Over the years, I have learned that the best form of teaching is through mistakes. I just don’t like (a) learning that way, (b) don’t like teaching from my mistakes. But that is just what I did this week. Continue reading
Category Archives: teaching counseling
Vocation: teachers as slaves?
Yesterday we had a day long faculty meeting discussing vocation, mission, etc. when I hear the word vocation, it does cause me to go blank. Yes, I know what the word means, but it sounds so much like “calling” which also gives me the same reaction. I know some have a deep abiding sense of what they are to be about. I, on the other hand, enjoy so many different things, that it feels like I can do any number of jobs within the psychology/pastoral care world. Our consultant upped the ante by calling us doctors of the church. He’s a Lutheran and maybe they have more mystery and pomp (and therefore titles) than do us free-floating evangelical congregationalists.
Our consultant did leave us with an interesting problem to chew on. Do we have the attitude of Jesus in Phil. 2, where we see ourselves as slaves to those we serve in teaching? If we did, how might that change our ways of teaching students who seem resistant to our ideas at first? Do we teach them the way we think they should learn? Or, do we teach them the way they do learn?
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Filed under teaching counseling
Going blind from insight!
Just came from the eye doctor this am. They dilated my eyes to look at my stretched retina (I’m blind as a bat). So, now lights of any kind are piercing my eyes. They gave me those wrap around sunglasses to help but vanity suggests not wearing them. Got me thinking about how too much insight at any time can produce the same pain. Sure, we counselors look to build insight in our clients. They, in turn, want to know the whys and the wherefores. But more isn’t necessarily better. I once videotaped a 15 year old boy with an Aspergers diagnosis to give him feedback on his social skills. We had been working on role-playing socially appropriate behaviors with peers. When he saw himself, he disintegrated before my eyes into a little ball. I had to do a lot of work to rebuild trust and help him recover. Too much insight at one time.
Thankfully, the Lord doesn’t overwhelm us with insight into just how sinful we really are. He graciously allows us to grow over time and reveals his grace in ever increasing measure so that our awe of Him grows as we gain personal insight
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Filed under Insight, teaching counseling
School Starts!
Orientation today and time to meet the new cohort and see their bright faces and anxious hearts. The Fall always energizes me because of new beginnings and the crisp air outside. If only the leaves were as pretty as in New England and the Red Sox were in the hunt for October, things would be just right…
Can’t wait to start my course Helping Relationships on Monday. I love teaching this intro class as it refreshs my own counseling skills and reminds me that great counseling is not about my knowledge but about facilitating another’s connection to God. It reminds me that I do not have to be the sage nor am I in the driver’s seat (I’m not the Holy Spirit). When I remember these things, I can allow others to go at a pace that is right for them.
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Soon, I will post some thoughts as to what is biblical counseling and where it could stand some growth and change.
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Filed under teaching counseling, Uncategorized
Musings on Faith and Psychology 