Pastoral Counseling Reflection Paper
William K. Resor Jr.
Liberty University
PASTORAL COUNSELING 2
Abstract
A few years back after a horrific personal episode, the notion that a career in pastoral counseling presented itself as an appropriate career path change. The call to serve the Lord was obvious and the search for a Christian counselor to help negotiate the feelings of pain and uncertainty indicated a shortage in qualified counselors. Thus, a career change was initiated which leads up to this particular course on pastoral counseling. This paper provides a reflection of the author's personal experience with pastoral counseling as well as the driving force to become an effective pastoral counselor in the ministry of Jesus Christ. This endeavor will be based upon the assigned readings and video presentations from a variety of scholarly sources. Additionally, the personal insight acquired through professional encounters as a psychiatric nurse and consumer of many pastoral counseling sessions will be reflected throughout this paper. Keywords: SFBC (Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling), Theoretical Model, listening, the people puzzle, paradigm shift, communication, DISC personality types. referrals
PASTORAL COUNSELING 3
CONTENTS
Abstract...............................................................................................................................................2
The People Puzzle...............................................................................................................................4
Focusing on the Solution....................................................................................................................5
Psychological Disorders and Treatments............................................................................................6
Conclusion..........................................................................................................................................7
References...........................................................................................................................................8
Rubric..................................................................................................................................................9
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PASTORAL COUNSELING 4
Pastoral Counseling Reflection Paper It did not take long into this project before finding valuable information and insight that parallels the precursor to acquiring the essential education and practice to become and effective Pastoral counselor. Tim Clinton and Rod Hawkins introduce the reader to the need for counseling in ministry with this proclamation: "Everywhere we look in this new millennium, we find people who desperately need God's touch, who cry out constantly for His gracious care." (Clinton & Hawkins, 2009, p.7). The need for effective counselors is at an all time high, but the called need to be prepared for the different situations that may come their way. Knowledge of resources that are available will prove most beneficial. It is important for the pastor to realize the limitations of thier counseling skills and have professional help available when needed. It is wise to follow the words of the wise as found in Scripture: "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established" (Prov. 15:22, King James Version). Another factor to be noted is that not everyone has the capacity to be an effective counselor. I have heard that a little bit of knowledge can be dangerous. This is expecially true when trying to use it to help others work out their difficulties. Helping others is a privilege and has great responsibility as noted in this passage: "He has chosen you as a
