Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling: An Effective Short-Term Approach for Getting People Back on Track
1. How would you help a counselee in the attending position become a willing participant in the counseling process?
Important assumptions to facilitate the movement from the attending position to the willing position in the counseling process include the perspective that the counseling relationship is positional; the counselee is the expert, the counselee is always changing, and God is already active in the counselee (Kollar 2011, 63). The Ronald E. Hawkins’ “Pastoral Counseling Scenario” suggests that its first two phases, which include building rapport and collaborating well, are crucial to counselee movement (Hawkins 2012, slide 4-6). Accordingly, progressive listening via client-focused questions is crucial to trust building and positive positional movement (Petersen 2007, 101). Self-interest questions may be particularly beneficial (Kollar 2011, 118). Specifically, by asking questions that acknowledge that it may not have been the counselee’s desire to participate, and asking the counselee’s opinion of why participation may or may not be necessary can decrease tension with an individual in the attending position (Kollar 2011, 119). Furthermore, by asking the counselee what would have to change so they would not have to come back may also help in defining the problem, describing life without the problem, and moving the client from the attending to the willing position (Kollar 2011, 119).
2. In addition to applying what you have just learned to one of the four characters in the case study (Bruce, Josh, Brody, or Justin), how would you use the supportive feedback technique and small group ministry to consolidate, support, and secure change in the life of your counselee?
Building rapport through listening and asking self-interested questions may be especially important for Brody. Brody is in the attending position because he feels unnoticed and that a healthy relationship with his dad appears a hopeless proposition. Once the counselor demonstrates “fit” and deploys gentle questions, then the Supportive Feedback Technique can assist Brody (Kollar 2011, 95). Specifically, a short time-out is taken at the end of the session to allow both parties to reflect, then affirmations are given by the counselor to the counselee to encourage movement, and finally, a plan of action or movement oriented suggestions are presented to assist in consolidating, supporting, and securing change (Kollar 2011, 189-192). Systematic suggestions, such as the connection with an age-appropriate small group, may further support the life of Brody by encouraging healthy thoughts, feelings, and choices (Rice 2012, slides 1-6).
3. After considering the following verses (Romans 15:14; Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 10:24, 25) and reviewing the resources in the Additional Materials folder, present a reasoned argument for connecting your counselee to responsible members in ministry (Phase 4).
A number of valid reasons support connecting the counselee with responsible members of the ministry. First, individuals are capable of guiding and advising if the counselee is in a willing position (Romans 15:14 [MSG]). Second, since God endows believers with diverse spiritual gift tendencies, responsible members in ministry may be able to provide customized Holy Spirit led insight and support for the counselee (Ephesians 4:11-16 [NASB]). Third, members of the body have the ability to come alongside the counselee for the purpose of encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). Finally, Dwight C. Rice suggests “systems of influence can affect” counselees in significant ways, and accordingly, surrounding the client with positive influences supports healthy movement (Rice 2012, slides 1-6).
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References
- Hawkins, Ronald E. 2012. The counseling structure/strategy. http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-15867903-dt-content-rid-84441962_1/xid-84441962_1 (accessed May 13, 2012).
- Kollar, Charles Allen. 2011. Solution-focused pastoral counseling: An effective short-term approach for getting people back on track. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
- Petersen, James. 2007. Why don’t we listen better? Communicating and connecting in relationships. Portland, OR: Petersen Publications.
- Rice, Dwight C. 2012. Step 5 – Think systemically. Adapted from Hawkins’ pastoral assessment model. http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-15867920-dt-content-rid-84442444_1/xid-84442444_1 (accessed May 13, 2012).
