Grow in Case Wisdom
The movies and novels for this class were an interesting way to grow in case wisdom. I have found that, typically, I watch movies and read novels for the sheer enjoyment of it (and sometimes, admittedly, as a form of escapism). As such, I don’t usually watch or read in a way that is looking to learn more about humanity and the way people process their lives; I am in it for the entertainment. Having to take more of a critical step back and process what is (or what might be) going on in the minds of the characters has given me a different perspective on engaging in not only these activities, but also on interpreting real life.
The benefit of such activities, I believe, is to develop a greater awareness of what might be brewing beneath the surface issues that people present when we are engaged in conversation. Further, these reflective exercises help to take a step back and process what is going on before simply offering an opinion or giving advice. There is more of a necessity to ask more questions and try to understand the person within his/her context when we slow down and engage the person instead of the situation or the problem; having to reflect on characters in a movie or in a book helps to develop this type of awareness.
On the flip side, there is a danger of being analytical when engaging in this type of case work: that I do not begin to assume I understand a person’s situation just because I am familiar with specific issues. Each person is different. Thus, the warning applied in the paragraph above fits here as well. I have to remember to focus on the person, not the problem. Furthermore, I have to be aware not to trust in my own understanding of issues that life presents, but to always lean on the Spirit of God for direction and light.
Engage in Intentionally Constructive Conversations
The triads were most helpful in developing an intentionality in everyday conversations. In a sense, we were forced to talk with others, developing the skills necessary to be an effective counselor. However, our group meshed well from the first meeting, and it was a real pleasure to meet each week. We felt safe to share our struggles and our joys. Unfortunately, we talked so long each time that we ran out of time to pray with each other. In spite of this, we have been praying for each other and have called and emailed each other when specific issues for prayer have come up.
Although we had a great time and certainly grew individually, I wish we had some sort of a rubric, or marking scheme/checklist for what to look for when in engaging in conversation within our triads. Then one of the three could operate as an ‘objective’ observer who could provide feedback after the triad session. Thus, there would be the opportunity for (potentially) greater growth with the encouragement and critical feedback from a third-person perspective. Moreover, these observations/rubrics/comments could be handed in for further comment and direction from the instructor.
I think that having this class alongside the Methods of Biblical Change class has been a real blessing. They have been mutually reinforcing, and often the class material has overlapped. The journaling we did for Methods helped focus on being intentional in our conversations, some weeks having a specificity of conversation topic or dynamic. Perhaps having to journal as part of each weekly assignment would have been more helpful for the triads also.
Build a Repertoire of Counseling Topics
I thoroughly enjoyed the readings assigned for this class. Specifically, I thought the spectrum covered on the given topics was very helpful. For example, I tend to think of judgmentalism as judgmentalism, disappointment as disappointment, and frustration as frustration; I do not typically see these as forms of anger. Having a spectrum on which to place peripheral issues (if I may call them that) will allow me to identify these issues correctly, to identify with the person’s struggle more readily and personally, and to addresses them more effectively with Scripture.
Of course, having to deal with particular issues in one’s own life is perhaps the best way to prepare for counseling. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:4, if we have gone through certain trials, or worked through certain issues, we are able to “comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Therefore, working through our own issues by way of personal application studies, not only helps us to build a repertoire of counseling topics, it also helps us to be more intentional in our conversations, and to grow in case wisdom as we begin to understand in more depth the human condition.
Other Observations
The last two classes were extremely helpful. Dealing with questions from prospective counselors (professionally speaking!) gave voice to some of my own questions that I had not raised yet. Powlison’s candid, insightful, and God-focused answers really brought a lot of light to bear on the questions that would befuddle me when I begin to look at my potential career as a counselor. I am thankful that Powlison was willing to entertain our questions.
The second point I would like to raise is in regard to the additions or appendices that Powlison uses to frame Tripp’s methodology in Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands. He spoke briefly in one of the last classes about personally preparing to counsel before engaging others, which he coined “WALK”. We need to live out what we hope to share with others in need. Following this would be Tripp’s LOVE, KNOW, SPEAK, DO. As the other bookend, Powlison adds the category “GROW”; this, according to my understanding, was the essence of this course- to grow in wisdom and skill as we seek to be used as instruments in God’s Kingdom. I am thankful for this additional perspective on counseling ministry. God has richly blessed me through Powlison’s teaching in this class.
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