Strategic Pastoral Counseling: A Short-Term Structured Model
David G. Benner’s “Strategic Pastoral Counseling Model” and Ron Hawkins’ “Pastoral Assessment Model and Counseling Scenario” have numerous similarities and differences. Both models support brief therapy, assume God is working, emphasize future hope, and attempt to maintain focus. Furthermore, both encourage dialogue that promotes safety and trust, referred to by Hawkins as “fit” and Benner as “joining” (Benner 2003, 76).
Differences between the two models also exist. Hawkins (2012a) appears to expand Benner’s more individualistic approach by placing additional emphasis on the temporal and supernatural systems (slide 4). Furthermore, Benner (2003) provides a counseling structure that emphasizes the alignment of “underlying beliefs and values” and brings “meaning to the problems” (92). Hawkins’ (2012a) solution-focused therapy emphasizes the “what” rather than the “why” and attempts to provide present hope through imagining a preferred future (slide 2).
Hawkins’ (2012b; c) “Pastoral Counseling Scenario” includes proper preparation of the counseling setting and assessment of the counselor’s relational style (slides 1-4; slides 1-6). Furthermore, the counseling strategy entails listening to counselee’s story, discovering a preferred future, collaborating toward a solution, and identifying supportive resources (Hawkins 2012d, slide 4). Finally, the session concludes with purposeful feedback, pragmatic movement, and authentic debriefing (Hawkins 2012e, slides 1-4). Decisions and resources for the present context include the identification of bibliotherapeutic materials, alignment of support groups and lay counselors, and a referral list for specialized needs.
The elements of Hawkins’ (2012a) “Pastoral Assessment Model” include the inner core, soul, body, temporal systems, and supernatural systems (slide 4). The greatest resource is salvation, which affects the inner core (Rice 2012a, slide 3). Soulical resources include spiritual disciplines and somatic resources including assessments of physical health, diet, and rest (Rice 2012b, slides 1-2; 2012c, slides 1-2). Finally, inquiries regarding external influences and synergistic components of self also assist in the discovery of solutions (Rice 2012d, slides 1-6; 2012e, slides 1-2).
The purpose of the final project is to provide a practical application of solution based therapy informed by a primary goal. The paper encompasses four components of counseling, which include the setting, relational style, strategy, and summation within the context of a family in crisis. The outcome requires previous coursework to provide an integrative presentation.
References
Benner, David G. 2003. Strategic pastoral counseling: A short-term structured model. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
Hawkins, Ronald E. 2012a. Hawkins’ pastoral assessment model. http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-15867905-dt-content-rid-84442501_1/xid-84442501_1 (accessed May 13, 2012).
Hawkins, Ronald E. 2012b. The counseling setting.
http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-15867901-dt-content-rid-84442502_1/xid-84442502_1 (accessed May 13, 2012).
Hawkins, Ronald E. 2012c. The counselor’s relational style. http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-15867902-dt-content-rid-84442507_1/xid-84442507_1 (accessed May 13, 2012).
Hawkins, Ronald E. 2012d. The counseling structure/strategy. http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-15867903-dt-content-rid-84441962_1/xid-84441962_1 (accessed May 13, 2012).
Hawkins, Ronald E. 2012e. The counseling summation.
http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-15867904-dt-content-rid-84442503_1/xid-84442503_1 (accessed May 13, 2012).
Rice, Dwight C. 2012a. Step 2 – Think spiritually. Adapted from Hawkins’ pastoral assessment model. http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-15867917-dt-content-rid-84442446_1/xid-84442446_1 (accessed May 13, 2012).
Rice, Dwight C. 2012b. Step 3 – Think soulically. Adapted from Hawkins’ pastoral assessment model. http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-15867918-dt-content-rid-84442442_1/xid-84442442_1 (accessed May 13, 2012).
Rice, Dwight C. 2012c. Step 4 – Think somatically. Adapted from Hawkins’ pastoral assessment model. http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-15867919-dt-content-rid-84442440_1/xid-84442440_1 (accessed May 13, 2012).
Rice, Dwight C. 2012d. 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).
Rice, Dwight C. 2012e. Step 6 – Think synergistically. Adapted from Hawkins’ pastoral assessment model. http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-15867921-dt-content-rid-84442453_1/xid-84442453_1 (accessed May 13, 2012).
