#101 Guiding Assumptions for Pastoral Counseling
The guiding assumptions of pastoral counseling seem to be well suited. There are nine assumptions that range from God being active in the process, the counselee being the expert, and solutions being co-created. But there are also others like number nine that says if it’s not broken don’t fix it. All of these assumptions appear to be well suited and well rounded. Yet some are harder than others to implement. I Find assumption number nine to be immensely practical yet likely to be frustrating. But when considered along with the other assumptions it adds up to a well rounded approach that is meaningful and practical.
If we apply these assumptions to the father-son relationship between Bruce (the father) and Brody (the youngest son) in the movie Crossroads: A Story of Forgiveness it gives us some context to the relevance of each assumption. If I were to counsel Bruce it is likely that he would identify his problems as something like trying to forgive Justin, handling his mixed feelings, and anger issues at the loss of his wife and daughter. But he might be less likely to identify his need to be more present as a father in the life of Brody. If I were to counsel Bruce this would be the issue most on my mind yet I am unsure how it would fit within this framework. Yet this is likely for the best as it forces the counselor to deal directly with the client and their issues as mentioned in assumption number five “the counselee is the expert and
defines goals.” Furthermore from the assumptions we know that “God is already active in the counselee” assumption 5. Therefore, we may rest easy that if the father-son relationship is an issue that either Bruce will realize it or that God may bring it to his attention. Regardless, by focusing on Bruce’s perceived issues we may help him to become a more stable person who is less focused on his issues but rather has the energy to recognize the needs of others such as his son Brody.
In conclusion, while the nine assumptions could be challenging to implement it is ultimately for the best. Even assumption number nine keeps the best interests of the counselee in mind. Each assumption builds on the others to provide a well rounded approach that is both practical and meaningful.
Kollar, C. A. Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling: An Effective Short-Term Approach for Getting People Back on Track. Zondervan, 2011, p. 63.
Ibid.
