirlife.

14. Ifthefearofconfrontationofaresistantclientkeepsyoufromtellingthetruth,then

theyloseandyouloseanopportunitytogrow.

III. EncounteringResistance

A. Don'tTalk

1. Wearenotallowedtotalkaboutwhatisgoingon.

2. Thisisafamilysystemthathaslearnedtokeepsecrets.

3. Asacounselor,whatpreceptdoyoutrytocommunicateveryearlyon?

• Youaretryingtotellthemorgivethempermissiontotalk.

B. Don’tFeel

1. Somepeoplegrowupinfamilysystemwhereiftheydosharehowtheyreallyfeel

thosefeelingsarecriticized,minimizedanddenied.

2. Afterawhilepeopleunderstand:

• Itistoodangeroustosharemyfeelings.

• Itdoesn’tmatter.

3. Thesecondaryorcomplimentarygroundrulethatyoutrytocommunicatetoyour

clientswhentheycomein:

• Talktome.

• Asyouaretalkingtomeyouarefreetobehonestandshareyourfeelings.


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C. Don’tTouch

1. Somepeoplegrewupinfamilieswheretherewasnohealthymodeloftouchingor

itwasabuseorhurtfultouching.

2. Becarefulabouttouchwithinthecounselingoffice.

3. Thereareotherwaystotouchaperson’slife:

• Verbally

• Spiritually

• Gospel

• PresenceofChrist

4. WhenJesushealedpeople,moreoftenthannot,hetouchedthem.

5. Youwillhaveclientsthatwon’tletyoutouchthememotionally.

• Complimentthem.

• Encouragethem.

• Speaklifeintothem.

6. Touchingisvaluableintherightcontextandintherightsocialsetting.

7. Caution,wisdomandgenuinerespectshouldbethefirstchoice.

D. Don’tResolve

1. Someclientshavegrownupinfamilysystemswheretheyrealize:

• Thereisnotrueforgiveness.

• Wedon’treallygetoverconflicts.

• Thepastisneverreallyputbehindus.


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• Thereisnolastingchange.

• Nothingisreallyeverresolvedhere.

2. Asacounseloryouaretryingtotalktothemtowardchange.

• Changeispossible.

• AllthingsarepossiblewithChrist.

3. Youaretryingtoencourageandmotivate.

E. Don’tTrust

1. Trustistheprimarygluethatholdsthetherapeuticalliancetogether.

2. Inabsenceoftrust,itisverydifficulttohaveatherapeuticrelationship.

IV. Components

A. Courage

1. It requires courage on the part of the counselor to be able to acknowledge the

resistanceandthenreflectonit.

2. Thetemptation,asapsychologist,istodrawtheconclusion,maketheinterpretation

andaskthemtoagreetoit.

B. Ownership

1. Youarealwaysworkingtowardownership.

2. Humannaturetendstotakecareofwhatweatleastthinkbelongstous.


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3. Get people to own the dynamics that they bring into the office, including the

dysfunctionalones.

4. Ourroleistobringthosethingsintothelightsothattheycanbeexamined.

5. Sometimestheprobingdynamicisnecessarytofindthesourceofpain.

6. Pain is away to tell thebodyand theemotions that there is somethingwrongor

somethingthatneedshelp,correctionandhealing.

• Absentofpain,peoplewouldnotpursuechange.

7. We can’t overemphasize personality-based explanations of behaviors that are

observed in others (dispositional) or underestimate the role of social and

environmentalinfluences(situational).

• Wehavetoatleastbetunedintothosedynamics.

C. Caution

1. Dowhat you can to avoid stimulatingor inviting them todemonstrate repeatedly

theirresistantattitude.

2. Thenormalcourseoftherapywillrepeatedlyallowthemintheirresponsetosaythe

same thing in different ways to express themselves in the sameway in different

contexts.

• Theirpersonaandresistance,thewaytheypresentthemselves,willcomeback

overandoveragain.


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3. Asatherapist,relax!

• Don’t become so tense that their resistance or their resistant temperament

becomestheprimarycoreofcounselingfromweektoweek.

• Justwaitanditwillcomebackoverandoveragain.

• Then,ratherthanmakingastatementaboutit,inquireaboutit.

• Resistanceistheworkingthroughandnottheresolutionof.

• Thatprocess,inandofitself,canbegeneralizedintotheirlives.

V. SpiritualGuidelinesandPrinciplesofConfrontation

A. CoreFoundation

1. Respect,genuineness,unconditionalpositiveregardandtrustareessential.

“Butspeakingthetruthinlove,wearetogrowupinallaspectsintoHimwhoisthe

head,evenChrist.”—Ephesians4:15

2. Thechallenge:

• Bothtruthandloveareessentialinconfrontation.

• WheredoIplacetheemphasis?

B. Metaphors

1. Ametaphor is takingandusingsomethings inaclient’s life that theycanconnect

withatsomedeeperlevel.

2. Sometimesgoodcounselingisnotgoingthroughthefrontdoor.Itisgoingthrough

thebackdoor.

3. Jesusspokeinparablesalot,whichisakindofmetaphor.


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ThentheLordsentNathantoDavid.Andhecametohimandsaid,‘Thereweretwo

men in one city, theone richand theother poor. The richmanhadagreatmany

flocksandherds.Butthepoormanhadnothingexceptonelittleewelambwhichhe

boughtandnourished;and itgrewuptogetherwithhimandhischildren. Itwould

eatofhisbreadanddrinkofhiscupandlieinhisbosom,andwaslikeadaughterto

him.Nowatravelercametotherichman,andhewasunwillingtotakefromhisown

flockorhisownherd,toprepareforthewayfarerwhohadcometohim;ratherhe

tookthepoorman’sewelambandprepareditforthemanwhohadcometohim.’

ThenDavid’sangerburnedgreatlyagainsttheman,andhesaidtoNathan,‘Asthe

Lord lives, surely the man who has done this deserves to die. He must make

restitutionforthelambfourfold,becausehedidthisthingandhadnocompassion.’

NathanthensaidtoDavid,‘Youaretheman!’ThussaystheLordGodofIsrael,‘ItisI

who anointed you king over Israel and it is I who delivered you from the hand of

Saul.’”—2Samuel12:1-7

4. What is a word picture in their life that will resonate with their soul, spirit or

emotions?

C. DealingwithBehavior

1. Don’tattacktheclient,butdealwiththebehavior.

2. HowdoIdriveawedgebetweenthepersonhoodandperformance?

• Itistheperformancethatisoftencausingthestress,conflictandtensioninthe

client’slife.

“ButJesuswenttotheMountofOlives.EarlyinthemorningHecameagainintothe

temple,andallthepeoplewerecomingtoHim;andHesatdownandbegantoteach

them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and


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havingsetherinthecenterofthecourt,theysaidtoHim,‘Teacher,thiswomanhas

beencaught inadultery, in theveryact.Now in theLawMosescommandedus to

stone suchwomen;what thendoYou say?’Theywere saying this, testingHim, so

thattheymighthavegroundsforaccusingHim.ButJesusstoopeddownandwithHis

fingerwroteontheground.ButwhentheypersistedinaskingHim,Hestraightened

up,andsaidtothem,‘Hewhoiswithoutsinamongyou,lethimbethefirsttothrow

astoneather.’AgainHestoopeddownandwroteontheground.Whentheyheard

it,theybegantogooutonebyone,beginningwiththeolderones,andHewasleft

alone,andthewoman,whereshewas,inthecenterofthecourt.Straighteningup,

Jesussaidtoher,‘Woman,wherearethey?Didnoonecondemnyou?’Shesaid,‘No

one, Lord.’And Jesus said, ‘I donot condemnyou,either.Go. Fromnowon sinno

more.’”—John8:1-11

3. HowdoIaffirmthatthisisapersoncreatedintheimageofGod,fallenlikeIam,and

dealwithandconfronttheirperformanceissue?

4. With a resistant client, sometimes their resistance is a preconscious effort for

soliciting in the counselor the same kinds of messages that they have been

accustomedtothroughouttheirlifejourney.

• Whenwedon’tengageintheirresistance,itallowsanewsenseoffreedomfor

them.

D. MotivationalInterviewing

1. If you have a resistant client and they come in with something that could

characteristically cause a debate or an emotionally loaded discussion, then you

acknowledgethat.

• Showthemrespectandacknowledgetheircontentandwhattheyaresayingto

you.


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2. Ifyoucontinueinamotivationalway,thentheireffortsbecomebothvalidatedbut

marginalizedintermsofbreakingthesystemorflowinthecounselingrelationship.

E. Dynamics

1. Asacounselor,thereareoftentwodynamicsthatyouhavetopayattentionto:

• Content:actualbehavior,choicesandsymptoms

• Processes:howtheclientandothersinhisorherlifeintersectwithcontent

2. Oftenyouhave to confront, in a loving, respectful and truthfulway, clients about

theirprocess.

• Theirprocess iswhat isgetting them into trouble. It isgeneratingunnecessary

tensionandconflict.

“Thetongueofthewisemakesknowledgeacceptable,butthemouthoffoolsspouts

folly.”—Proverbs15:2

3. Wehaveprocessesthataretakingplaceallthetime.

• Breathing

• Blinking

• Swallow

4. Theclientmayhavelotsofthingsthattheyneedtoattendtointheirlife,buttheir

process is sodysfunctionalbecause theyareapproaching itwitha lackofwisdom

andtheycan’tfocus.

5. Partoftheconfrontationisdealingwiththeprocesses.


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F. Boundaries

1. Youmayalsohavetosetboundarieswithyourclient.

2. Youmayhavetoteachyourclientshowtosetboundariesintheirownrelationships.

3. Therichyoungruler:

• Matthew19

• Mark10

• Luke18

4. Sometimesyouhavetotellaclienttruth,andthatclientmaywalkawayasad,angry

orblamingmanorwoman.

5. YourroleasacounseloristoprayerfullyandhumblydiscernandaskGodwhatisa

healthyboundaryfortheclient.

• Whattheydowithitisnotnecessarilyyourresponsibility.

• Itisnotabandoningyourclient(ethicalissue).

• Ifyourclientchoosestowalkaway,itistheirchoice.

G. Solution-FocusedTherapy

1. Itisoneofthemostvaluablestrategiestodealwithresistantclients.

2. Ratherthandealingwiththeresistanceasaprimaryconcern,continuallybringthem

backtowhattheboundariesandgoalsare.

H. Conclusion


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1. You,asacounselorinthatsessionandduringthetimethatcounselingtakesplace,

representanaccountabilityrelationshiptothatclient.

2. Asanotherwaytoworkthroughresistance,encouragetheclienttohaveadditional

accountabilitypartnersinlife.

• Theyneedpeoplewhoaretruthtellersintheirlife,butalsoonesthatlovethem.

• Theclienthastogivepermissionforthatpersontospeaktruthintotheirlife.

3. AskGodtohelpusbemotivatedinsteadofmanipulated.

• AnticipateGod’sworkinusandthroughusforhisglory.

4. ItisagreatopportunityforustodemonstrateGod’swisdom,discernmentandlove.

5. Prayforwisdom,confidenceandcourage.


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ACST103:

IntegrationandApplyingBiblicalPrinciples

totheProblemsofLife



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AbstractHistorically, the discipline of psychology has been perceived as having an anti-biblical

worldview.Biblical integrationgivesaneternalperspectivethatoffersincrediblescope,depth

and breadth to the understanding of the problem, treatment planning and target goals in

behavioral changes. The Bible provides a foundation of truth, but not everything that is

discoverable about the created world is necessarily in the pages of Scripture. God’s truth

enablesustorespondintelligentlytoscientificdata.Genuineintegrationflowsoutoftheheart

ofthecounselorasanambassadorofChristandisbasedonsolidbiblicaltruth.Inconclusion,

participants are encouraged that themeaningful application of psychology and theology has

thegreatestpotentialforcreatingthemostdesiredoutcomeincounseling.

LearningObjectives

1. Participants will understand the counselor’s role as an ambassador for Christ in the

counselingrelationship.

2. Participantswillbeabletoprovideafoundationalbasisfortheintegrationofpsychology

andtheology.

3. Participants will identify components of genuine integration and the person of the

counselor.


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I. BiblicalIntegration

A. Introduction

1. Alwaysliveinviewofeternity.

• 2Corinthianschapter4

2. Perspectiveinfluenceshowwerespondtolife.

• Howwerespondtolifeinfluencetheoutcome100%ofthetime.

3. God’sWordinfluencesyourperspective.

4. Biblicalintegrationinyourworkgivesaneternalperspectivethatoffersincredible

scope,depthandbreadthtotheunderstandingoftheproblem,treatmentplanning

andtargetgoalsinbehavioralchanges.

B. HowTo

1. Intermsofethicalpractice,youhavetorespectandattendtowheretheclientis.

2. HowcanItakebiblicalprinciplesandintegratethemintoourtalk?

3. Integrationisonacontinuum.

• Itisnoteitheror…

C. History

1. Historically,thedisciplineorthefieldofpsychologyhasbeenperceivedashavingan

anti-biblicalworldview.

2. EverythingintheBibleistrue,butnotalltruthisintheBible.


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• TheBibleprovidesafoundationoftruth,butnoteverythingthatisdiscoverable

aboutthecreatedworldisnecessarilyinthepagesofScripture.

Ø Hardscience

Ø Biology

Ø Chemistry

Ø Mathematics

3. Formanypeople,thedifficultyisthatmanytheorists(CarlJung,SigmundFreud,Erik

Erikson,AlbertEllis,etc.)werenotnecessarilyfriendsofChristianityorthechurch.

• Someofthemweredevoutatheist.

• AlbertElliswasadevoutatheist.HepioneeredRationalEmotiveBehavior

Therapy(REBT).

• AlotofChristiancounselorsutilizesomeoftheprinciplesofREBT.

4. Humanbehaviorscientistshavediscoveredsomethingsabouthumanbehaviorthat

aren’tinherentlygodly,ungodly,sinfulorevil.

5. Someofthediscoveriesfromthehumanbehaviorfieldcanbeusedtoenhancethe

truthandimprovethelivesofclient’s.

6. AbrahamMaslowdiscoveredthatthereisahierarchyofneeds.

• Ifcertain,morebasicneedslikehunger,thirst,etc.arenotattendedto,then

higherorderneeds(relationships,self-identity,self-esteem,etc.)arenotas

centralforthatperson.

7. Takesomeofthediscoveriesfromthesocialscience/humanbehaviorfieldandthen

lookandseewheretheyintegrateandcanbeusedwithbiblicalprinciplesforclient

growth,change,etc.


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8. God’struthenablesustorespondintelligentlytoscientificdata.

9. God’sWordandthedisciplineofpsychology/humanbehaviorstudiesarenotonthe

samelevel.

II. GenuineIntegration

A. ThePresenceandtheCharacteroftheCounselor

1. Dowemanifesttheessenceandcharactertraits(i.e.,graceandlove)ofJesusChrist?

2. Integrationalsohastodowithyouastheinstrumentofchangewiththatclient.

3. WhatGodisdoinginyouisjustascriticalaswhatGodisdoingthroughyou.

4. Integrationismoreintuitive(spiritually)thanintentional.

• Genuineintegrationflowsoutoftheheartofthecounselorandisbasedonsolid

biblicaltruth.

5. Beinganintegrationistisastatement,incorporationandinclusionofwhoyouarein

Christ.

• Itislikebeinganambassador.

• Itflowsoutofwhoyouare.

“ForGodsolovedtheworld,thatHegaveHisonlybegottenSon,thatwhoever

believesinHimshallnotperish,buthaveeternallife.”—John3:16

B. RelationshipwithChrist

1. It’snotjustincorporatingspiritualtechniques.


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2. Integrationhastoflowoutofwhoyouareorwhoseyouareoritwillnotbe

effective.

3. Itcouldactuallybespirituallydestructiveforyouandtheclient.

4. AllowGodthefreedomtoworkinyouandthroughyouwithouttryingtofollowa

rigidtemplate.

5. Whoyouareshouldhaveprominenceinthecounselingrelationship.

6. Clientswillprobeandtestiftheprinciplesworkforyou.

• Ifyouaren’tpreparedtohavethatconversation,thenthereisalossof

credibility.

• Ifthereisalossofcredibility,thenthereisalossofconfidenceandtrustinyou

asacounselor.

7. Beverysensitiveastohowyouunfoldbiblicalintegration.

C. BeingAmbassadors

1. WehavetheprivilegeoffunctioningintheroleofGod’sambassadors.

2. Allministrycanfallsomewhereundertheministryofreconciliation.

“NowallthesethingsarefromGod,whoreconciledustoHimselfthroughChristand

gaveustheministryofreconciliation,namely,thatGodwasinChristreconcilingthe

worldtoHimself,notcountingtheirtrespassesagainstthem,andHehascommitted

tousthewordofreconciliation.Therefore,weareambassadorsforChrist,asthough

Godweremakinganappealthroughus;webegyouonbehalfofChrist,be

reconciledtoGod.”–2Corinthians5:18-20


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3. SomepeopleneedtobereconciledwithGod.

• Somepeopleneedtobereconciledwithothers.

• Somepeopleneedreconciliationwiththemselves.

4. Ambassadorsarehandpicked.

“Awickedmessengerfallsintoadversity,butafaithfulenvoybringshealing.”

—Proverbs13:17

5. Godislookingforyoutobefaithfulwiththethingsthathehasgivenyou.

6. Ambassadorsaredependablepeople.

• Itisrequiredofstewardsthatonebefoundtrustworthy.

“Inthiscase,moreover,itisrequiredofstewardsthatonebefoundtrustworthy.”

—1Corinthians4:2

7. Ambassadorsaregivenamission.

“ButjustaswehavebeenapprovedbyGodtobeentrustedwiththegospel,sowe

speak,notaspleasingmen,butGodwhoexaminesourhearts.”

—1Thessalonians2:4

8. Ambassadorsarewise.

9. Theyarealsosentsomewhere.

10. Everywhereanambassadorstepsisconsideredsovereignterritoryofthecountryor

governmentwheretheambassadorisfrom.


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• Thisisnotourhome.Thekingdomofheaveniswherewearefrom.

• Hesendsusintotheworld,nottobeofitbutinit,sothateverywherewegowe

canbesaltandlifeanddeclarehissovereignterritory.

• ThecounselingofficeisGod’ssovereignterritory.

D. Conflict

1. Itisthemeaningfulapplicationofpsychologyandtheologythathasthepotentialfor

creatingthegreatestdesiredoutcomeincounseling.

2. Yououghtnotmakeintegrationaconceptofcomparing,competingandconforming

tootherpeople.

• BeanambassadorofJesusChrist.

• Bewhoyouare.Knowyourselfandbeyourself.

3. TakeadvantageofBiblicaltruthandtheknowledgeofthescienceofpsychology.

• Whatweknowaboutscience,personalitiesandpsychologyequipsusto

communicatebiblicaltruthinatimelyandappropriatemanner.

4. Diplomaticimmunity:diplomatsareimmunefromprosecutionformanycrimesand

misdemeanorsthatyouwouldusuallybeprosecutedfor.

• Thediplomathasimmunitybecauseofhisorherstatus.

5. InthecontextoftheChristian,wehavediplomaticimmunity.

• Theenemywilltrytoprosecuteyou(youareasinner,failure,etc.).

6. Wehavetomakesurethatourdiplomaticimmunityisnotexchangedfordiplomatic

impunity.


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7. Diplomaticimpunity:unfaithfullyrepresentingourKingassomeonewhoisharsh,

unlovingandungracious.

• Howwerepresenthiminourcharacter,composureandhowweaddressthe

clientmakesadifference.

8. Somepeoplemaydisplaybadbehaviorinfrontofyoujusttoseewhatyouaregoing

todowithit.

E. Goal

1. Provideamenuandaninvitation,notanobligation.

2. BepatientandwaitfortheSpiritofGodtogiveyoudirection.

F. Resources

1. Thereareanumberofcounseling,peoplehelpingandcaregivingorganizations.

• Thereareuniversitiesandcollegesthatteachfromthatperspective.

• TheAmericanAssociationofChristianCounselorshasnumerousresources

available.

• Therearechurchesthathaveputoutwonderfulcurriculum.

o CelebrateRecovery

o DivorceCare

o GriefShare

2. Resourceyourself.

3. Iftheclientfeelscomfortable,thenyoucanasktoprayfororwiththem.


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4. Youcantalktothemaboutthespiritualdisciplinesoffasting.

• Solitude

• Silence

• Worship

• Meditation

5. Itisnotjustwhathappensintheoffice,butitisgivingthemtools,resourcesand

connectpointsoutsideoftheoffice.

6. Divinetiming,wisdomanddiscernmentenableustocommunicateGod’struth.

7. WeareGod’soptometryassistantsbecausewehelppeoplecorrectvision.

• Someclientsarenearsighted—alltheycanseearetheirproblemsandpain.

• Somepeoplearefarsighted—alltheycanseeiseveryoneelse’sproblemsand

notthethingsthattheyneedtoworkon.

• Somepeopleareblind—theydonotseeanything.

8. Godcanuseyoutohelprestorevision.

• Ifyouaredoingthat,thenyouwillseethingsinadifferentlight.

9. GotoGod’soptometryofficefromtime-to-timeandhaveyourvisioncorrected.

• Ifyouseewhathesees,thenitwillradicallyalterhowyoudocounselingand

therapyandhowGodusesyouinthatprocess.

10. IntegrationinBibletruthinthecounselingprocessisurgent.

• ItisnoturgentbecauseGod’struthneedsanyadditiveoranything.

• BeingaBiblicists,integrationistandclinicallytrainedcounselor,wedothis

becauseeveryonethatweworkwithneedsGod’struth.

• God’struthneedsnothing,buteveryonethatweministertoneedsGod’struth.


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11. Youcan’treallybegoodatwhatGodhascalledyoutodowithoutapatternof

experienceandpracticealongtheway.

• Bepatient,trustinGodandhavethecouragetomakedecisionsaskingGodto

giveyouthewisdomtoeditthemwhenthatseemsappropriate.


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Copyright2015LightUniversity

AllRightsReserved.

Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproducedinanyformwithouttheexpressedwritten

permissionofLightUniversityortheAmericanAssociationofChristianCounselors.

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Advanced Christian Counseling Skills and Techniques 2 · Advanced Christian Counseling Skills and Techniques 2.0 P.O. Box 739 • Forest, VA 24551 • 1-800-526-8673 •