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Miscellaneous
About Counseling
by Dr. Maria L. Santa-Maria (from the December 1989 issue)
In the normal course of our lives, we often encounter stresses and circumstances which can cause great pain and block our ability to function constructively, at home, at work or in other relationships. In such situations, professional counseling may be an option to turn a crises into growth and a more meaningful life.
WHY SEEK COUNSELING?
People come to counseling for may different reasons. Sometimes they come as a result of an obvious crisis, such as a death or a divorce or the discovery of an illness. In these cases, they seek help to deal with the pain, the losses and the life changes that the crisis brings.
Others may come to counseling because of a chronic condition that has become unbearable. Such as a degenerative illness or a deteriorating marriage. They may have exhausted their resources and may feel emotionally worn out or “burned-out.” They are looking to re-fuel or to find a new and creative solution to their problem.
Yet, others come to counseling simply because they want to grow. They may become aware of a problem in their lifestyles or in their interaction with others that is not constructive. They seek counseling in order to learn a more positive way to relate to others and a more fulfilling lifestyle.
HOW DOES COUNSELING HELP?
1-Counseling can offer SUPPORT to one who feels isolated and unable to help himself. There is power in numbers and our ability to cope is improved where we feel we are not alone.
2-Counseling can offer a SAFE OUTLET to ventilate feelings. Sharing with another can help to relieve stress or pressure we are experiencing.
3-Counseling can provide new INSIGHT into an old situation. As we talk about what is happening in our lives we often can be more objective and gain a new perspective into the problem.
4-Counseling can provide creative ALTERNATIVES which enhance our ability to cope constructively.
5-Counseling can also be a means of PERSONALITY REINTEGRATION. Counseling becomes psychotherapy when we make the conscious decision to change our learned response to certain situations. As a result, we begin to see ourselves, no longer in the context of our early life woundedness but as the loveable and loving person we were created to be.
WHAT MAKES COUNSELING CHRISTIAN?
The Christian counselor is one who does what she does under the guidance and through the power of the Holy Spirit – the counselor “par excellence.”
The Christian counselor is equipped for ministry with professions skills and graduate training in psychology, as well as the healing and life-changing love of Jesus. The Christian counselor will often pray with her clients in order to bring the presence and the healing love of Jesus into the client’s areas of woundedness. The Christian counselor will address, not only psychological concerns, but also spiritual dimensions of a client’s life.
The Christian counselor is like a midwife, calling the person into newness of life. As a person is open and responds to the motivation and healing love of Jesus Christ, one is empowered to come out of the places of brokenness of the past and into the wholeness that God intended.
