Councel
Councel
Councel
BTI 2007
Table of Contents
How this course works ................................................................................ 1 Introduction .......................................................................................... 1 The Process........................................................................................... 1 Course Structure..................................................................................... 2 What will you learn in this module? ................................................................ 3 What is Counselling?................................................................................... 4 The Uniqueness of Christian Counselling........................................................... 8 Three Counselling Approaches....................................................................... 9 Non-Directive Counselling.......................................................................... 9 Directive Counselling ............................................................................... 9 Holy Spirit Led Counselling .......................................................................10 Skills and qualities of a helpful Christian counsellor............................................12 The Client / Counsellor Relationship ..............................................................14 Frameworks in Counselling ..........................................................................15 Small Frameworks ..................................................................................16 Large Frameworks ..................................................................................16 The Bible in Counselling .............................................................................17 Four Major Secular Approaches to Counselling...................................................19 Behaviourism ........................................................................................19 Psychoanalysis ......................................................................................19 Personalism..........................................................................................19 Transpersonalism ...................................................................................20 Human Needs ..........................................................................................20 Maslows Hierarchy of Needs .....................................................................20 Five Ring Model .....................................................................................21 A Counselling Strategy .............................................................................22 Exploring...........................................................................................22 Clarifying Goals...................................................................................22 Action ..............................................................................................22 The Gerard Egan Skilled Helper Model ............................................................23 Stage 1 Whats going on? .....................................................................23 Stage 2 What solution makes sense for me? ...............................................23 Stage 3 How do I get what I need and want? ..............................................23 The Action Arrow How do I make it happen? ..............................................23 Assignment.............................................................................................24
The Process
The course is split into 12 modules which will be sent to you one at a time on successful completion of the previous module. Should you decide to not complete the course then do let us know and we will send you any remaining modules for your future reference. Each module will contain your learning material, interspersed with opportunities for you to think about the material and how that may apply to you personally. At the end of each module there will be a small assignment for you to complete and send to your tutor. You will be allocated a personal tutor who will be contactable by email and with whom you may correspond on any issues related to the course. Completed assignments will be sent to this tutor for marking. As well as the assignments you must also keep a personal journal. This is to help you with your self-awareness as well as help you to focus on your learning. Your journal must also be sent in to your tutor for marking together with your assignments. Page 1
Confidentiality is paramount in the world of counselling and we do stress that everything you send to us will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. At the successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate from Barnabas Training International to demonstrate your competence at the Foundation Level of Christian Counselling. If you should have any questions about the course then please feel free to contact us on 01243 554462 or see our online discussion board at www.btctraining.co.uk.
Course Structure
Module 1: Introduction to Counselling and Christian Counselling Module 2: Increasing Awareness of Counselling Issues Module 3: Problems, Labels & the Role of Society Module 4: Helping the Client to Face and Work Through Change Module 5: Increasing our Understanding of Ourselves and Others Module 6: The Counselling Environment and Effective Listening Module 7: Factors Affecting Personality Module 8: Understanding our Minds and Relationships Module 9: Exploring Issues of Stress Module 10: Counselling Guidelines and Case Studies Module 11: Counselling Skills Module 12: Physical and Sexual Abuse Appendix: Biblical notes
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What counselling is What Christian counselling is Some approaches to counselling Skills and qualities of a good counsellor The use of the Bible in counselling Four major secular approaches to counselling Two models of human need The Egan Skilled Helper model of counselling
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What is Counselling?
Imagine that you are struggling with some personal issues; you don't know what to do or who to turn to for help. A friend tells you about a counsellor they know and encourages you to call the counsellor and arrange a meeting. Your friend is sure that this counsellor will be able to help you. You have made an appointment to see the counsellor, but as the time gets nearer you are feeling less sure about your decision. You've never seen a counsellor before and you are not really sure what to expect.
Think about and answer: What anxieties do you have about the 'counselling'?
If somebody were to ask you what you think 'counselling' is, what would you say?
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Counselling could be described as "an activity that aims to help others in any or all aspects of their being, within a caring relationship". This includes:
Listening Giving permission to talk Giving people support Giving people a chance to express themselves Coming alongside people Giving Encouragement Being Friendly Talking through problems Helping people see and explore new options Helping people come to terms with a situation Building confidence Helping people to release, let go of, unravel problems in order to be set free Helping people to improve the quality of life as they see it Giving time and being available Finding an answer without dictating Showing Patience Demonstrating Love Providing Hope Helping people to help themselves Offering Confidentiality Engendering Trust Creating a climate so that the "client" feels accepted, non-defensive and able
to talk freely about himself and his feelings (begins to build a trusting relationship) Helping the client to gain clearer insight into himself and his situation so that he is able to help himself and draw on his own resources.
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One Definition of Counselling Here is one of many possible definitions: "Counselling can be defined as 'that activity which seeks to help people towards constructive change and growth in any or every aspect of their lives. The aim is to achieve this through a caring relationship and within agreed boundaries'" (Association of Christian Counsellors)
What are you expecting from this counselling that would be distinctively different from counselling that is not Christian?
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Here are some of the issues that may have come up in your thoughts about Christian Counselling. Christian Counselling may include the following:A God given ability to help another find God's direction for their life. Helping an individual to recognise, understand and solve his own problems in accordance with the Word of God and by the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. In Christian counselling, a persons spirit is also involved, as it is concerned with comprehension, conscience and insight. The counselling therefore seeks to help the whole person and not just focus on a problem. The Holy Bible is recognised as the final authority. The Bible is the best psychology book as it is God's Word. The Bible may be used as a handbook in which the solution to all of our problems is revealed (the word Psyche comes from the Greek word for soul Psuch). Invites and makes use of the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. In this it is directive, based on the Word of God. It depends on God not man. It is the spiritual approach designed to help a person solve a conflict and become adjusted to the spiritual laws designed by God for successful living. It is bringing people to the heart of the Father. Christ centred and not man centred.
A Definition of Christian Counselling Here is one definition: "Christian counselling can be defined as 'that activity which seeks to help people towards constructive change and growth in every aspect of their lives. The aim is to achieve this through a caring relationship and within agreed boundaries, according to Biblical Truths, aims and methods all practised within a framework of Christian commitment, insight and values" (Association of Christian Counsellors)
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(Taken from Introduction to Psychology and Counselling by Meier, Minirth, Wichern and Ratcliffe)
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Non Directive
Directive
Holy Spirit
Non-Directive Counselling
Not giving advice / not telling the person what you do Person Centred or Rogerian approach (after Carl Rogers) Helping people see a range of options Allows the troubled person to talk / think problem(s) through / consider options / retain ownership of problem / take responsibility for working through solution
Directive Counselling
Offering advice or direction to the client Can confront & challenge An example of Christian directive approach could be Jay Adams An example of secular directive approach could be Rational Emotive Therapy May be important in life or limb risk situations Can be used to (sensitively) confront sin issues Recognises the final authority of The Word of God, that it is living and active - Jesus could be directive in His style of counselling (e.g. "go and sin no more.") Recognises the centrality of Jesus and not the person
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Summary
As Christians we can be free to use all 3 models as appropriate and be careful not to focus too much on either non-directive or directive. Always remember that the Holy Spirit needs to be our power base. We counsel for The Glory of God, not for the glory of our clients or ourselves.
Within the context of counselling, try to define the 3 terms below and some of the potential benefits.
Non - Directive
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Directive
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Think about and answer: What do you think are the skills and qualities that a helpful counsellor needs? List these below.
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There are many skills and qualities required in counselling and you may have come up with some that are not listed. Here are some that you may have included in your list:A helpful counsellor
presumes nothing about the client checks all things has a Biblical view and understanding of God and man has an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ, walking and listening to God is in authentic fellowship with other Christians has good self-awareness knows their own limitations and when and how to refer on has good listening and communication skills has good relationship skills compassion, sensitivity, gentleness has patience knows where their security and significance really is is non-judgemental, accepts and respects people does not give advice inappropriately or too quickly has empathy (in contrast to sympathy) is self-organised, disciplined, prepared has a teachable and servant heart has the ability to handle shocking subjects in a way that will not detrimentally affect the counsellor/client relationship has good confrontation/challenging skills is able to sensitively pray with the client when appropriate has honesty/integrity recognises the clients right to choose to be counselled. It is a privilege to counsel not a right has a practical understanding and application of confidentiality is accountable with appropriate Supervision
The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools Ecclesiastes 9:17 Page 13
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Frameworks in Counselling
An effective counsellor needs a good understanding of self and others so that they are able to recognise their strengths and weaknesses. Organisations have structures and frameworks. Some are tightly structured with: rules/regulations
rigid and precise operating methods rigid and inflexible lines of communication inflexible disciplinary procedures
Other organisations are less heavily structured leaving more space for:
individual expression experimentation/innovation development learning (including from mistakes) open communication self-discipline
Others operate somewhere along this spectrum. As individuals we operate from within similar types of framework or structure.
Think about and answer: How structured are you in your approach to life? What does your framework look like?
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Small Frameworks
The dangers of small frameworks include:A world of negatives that can be projected onto other people WARNING! The small framework is liable to crack or break! Can it cope with the stresses and strains of the client? BLOCKED! What are our no-go areas? What has gone on there? BOUND! What is binding us? What are our prejudices?
Large Frameworks
A large framework is still a framework. We all need boundaries Easier to work with much more flexibility and freedom of movement Undefended/Unprotected counsellors need to make themselves vulnerable to some degree; they need to be prepared for being hurt Calvary love reaches out unconditionally We need the full protection of the spiritual armour of God not our own defensive mechanisms Accessible counsellors need to be accessible people but that does not mean that they are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! They need to manage their time, plan it, and make clear appointments. The only real emergency is a life or limb situation and even then counsellors need to be aware of emotional blackmail. Care! Do not be so accessible to others that you become inaccessible to your own family and God. People with problems can put extreme pressure on counsellors. In essence they are very self-centred. A pre-occupation with their problems will sometimes result in a (not usually deliberate) attempt to take control of the counsellor. They wont be aware of what is happening but we need to be and need to ensure that we maintain control. God can and does help people restructure their frameworks as necessary and as He is invited to do so.
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What special significance does the Bible have for you as a 'counsellor'?
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As Christians, we believe in the supremacy of scriptural authority. We also believe in the sufficiency of scripture. Not everything is recorded in the Bible (John 16:12, 21:25), Acts 1:1) but this does not mean that Scripture is insufficient for addressing all of mans problems. Gods view of scripture is shown in the following passages: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 119 (all of it but especially vs 11, 89, 105, 130 & 133).
Think about and answer: From the verses listed above write down the reasons why the Bible could be useful in a counselling context.
What are 2 opposite extreme approaches to using the Bible in pastoral care and counselling and what are the dangers of these?
The Bible is alive, it speaks to me, it has feet, it runs after me, it has hands, it lays hold of me. - Martin Luther
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Behaviourism
The philosophical theory of behaviourism - or, to give it its full title, logical behaviourism is a theory developed by James B. Watson concerned with studying and measuring behaviours that are observable. Behaviourism holds that being in a particular mental state, such as being happy, is the same as being in a physical state. In other words, if I say, "I am happy", this may be translated into a description of my physical state - increased heart rate, smiling, etc. The behaviourist would argue that if these outward signs were not present then the person is not really happy. Behaviourists stress the role of the environment as a fundamental shaper of behaviour and attempt to modify an individuals behaviour rather than their internal state.
Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis is a family of psychological theories and methods based originally on the work of Sigmund Freud. It is a system of viewing the individual as the product of unconscious forces and is intended to help clients become aware of long-repressed feelings and issues by using such techniques as free association and the interpretation of dreams. The diagnosis and treatment of mental disorder is premised on the Freudian theory that such disorders are caused by repression of desires that the afflicted person may have consciously rejected but that nevertheless persist strongly in his subconscious.
Personalism
This began in the 1940s and says that the one thing we know about humans is that they are free, they are autonomous and they are existing persons before anything else. Carl Rogers and Fritz Perls were two well-known proponents of personalism, Page 19
though they developed quite different forms of therapy. Rogers believed that people were like plants: give them the right type of conditions and they will blossom. The counsellor qualities that facilitate growth are empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence or transparency. Rogers work uses a view of human understanding which claims that each persons understanding of the world is unique. Therefore, we have to try to stand where the client is standing in order for them to find their way forward. This quality is empathic understanding. Our task is to facilitate growth not to try to make others in our own image by control and direction. Rogers believed that we are most human in our freedom which ought to be expressed in our feeling and emotional lives. In order for persons to heal, this feeling aspect has to be allowed to reveal itself. Change will naturally occur because feelings, when unblocked and accepted can move on. Rogers view of humankind contradicts Biblical teaching.
Transpersonalism
Transpersonal psychology is a school of psychology that studies the spiritual dimensions of humanity. It looks at such issues as peak experiences, mystical experiences and the possibility of development beyond traditional egoboundaries. Transpersonal psychology is concerned with the study of humanitys highest potential, and with the recognition of spiritual, and transcendent states of consciousness. Transpersonal psychology takes the view that individuals have a deeper Self that lies behind their roles, masks, and beliefs and that the individualised persona is only one manifestation of this deeper Self.
Human Needs
Maslows Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a theory proposed by Abraham Maslow in his 1945 paper A Theory of Human Motivation. Maslow studied people such as Albert Einstein and Eleanor Roosevelt, and the healthiest one percent of the college student population in order to arrive at his conclusions. Page 20
The hierarchy is depicted as a pyramid consisting of five levels: the four lower levels are grouped together and are associated with physiological needs, while the top level is associated with psychological needs. Deficiency needs must be met first. Once these are met personal growth needs can be met. The higher needs in this hierarchy only come into focus when the lower needs in the pyramid are satisfied.
Think about and answer: What is self actualisation? How does this contradict biblical teaching?
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Think about and answer: How might we use the Five Ring model in a counselling situation?
A Counselling Strategy
One approach to counselling is to ensure the following three elements are covered in the course of the relationship.
Exploring
Show attention Listening Empathy Acceptance Summarise and reflect
Clarifying Goals
Further empathy Challenging Collate information Share understanding Keep clear roles Set goals
Action
Creative thinking Problem solving Make decisions with client Use knowledge to act effectively Evaluate Presume Nothing - Check all things!
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Assignment
In approximately 300 words describe yourself as someone very close to you would describe you. Email this description to your personal tutor.
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