While there are always definitive characteristics that set Biblical therapy apart (reliance on a higher power, goals towards spirituality, etc.) one of the most important differences is that "therapists must relate to their clients from a position of equality (Blanton, 2005, 97)
Often the techniques required for this are the same that hostage-negotiators use to build rapport with the kidnappers, etc. And require a level of empathy and ability to place all judgments aside in order to establish a more meaningful dialog, in this case, with the patient (Charles, 2007)
This is often the place in which Biblical counseling or the ministry is most effective. Since the family structure is singularly important to the Church's viewpoint, the idea of using Christian-based viewpoints to show the importance of what a family means is often critical (Cutrer, 2009)
The illness will not likely be cured with 1-2 therapy sessions, or even a short-term pharmacological protocol. Instead, the intervention must be to mitigate the situation as much as possible, to give reasonable support, and to work more with the neurologist or psychiatrist to provide supportive therapy (Dipman, 2006)
Thus, the therapist must bring the patient back into understanding that events do not define them -- that there is trauma in life, but it is part of a phase. Often, depending on the degree of traumatic stress, certain anxiety medications may be needed to mitigate the situation (Ford, et
Unresolved grief or abandonment issues can also contribute to this type of distress. For the most part, somatic distress is usually handled through addressing the physical symptoms, and then talking out the issue so that the unresolved fear, anger, or other emotion can be laid to rest (Guiffrida, 2007)
This often helps take th4e focus off the addicted person and acknowledges the need for the entire peer unit to change in order for health to occur. Both models also emphasize that it is imperative to treat the individual with love, dignity, and respect -- not to allow them to see their addiction as shameful or something degrading or in need of hiding (Heymann, 2006)
Vernon Johnson. In the contemporary world, though, the Johnson model is often criticized because it involves a level of "ambushing" -- seen as necessary at the time in order for the intervention to even occur (Johnson, 1986)
Vernon Johnson. In the contemporary world, though, the Johnson model is often criticized because it involves a level of "ambushing" -- seen as necessary at the time in order for the intervention to even occur (Johnson, 1986)
, 2006). Others see crisis as a need for change -- usually socially or culturally oriented, something that needs to occur so the individual organism (self) or group (society) can evolve into something more positive and/or productive (Lundgren and McMakin, 2009)
Rather, it is the strategy that the vision of the individual will improve through open communication with God -- one can ask how Jesus might have responded to the crisis, or, if there are words of comfort that might offer a solution to the situation at hand (Gaultiere, 2005). In utilizing the Biblical view of counseling, we must remember that it focuses on how to live faithfully, act justly, love mercy, and use the basic principles of the New Testament to pattern a good life (Monroe, 2007)
If the goal is to return the individual to a pre-crisis level of coping patterns, which is a standard therapeutic goal, the counselor must attempt to either settle for a comfort zone or to stretch that zone to a level of greater self-actualization. This is only possible, for Biblical intervention, if the patient is able to perceive morality, decision making, and a reasonable definition of the crisis (Popovich, 2007)
Just as each individual is unique in their quest for therapy, the differences of Bible-based therapy allow the counselor to go beyond some of the psychological issues of the patient and address the spiritual basis for behavior. One basic principle is that in Biblical intervention, a client can be returned to pre-crisis coping levels and be healed within a continuum; but the reestablishment of a relationship with God as a prevalent goal is not always tangible, and must often be seen as a long-term, almost life-long issue (Reiner, 2005)
Again, the level of seriousness will dictate the particular crisis intervention, but just as with a medical emergency, the goal is to assess the actions, and bring the individual back to a state in which they can adequately communicate with the individual. These are often the most difficult and perplexing types of issues, since information is often incomplete, missing, or simply unavailable (Roberts, 2005, 137)
listening, guidance, etc.) but each and every intervention is unique, and must be treated in that manner (Seaward, 2008)
" There are, however, five defining characteristics that make up a crisis and explain the manner in which humans react to such defining events. A crisis is a specific, (1) unexpected, and (2) non-routine series of events that create (3) anxiety, (4) uncertainty, and (5) perceived threats to either the status quo, important goals, or tangible assets (Seeger, et
The primary intervention is educational -- explaining that certain changes have, or will, take place and exploring why these are necessary and/or part of life's maturation process. Self-help groups are often used in this type of issue once the initial crisis point has been diminished (Wainrib, 2006)
Author Nancy Beckham referenced 108 research studies and conducted her own meta-analysis of those research studies; Beckham came up with six bullet points relating to menopausal stigmas. Several of those points are presented here: a) "life stresses account for much…of the variation in emotional well-being" during menopause; b) if a person has "negative preconceptions about the physical and emotional aspects of menopause" that leads to even greater "distress"; c) viewing menopause as a "…deficiency disease" leads to additional emotional problems vis-a-vis middle age; d) blaming personal emotional problems on menopause is like "masking" rather than solving the problems; and e) ten psychological studies show that "natural menopause leads to few changes in psychological characteristics" -- only a "decline in introvertedness" and hot flashes are the obvious, universal changes (Beckham 12)
Professor of Counseling Richard James warns that there is no "panaceas or quick fixes" for someone in crisis, and clearly Gina is in crisis situation albeit she did her best to seem normal and alert during the session. "Many problems of clients in severe crisis stem from the fact that the clients sought quick fixes in the first place," James writes (James, 2008, 4)
Meanwhile, Albert Roberts explains that a person like Gina is in fact feeling helpless and hopeless because of "…cognitive distortions or misperceptions. These distortions provide an inaccurate basis for beliefs and accompanying behaviors… [and] distortions highlighting negative self-worth, inadequacy, and doom provide powerful fodder for depression, inactivity, learned helplessness, and disempowerment" (Roberts, 1995, 202)