Well, it has been over a week since I have last posted. Sometimes, I think about posting, but decide I don't have the energy to come up with something creative, so I just continue to read other's blogs instead. Other times, I feel as if I have so much on my plate that needs to get done, I can't take time to post. Some of those things that have been on my plate are done now. I finished my last term paper for the summer this past weekend. What a relief! I kept procrastinating writing it, however; I ended up enjoying the process. It was a great exercise to help me begin to integrate theology with my theory of counseling. As with many disciplines, a postmodern framework has emerged. In therapy, these are called narrative and solution-focused theories. Both are more focused on the future, what solutions the client can find within themselves and developing an outlook on life that is success oriented rather than problem oriented. For many years, therapy has focused on the problems that individuals and families have, thus seeming perpetuating the cycle of dysfunction. The postmodern theories assert that families and individuals have unique outcome in certain situations but they are unable to acknowledge those outcomes because they are focused on the problem. Therapists that work from this perspective help clients to build an alternative story that focuses on their success and their ability to reproduce that success in other situations. It is amazing in just the little time I have worked with clients, how true this is. Many times clients have never had anyone in their lives that encourage and notice their positive qualities. After just a few sessions of pointing out areas in which they are capable, the therapist sees an individual blossom, really take hold of that change and run with it.
As I wrote this paper, I had to write about how theology supports this theory. After thinking about this for several days, it dawned on my that Jesus practiced a similar "therapy" if you will on people. When he would talk to people, he did not focus on their sin, but empowered them to "Go and sin no more." God calls us to live worthy of our calling (Philippians). It seems to me that to live worthy of my calling is to live successfully for Jesus rather than being caught up with what's going wrong in my life. In many ways it is similar to Mike Cope's post the other day about being able to choose the attitude that we are going to have. We have the ability to write our story any way we want, why not choose to write about how we are capable of showing people Jesus?
After writing that paper, God renewed my desire, vision, and the need there is for good Christian therapists in the world. These are people that have been beat up, stomped on, and thrown out with yesterday's garbage. They DESERVE so much more. They deserve to believe in themselves and have another human believe in their abilities. God put them on this earth for a reason, he has a plan for each one of us, and I believe in that plan.
Lord, please guide me as I talk with people about the deepest pains in their lives. Guide me to the words you want them to hear, soften their hearts to hear your story, and help them to write an alternative story to their lives that brings glory and honor to you!
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4 comments:
Well said Sara. I love the idea that we all can invite others to participate in a story that reorients and transforms lives! Where do I sign up for a therapy session?
Sara, I love how you explained counseling...it makes so much sense to help a person see a good future. God is going to use you in wonderful ways to help people heal. And I hope you will continue to share information and ways that maybe even us lay people can help. I'm so thankful for you.
Great post Sara! I truly enjoyed reading what the post-modern thought is in therapy. We hear that p-m phrase so much these days.
I am glad to know that there will be another good christian counselor out there someday!
PS.I really hope if you have children you will name them Wendy, John, and maybe Peter since you already have a Micheal. And your dog has to be named NANA! ;->
Sara,
I too have seen the power of solution focused therapy in counseling. It is healthy and modeled by Christ.
There are some clients, however, who simply will not let go of the problem. Their identity is so wrapped up in it that they are afraid they will lose themselves if they let go of the "stuff".
Or, their pictures of victimization are so engrained that even when they go to a new setting, they recreate the same scenario. I suppose those are the ones who offer the most sense of victory when they finally see the light.
And the more that we all practice the idea of focusing on solution instead of problem, the more others who struggle will have good models to follow. Success breeds success.
Good thoughts.......I'll bet you are a great counselor!
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