Category Archives: Psychology

July 26, 2009 · 8:52 pm

What should Christian counseling look like?


 I posted this little item for my last guest blog at www.christianpsych.orgfor the month of July. In it I mention “Christian Counseling: An Introduction” by Malony and Augsburger (2007).

And no, I don’t say what it should look like–merely a comment that we still need to figure out how we handle the faith/science dichotomy that we’ve been handed all these years.

Those who have been around wisecounsel for a while will remember I blogged through each chapter. If you are interested in seeing those posts, just use the search engine on this page to find posts mentioning Malony.

1 Comment

Filed under Christian Apologetics, christian counseling, christian psychology, Christianity, counseling science, Doctrine/Theology, History of Psychology, philosophy of science, Psychology, teaching counseling

Tagged as , , , ,

July 22, 2009 · 11:17 am

Did Paul struggle with past memories?


On Sunday Steve Light preached from Acts regarding the conversion of the Apostle Paul. Prior to his conversion he was known to be one seeking the death of Jewish followers of Jesus. He witnessed and may have provided support for the stoning of Stephen. Upon his conversion those Christians in his circles were wary of whether he was a changed man or merely using it as a ploy to disrupt new churches. These folks had visceral reactions to such a person because they had likely experienced great suffering and distress by Paul’s hand.

Today, Christians generally think positive thoughts about Paul. He is the human author of most of the NT. His words give instruction, comfort, rebuke. We know he was a former violent man but we don’t experience him that way.

SO, here’s my question. Do you think Paul suffered from unwanted or painful memories of past actions? How did it impact him? We know very little about this from Scripture. Yes, Paul admits his past. He thanks God for unmerited grace and favor. But, he doesn’t address the existence of memories.

My thought? I think it is very human to remember shameful acts we have done. In fact, let me be bold enough to say we must remember them if we are to be human. The bigger question is rather HOW we remember them? Volf’s The End of Memory (which I have blogged through here some time ago) is instructive in answering this question. 

How do you remember shameful images or memories of your past? Do they hold you back from relationships? Do they keep you paralyzed? Are you constantly trying to better yourself to make up for the past?

2 Comments

Filed under Biblical Reflection, christian counseling, Christianity, memory, Psychology, sin

Tagged as , , , , ,

July 20, 2009 · 5:59 pm

Evaluating Models of Counseling


I’m a little late to post this here but I am the Society of Christian Psychology’sguest blogger of the month. Here’s the post that I put up for today on how to parse the next hot new model of counseling you come across. Check it out at:

http://christianpsych.org/wp_scp/2009/07/20/evaluating-models-of-christian-psychology/

Leave a comment

Filed under christian counseling, christian psychology, counseling, Psychology, teaching counseling

Tagged as , , ,

July 17, 2009 · 5:47 am

Rwanda Day 8 (and 9)


Our final day in Rwanda! We fly out at 7:45 pm. This was a day packed right up to the last minute to get to the airport. Just like the Bishop to make sure we use every second! We had lunch with the Commission to prevent Genocide and the rector of KHI to present the beginnings of our proposal to them. We proposed a 3 pronged response to the needs we observed:

1. Information dispersal: (a) 1 page informational statements to educate adults and children about the symptoms of trauma, simple things to do if one witnesses another having a trauma reaction (grounding), and ways to remember the genocide without creating more trauma. This would be sponsored by the Commission; (b) basic workshops for psychiatric nurses, doctors, HIV workers, and pastors), (c) helping community care givers, and (d) developing better ways to run the memorial 100 days using their own new theme of Hope.
2. Support the sending of key Rwandans to the US to complete MA/PhD in Counseling so they can return as teachers
3. Developing a Masters degree counseling programfor KHI to run that is Christian based (at least a track of it would be.

Our proposal was met with enthusiasm!

We thought we were going to end the day with a bit of shopping. I got a bit of coffee and a few trinkets. However, on our way to the airport, we detoured to see the  Minister of Education. He had been unavailable earlier in the week and now wanted to meet us before we left. Though we should have been at the airport, we flew across the city to meet with him for 15 minutes. As an MD, he was able to give us some good guidance.

Got to the airport and through security (much laxer than the US). A large number came to see us off. Sadly, the Bishop was not allowed to get on the plane. Something wrong with his visa (he got back to the States where his family is staying til December two days later). Our plane left one hour late and very full of children (expats on the way to holiday in Europe). Going up the stairs to the plane I got what I hope not to be my last sniff of the cooking fires. After the doors closed the attendants went through the cabin spraying something to kill mosquitoes (repeated after our brief stop at Entebbe, Uganda). They said it wasn’t dangerous to us but I wonder just the same.

After a full day in Rwanda, we travelled to Belgium (10 hours), had a lay over of several hours (where I purchased some Belgian chocolate), and then another 8 hours to Newark. Sadly, I cannot sleep on planes so I enjoyed several “Bourne” movies. Our team was not able to sit together on the flight to the US and this was sad. As we got off the very full flight, we lost track of Leah. We went in the wrong customs line and she must have gotten through before us.

So, we end our trip with much to process, little time to do it, and no time to do it together. I have grown fond of my new acquaintances in Rwanda and teammates Leah and Josh. But, now it is time to sleep as 40 plus hours of being awake is taking its toll!

3 Comments

Filed under christian counseling, christian psychology, counseling, counseling science, Psychology, Rwanda

Tagged as , ,

July 16, 2009 · 5:16 am

Rwanda Day 7


Started the day as usual with some quiet meditative reading on the porch overlooking the lake and the distant sound of many children getting water on the other side (yelling Muzungu (white person) to get my attention). Diane read us this quote from John Fawcett’s “Christ’s Precious” (published by W. Milner in 1839, p. 82)

I am but a stranger in this world, wherever I may be situated, or however I may happen to be distinguished. And such, it is my privilege that I am so. [However] when I look not upon myself as a stranger and a pilgrim, when I am captivated with anything in this place of my exile, I forget myself, and act far beneath my character, as a candidate for an immortal crown.

Fitting. It is easy in the US to forget our “exile” status. We focus, instead, on our own status. But here in Africa, there is little to do but remember how fragile life is and how we must depend on God for our daily existence.

Today we met with Justin Remera, a psychiatric nurse at Gahini hospital. The hospital was built in 1920s. He is the head of mental health. He sees some 30 patients per day and has a caseload of 500 with PTSD. He sees lots of “epilepsy” and has documented some 350 new cases in the past 2 years. But they have normal EEGs, thus it is trauma related not brain injury. Justin told us that there is an openness to therapy here because they see the benefits.

Problems noted by him? no medications other than Haldol. Infrastructure needs. His office is the size of a small closet and he has had violent patients and no escape (his desk and chair are away from the door). Also, next to his office are rooms where patients were screaming (while we were there). Seems they may have been doing some minor surgery without anesthetic. He also mentioned problems with demobilizing military and their own trauma as well as his own burnout.

Next we went to Kigali and met with the the permanent secretary of Defense. One of the persons there talked about having 520 peer counselors in the military to deal with the problem of HIV. Nothing dealing with PTSD. They have NO chaplains in their military.

Next, we visited the National Council of Protestant Churches of Rwanda. Specioise told us that 52% of the country are protestant. They have a program to deal with gender based violence, to educate the the church about laws designed to protect women. Their booklet combines Rwandan laws and biblical passages.

For our final meeting, we visited with Jean Baptiste at World Vision. He is new to WV in Rwanda but not new to WV (previously in Mali). He is a tall man with much presence. He spoke very openly and honestly about the issues of NGOs in the country and the problem of lukewarm Christians. He suggested they were much more problematic than rank atheists or Muslims. He gave us some advice as how to work with both churches and government officials. Josephine, a woman Diane had worked in Rwanda on previous trips, was there and spoke of the continued need to train and care for Rwandan caregivers.

Our day ended in Gahini with a farewell dinner. Members of the church and community (the local mayor) attended a dinner at the Seeds of Peace retreat houses. The dinner was outside under a canopy. During dinner we watched the local youth perform traditional dances with drums, singing and costumes. The young women danced with wooden milk bottles on their heads. We learned their trick. A heavy stone in the bottom of the bottle helps it stay on their head. Ouch! The night ended with gifts from our hosts to us and a few words of thanks from us.

Leave a comment

Filed under christian psychology, counseling, counseling science, Psychiatric Medications, Psychology, Rwanda

Tagged as , , ,

July 10, 2009 · 9:02 am

Rwanda Day Five


Today we visited Nsinda Prison (population 8000) to interview those convicted of genocide. As we pulled up to the prison we met a large group of prisoners returning to the prison from the fields. They had only 1 guard with a machine gun and another with a stick. Many prisoners carried produce. Again, it felt like we were transported back a century. It was a dusty ancient looking place with shirtless male prisoners carrying huge logs on their shoulders (for firewood for their cooking fires). We were ushered to a bare cinder block room with a log and metal roof. 4 stools were brought for us. One of us noticed several wasp hives attached to the roof. In walked 19 prisoners all accused and convicted of mass murder. Quite a few were women and two had babies. One baby nursed throughout the session. The one guard stood outside the room with the door open to the out of doors. We asked them about their experiences. These individuals denied much wrongdoing, felt their former government led them astray, confessed, asked for forgiveness but felt they were denied it. They espoused genocidal ideology in that Tutsis were accused of killing the president and succeeding in forcing out the Hutus in the country.

Oh, as we entered the prison, we were greeted with “Nothing but the Blood” in native tongue over a loudspeaker. Apparently, there was a church service going on. What a contrast between the song (which recognizes guilt and the need for cleansing and the perceived innocence of the genocidaires (“I only mutilated dead bodies.”)

Leave a comment

Filed under christian counseling, christian psychology, conflicts, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Psychiatric Medications, Psychology, Rwanda

Tagged as , ,

July 9, 2009 · 8:59 am

Rwanda Day Four


Spent the day traveling around Kigali. First stop was Ndera hospital, the only psychiatric hospital in the country. It sits atop a dusty hill just outside the city. Upon entering the gate and getting out of the cars, we were welcomed by patients asking for water and money. The hospital has a 19th century or impoverished cold war era feel about it. Sterile cement block buildings set in a square. Sparse is an overstatement. We learned many staff and patients were murdered during the genocide. This hospital has over 200 patients (but just 12 beds for children). Psychiatric nurses provide the bulk of the care. Their “intake” room had one chair, one table and very little light. Patients lie on the grass outside in various states of unhealth. They have many with PTSD and schizophrenia diagnoses. Their only medication is Haldol. No “atypicals” or newer medications. A woman started screaming just outside our door. Translated: “Why does everyone hate me?”

From this hospital we traveled to the National Memorial Center to tour the genocide museum and grounds where some 300,000 have been interred. I couldn’t handle the room filled with poster size pictures of young children in happier days. The small print told of their favorite foods and activities…and how they were hacked to death.

Another lunch with a Christian counselor, Ms. Paulette, who told of her counseling work and training of lay counselors. After lunch, we met with the executive secretary of the Commission to educate about and prevent genocide. This handsomely dressed man shows the signs of his own trauma. he desires our help to guide the country to remember in healthier ways. Right now they play videos of the actual genocide and so during their 100 day memorial (April to July) they see so much trauma responses. He wished us to start right away.

Here’s a thought in my head: Does Rwanda need us or do we need Rwanda. I am amazed at how community minded this country is. They have no choice. People sacrifice for the good of all. They make do with a little. They are action oriented and start doing things rather than waiting to get it right. Risk calculation is not part of their thinking. What amazing things we could do in this country if we would learn from these people on how to put neighbor ahead of self.

1 Comment

Filed under christian counseling, christian psychology, counseling, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Psychiatric Medications, Psychology

Tagged as , ,

July 8, 2009 · 8:56 am

Rwanda Day Three


Awoke to the call to prayer by the local imam. Did not sleep well. Sinus headache due to the ever present charcoal smoke. We left Butare for Kigali to meet with with the president of the senate (2nd in command of the country) but he was suddenly unavailable. Something about the presence of UN VIPs. I guess that trumps us. Instead we met with the a key person at the ministry of mental health. She lamented the need to use BA level psychology grads and lay helpers to do the vast majority of their   counseling. Lunch at Moucecore where we learned more about their ministry to prevent HIV, to protect children’s rights, teach the bible and train individuals to be community leaders.     

After lunch we met with the rector (dean) of Kigali Health Institute. They confirmed the need for masters and doctoral counselors with knowledge of mental health problems. They have no problems with specifically christian counseling training and would like us to help them create a masters program and also teach or do distance ed for them. From this meeting,we drove across the city to Barakabao Foundation another ministry of the Bishop to care for over 5000 orphans. These orphans are in either foster families or child-headed homes–and they do it all with 12 staff. As some of the staff spoke, you could see their own stress and trauma. When it comes to orphans, they see 5 different types: genocide orphans, orphans whose parents died in refugee camps in the DRC, orphans born through rape, those whose parents died due to HIV, and those whose parents are in jail.

The day ended in Gahini at the retreat house. The hot meal and bed are welcome sights after such a long day of meetings. On the good note, I had a 2 minute call home. Sam answered and was overjoyed to hear me. Told Kim I was fine. Not sure if I’ll get further opportunities. I admit I’m homesick. I’ve not gone this long of a time without talking to Kim.

Leave a comment

Filed under christian psychology, counseling, Psychology, Rwanda

Tagged as , ,

June 16, 2009 · 12:40 pm

Ethics Codes and Christian Counselors


Last night was the last class session of my ethics and practicum orientation classes. In both places students were discussing matters related to mandated abuse reporting, dual relationships, and attitudes towards state and professional ethics codes.

Evangelical or conservative people tend to have several responses to ethics codes that I want to highlight here.

1. Fear. Actually almost every student has this reaction. The rules can be complex and their are vague rules about everything (barter, dual relationships, advertising, competency, etc) which may even seemingly contradict other rules. While they have been written to protect the client, following them often leads to both client and counselor having vulnerable feelings (i.e., abuse reporting rules) and feeling a bit out of control.

2. Rejection (or dismissal). One’s feelings about government regulation and whether submitting oneself to a secular agency (licensing board, professional organization) may tempt the counselor to think little of the codes. In particular, the heavy emphasis on avoiding dual relationships where possible seems wrongheaded to many ministry minded individuals. It would seem that sterile counseling relationships (no touch, no informality, no friendship, keeping mental health records, etc.) run counter to the values of brother/sister relationships in church settings.

3. Fastidiousness. Maybe this is really just as number one. But some respond to ethics codes by being ethics junkies. They fastidiously keep every iota and in so doing tend to suck the humanity out of the counseling relationship.

A better way?

The first time you face something completely new, fear is common. With repeated contact, comfort can develop. At least that is what I told myself after my 3rd statistics and research design class. Remembering that these rules are designed not merely to catch you doing wrong but to help protect you and your clients might help. The more you talk about them with others (including the spirit of the rule, not just the letter), the more you will relax.

Also, paranoia is not a good character feature for counselors. Thus, if you have a tendency to see the government as all bad all the time…if you think alarmist conservative talk radio is right from God’s mouth to your ear…if you look at every psychological ethics rule as anti-Christian, you may not be right for this field. In fact, such feelings may induce pride, arrogance and forgetting that the number one goal is avoiding client exploitation and increasing client protection (yes, even from themself).  Further, 1 Peter 2 reminds you to submit to your authorities and governments–even if they are harsh…so you can silence ignorant talk and not use your “freedom as a cover-up for evil.”

Finally, don’t forget to be human. Cross your t’s, dot your i’s but do it while showing concern for the person in front of you. Some of your ethical standards may seem foreign to others. A kind explanation can do wonders.

Hey, and don’t forget to seek out consultation and/or supervision. There is NO reason you should be going this path alone.

Leave a comment

Filed under biblical counseling, christian counseling, christian psychology, Christianity, counseling and the law, ethics, Psychology, teaching counseling

June 10, 2009 · 2:08 pm

A Christian Psychology Proposal 1


This summer I’m choosing to read through Eric Johnson’s Foundations for Soul Care: A Christian Psychology Proposal (IVP, 2007). Eric is the founding director of the Society for Christian Psychology. I’ve skimmed large portions of it before, had numerous, enjoyable conversations with Eric over the years, and am familiar (and mostly agree) with his ideas. But, I thought I might share of few tidbits now and again from what I’m reading. But realize the book is 700 plus pages (he tells me he had to cut 1/3 of his book to get it published!). So, I will not be blogging through it like I have done with others books.

What distinguishes this Christian Psychology?

The book attempts to lay out a framework of Christian psychology. Johnson says that a framework ought to include these core distinctives:

1. It is doxological. It should glorify God in all that it aims to do and understand.

2. It is semiodiscursive. Here, he uses this word to convey that any psychology is a use of words, descriptions, and interpretations that point to meaning. “…soul care is interested in the referential function of various aspects of human life: language, emotions, mental images, actions…”

3. It is dialogical/trialogical. It is relational and interactive rather than something that exists by itself.

4. It is canonical. The bible, Johnson says, is the Text of texts. There is a standard that is our guide for soul care.

5. It is psychological. It is interested in the “nature of human beings and their psychopathology and recovery….Christian soul-care providers study the bible not for its own sake but for the light it sheds on the nature of human beings and their well-being and improvement.” (p. 16) 

I encourage interested parties to read his first chapters. Chapter one, “The Place for the Bible in Christian Soul Care” acknowledges that “The entire canon shows a concern with human well-being with reference to God.” He goes on to explicate that by sampling from Old and New Testaments as well as to define “soul-healing to include both salvation and sanctification in both vertical and horizontal dimension. Soul healing is not merely for creating the right relationship with God but also for healing and strengthening human to human relationships.  Chapter 2 and 3 talk about the misuses of the Bible in both biblical counseling and Christian psychological venues.

This book is exceptionally focused on the foundations. So, we may not expect great focus on whether soul care will greatly reduce mental healthy symptoms. But, lest we only think pragmatic thoughts, we ought to step back and consider the basis of the practical–the theoretical and theological bases for our work.

3 Comments

Filed under biblical counseling, christian counseling, christian psychology, Christianity, counseling, Doctrine/Theology, Psychology

Tagged as ,