Monday, May 5, 2008

Instruments In The Redeemer's Hands: Appendix 5

This appendix has been most helpful. Perhaps one of the most daunting questions that I feel I face as an up-and-coming counselor is, ‘What practical tools can I employ in a given counseling situation?’ I really appreciate these tools that Tripp has given, and in particular the fact that he gave scenarios showing typical application of these homework assignments.

I found myself being challenged to do all these assignments myself. Throughout this year at WTS, I have been reminded that biblical counseling begins with one’s self. Therefore, I know that I would not be able to effectively administer any of these homework assignments without having done them myself first. I suppose that in doing them and in reflecting on them after is where I will begin to find my own counseling niche in term of methodology. Different assignments can be used in different scenarios, and I need to know for myself where I could see these assignments being used. On the more practical end of things, I know that I will remember these various assignments better and will be able to choose which one to administer in a given situation having worked through them myself. Also, in working through them, I will gain a personal understanding as to what my expectations ought to be as far as the outcome of the homework is concerned, not to mention that I will undoubtedly be changed in the process!

This leads me to a fairly disconcerting question, which stems from my own past as a counselee, and a question which Tripp doesn’t seem to address: what do you do with someone who does not do their homework, someone who is either reluctant to do it, or perhaps flat out refuses to? Perhaps at that point this could become the presenting problem, but I don’t think I would want to spend a lot of time dealing with the issue of homework specifically, nor would I want to spend a lot of time discussing that particular issue for the sake of missing out on the original topics for which the counselee came in. However, I do recognize that this reluctance is a significant issue, and may exhibit root causes to other issues in the counselee’s life. After having said all that- I am still not sure how to proceed. I suppose with caution, and, if in doubt about where I have been guiding the sessions, repent.

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