Counseling is a useful practice because it makes it easier for troubled persons to have better lives. This situation explains why lay approaches to religious counseling have become common today. The four models of Christian counseling include “cognitive and solution focused approach, active listening, inner healing, and mixed models” (Garzon, Worthington, & Tan, 2009, p. 113).
Active-Listening Approach
This model “combines Rogerian principles such as listening skills, positive regard, and empathy” (Garzon et al., 2009, p. 114). The counselor should also use spiritual resources to support every client. Such resources include prayers and biblical teachings. The counselor should also be able to use the best caring methods. A good example “of this counseling approach is Stephen Ministry” (Garzon et al., 2009, p. 114). Counselors can use various biblical stories, promises, and themes to support their clients.
Cognitive and Solution-Focused Approach
This method “focuses on the role of self-task and core beliefs towards dealing with personal stress” (Garzon et al., 2009, p. 115). The approach also embraces the use of automatic thoughts and prayers towards cognitive restructuring. Solution-focused methods make it easier for clients to make good decisions. They also come up with appropriate strategies to deal with every problem (Garzon et al., 2009). The approach makes it easier for patients to deal with their unbiblical thoughts.
Inner Healing Approach
This counseling approach “seeks to uncover ancestral, personal, and familial experiences that might affect a person’s life” (Garzon et al., 2009, p. 116). The method also uses prayer-filled encounters. The approach makes it easier for clients to accept Christ. A Christian perspective is also necessary to ensure every person experiences a new life. Clients should be ready to repent and confess. The strategy makes it easier for them to accept Christ and embrace a new journey towards healing.
Mixed Approach
This approach bears most of the practices identified above. The approach focuses on several psychological perspectives. The counselor uses “the client’s past experience, cultural position, and spiritual foundation to reinforce a new idea” (Garzon et al., 2009, p. 116). Counselors can use several steps to help their clients. The client is also encouraged to continue reading the bible. The counselor might also encourage the client to attend more sessions and engage in various church activities.
Describing One Model
The Active-Listening Approach is one of the best lay Christian counseling models. The model “uses the best concepts such listening skills, positive regard, and empathy” (Garzon et al., 2009, p. 114). Counselors use different biblical stories, encouragements, and promises to empower their patients. The simplicity and effectiveness of the approach explains why it has become popular today. This approach has several advantages. The counselor does not require any training in psychology (Clinton & Ohlschlager, 2002). The counselor is able to understand the major issues affecting his or her clients. The method is easy to use. Counselors can use the approach to help children and adults. The method also produces positive results within a short period. The method may not address every challenge affecting a patient. The counselor should also have some training in order to support his or her patients. It is necessary for the counselor to offer the best ideas to his or her clients.
The approach I closely align with is the Active-Listening Method. I am also planning to use this approach as a future counselor. This method is also simple to apply. The counselor is also able to understand the issues affecting his or her clients (Clinton & Ohlschlager, 2002). The method does not require much training in psychology.
Reference List
Clinton, R., & Ohlschlager, G. (2002). Competent Christian Counseling: Foundations and Practice of Compassionate Soul Care. Colorado Springs, CO: Water Brook Press.
Garzon, F., Worthington, E., & Tan, S. (2009). Lay Christian Counseling and Client Expectations for Integration in Therapy. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 28(2), 113-120.