)Meaning-Making Forums 1-4 are this course's unique final project. Be fully engaged in Phase Two! After reviewing the readings, presentations, lecture notes, articles, and web-engagements, and previ
PACO 500
Solution-based Short-term Pastoral Counseling (SbStPC) Handout
[All Website Links were last reviewed 2/23/2018]
Note: In order to satisfactorily complete Meaning-Making Forums 1-4, remain closely connected to this handout, required readings, lectures, and previous learning activities. For future reference, journal on this handout as you engage subject matter.
All of readings and learning activities in PACO 500 attempt to increase people-helping competency. As a supporting lecture note, this resource provides a rationale for using SbStPC along with an overview of its counseling process and skills for developing related competencies.
Thoughtfully engage this website as we consider core competencies needed in people-helping moments: The Competent Christian Counselor
In what ways does a solution-based, short-term strategy become a value-added to a student-minister’s counseling experience?
SbStPC uses a collaborative methodology to align with God’s intentions (Kollar, 2011, p. 57). In the process of understanding the problem/issue affecting the care-seeker’s life, the student-counselor will come to realize that s/he is not the game-changer. It is the collaborative identification (i.e., the counselor, counselee, Word of God, and Wonderful Counselor) in this approach that empowers “relocation” (i.e., a purposeful, collaborative process of moving from where one is to where one needs to be under the dominion and direction of a well-defined guiding purpose statement; Rice, 2005).
In no fashion is a problem or issue ignored or minimized; in fact, just the opposite is true. Problem description requires teamwork. Kollar (2011) identifies the action of problem description, goal formulation, and vision clarification as a co-creative methodology between the Holy Spirit, counselor, and counselee (p. 57).
In the first phase of the counseling process, the student-counselor is prompted to actively listen to the Holy Spirit and counselee. This timely partnership enhances the counselor’s ability to understand the problem being described; that is, to “get” what it is, when it most often and least often occurs, and how it threatens who or what is important to the care-seeker.
When a problem is satisfactorily understood, a goal/solution can be collaboratively developed and a describable--repeatable plan of action engaged to move out and away from the problem.
The SbStPC process does not assume the care-seeker can move toward the goal alone. Upon finding the keys to solution, effort is made to identify and secure partners to support care-seeker’s forward progress.
Unlike problem-focused approaches which require more time, SbStPC manages the counseling process effectively and efficiently with its brief (e.g., 3–5 sessions), time-limited (e.g., 50–90-minute time frame per session), focused (e.g., identifiable phases within the counseling process; see “Hawkins Analysis Grid” and “Core Competency Two: Developing Your Style to Connect with People” – Ch.3 in Dr. Younce’s dissertation below) boundaries.
SbStPC challenges the student-minister to rethink existing paradigms and to value each care-seeker as a fellow image-bearer. This reflection often cultivates the essential interpersonal skills (i.e., empathetic, considerate, authentic) to flex with a care-seeker’s fallen-ness without compromising truth and grace.
As with any effective people-helping strategy, a significant emphasis is placed on interpersonal skill development. SbStPC learning activities provide students with language to discuss what makes them tick and become ticked off. Gaining language to describe human behavior, along with corresponding people-helping skills, facilitates rapport building and cultivates a context for change.
SbStPC challenges each student-minister to operate under the authority of the Word of God, in the power of the Holy Spirit, within a community of accountability for the purpose of intentionally pursing the imitation of Christ and moving others toward faith in and imitation of Christ.
Take this discussion further and review a fellow Liberty University student’s doctoral dissertation which captured much of SbStPC’s competency based approach:
The Significance of Developing Core Counseling Competencies in Pastoral Care Ministry
Are we to assume that similar theoretical monikers such as solution-focused brief therapy and Kollar’s (2011) solution-focused pastoral counseling are just different names for this course’s Solution-Based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling?
Not at all! Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is a secular theory which primarily houses solution-focused and brief therapy approaches, both of which are secular theories. The use of “solution-based” rather than “solution-focused” permits us to move away from a “one theory serves all” orientation and meaningfully develop an eclectic (i.e., wise integration of contributions from other theories such as cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, strategic therapy, etc.; see Kollar’s ch. 18 discussion of theories and tasking) and biblically responsible counseling approach that goes beyond Kollar’s primary focus on behavior.
The goal of Solution-Based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling (SbStPC) seeks to resource the helping relationship under the dominion and direction of a guiding purpose--being and becoming more like Christ in every relational context. This approach is soundly informed by the Word of God, conspicuously enriched by truth, grace, mercy, and assertive wisdom, empowered by the person and work of the Holy Spirit, and effectively managed within a faith-based community of accountability.
SbStPC addresses the needs of the whole person and acknowledges our profoundly fallen human condition. Additionally, it asserts that the ultimate source of profound change/healing is the redemptive work of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. Correspondingly, as commentary is received from various disciplines, all material is carefully sifted and sorted through a biblical lens. Therefore, it is essential to understand that PACO 500 uses a Solution-Based, Short-term Pastoral Counseling process rather than a solution-focused process.
What are the distinctive features in our SbStPC strategy?
Markers useful for locating one’s self within the fluidity of the counseling session are identified as distinctive features: purpose, goal, chief aim, role/responsibility, behavioral position, and guiding assumptions.
Phase One Purpose: Get the Care-seeker’s Present Story (Session One)
Goal: Problem description
Chief Aim: Listen Well
Role/responsibility: Counselor builds rapport/demonstrates fit (i.e., via attentive listening, counselor identifies with and validates concerns)>Counselee talks>Counselor actively listens for Counselee’s description/understanding of life with the problem
Behavioral Positions: attending, blaming, or willing
Guiding Assumption(s)?
Memorize Kollar’s Guiding Assumptions. Just like with Scripture, the Holy Spirit can bring these truth-based principles to mind at just the right time (Jn. 14:26).
Consider this Pastoral Counselor’s dilemma: Careseeker is awfulizing and seems stuck in a going nowhere cycle. What do I need to remember? “God is already active in the counselee” and “Finding exceptions help create solutions” (Kollar, 2011, p. 62–67). The careseeker is so stuck s/he cannot see God’s previous involvement. I need to look for clues of God’s involvement. Finding exceptions to the problem will likely reveal a coping skill that has been overlooked.
Key Insight to Remember: Until you are invited into the Care-seeker’s world and commit to counseling, you must remain in Phase One. If you are invited, do make sure that you can commit and have the assurance that you are fit and able to do good and no harm. If there is any doubt, it would be wise to refer to another people helper. Counselee remains in Phase One as long as s/he is in attending position. A blamer can move forward but will be a “lamer” until a realistic perspective can be gained. Once a truth-based reality can be developed, the lamer will become a gamer and move toward responsibility and the willing position.
Phase Two Purpose: Develop the Care-seeker’s Preferred Story/Solution (Session Two)
Goal: Goal formulation
Chief Aim: Collaborate well
Role/responsibility: Counselor builds rapport/demonstrates fit (i.e., via attentive listening, counselor identifies with and validates concerns)>Counselee sets the direction and Counselor tacks with counselee’s process and collaboratively tests counselee’s notions for reality/do-ability
Behavioral position: must achieve a willing position
Guiding Assumption(s)?
Memorize Kollar’s Guiding Assumptions. Just like with Scripture, the Holy Spirit can bring these truth-based principles to mind at just the right time (Jn. 14:26).
Key Insight to Remember: Counselee is not in a willing position and ready to move into Phase 3 until a goal has been satisfactorily described and developed. The Miracle Question is a timely collaborative tool to cultivate a forward look with life without the problem.
Preferred Story/Solution is shaped by the Common Sense Test: Counselor will foster solution-based perspectives when focused on Kollar’s (2011/1997) basic tenets:
Tenet One – “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!”
Tenet Two – “Once you know what works, do more of it!”
Tenet Three – “If it’s not working, do something different!” (pp. 82–84)
Phase Three Purpose: Clarify and Execute Action Plan (Session Three)
Goal: Vision (i.e., goal) Clarification
Chief Aim: Execute well
Role/Responsibility: Counselor builds rapport/demonstrates fit (i.e., via attentive listening, counselor identifies with and validates concerns)>Counselor and Counselee actively participate in building hope and supporting forward progress
Behavioral position: forward progress requires a willing position to be maintained
Guiding Assumption(s)?
Memorize Kollar’s Guiding Assumptions. Just like with Scripture, the Holy Spirit can bring these truth-based principles to mind at just the right time (Jn. 14:26).
Key Insight to Remember: Small concrete steps lead to small changes which eventually generate bigger changes. As forward progress is achieved, consolidate it with supportive feedback. Be prepared to use the supportive feedback technique as well as other SbStPC core skills when the sameness of life is encountered, resistance is experienced or expressed, and relapse is likely. It would be wise to collaboratively think about supporting the change process with accountability. This notion may become part of tasking after the break.
Helping Strategy must pass the Common Sense Test: Counselor will cultivate a solution-based paradigm when focused on Kollar’s (2011/1997) basic tenets:
Tenet One – “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!”
Tenet Two – “Once you know what works, do more of it!”
Tenet Three – “If it’s not working, do something different!” (pp. 82–84)
Phase Four Purpose: Connect Care-seeker to Community (Session Four)
Goal: Consolidate and Support Change
Chief Aim: Connect well
Role/Responsibility: Counselee commits to a community of accountability directed at preferred story during & after the process of dishabituation of unhealthy patterns and re-habituation of healthy patterns. Counselor reinforces commitment to change through supportive feedback and by arranging accountability through pastoral care and small group ministries in soul-care context.
Behavioral position: willingness and forward progress are maintained through meaningful support
Guiding Assumption(s)?
Memorize Kollar’s Guiding Assumptions. Just like with Scripture, the Holy Spirit can bring these truth-based principles to mind at just the right time (Jn. 14:26).
Key Insight to Remember: Be proactive with efforts to successfully disengage. If you prepare ahead of time to meaningfully connect with responsible community, s/he will likely maintain forward progress.
How will you evaluate a “successful disengagement” from the counseling scenario? If the counselee comments more on what he was able to accomplish with the resources provided, rather than you, then s/he is probably moving out and away from the problem with a high level of ownership. However, as you disengage, do not disconnect as pastoral care will continue to be needed to maintain forward progress.
Accountability must continue to reinforce the Common Sense Test: Appreciative helpers/hopers need to foster solution-based perspective and practice Kollar’s (2011/1997) basic tenets:
Tenet One – “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!”
Tenet Two – “Once you know what works, do more of it!”
Tenet Three – “If it’s not working, do something different!” (pp. 82–84)
Do we have to create our own guiding assumptions or can we adopt/adapt Kollar’s Guiding Assumptions?
It would be wise to start with Kollar’s nine guiding assumptions (ch. 7). To create an appreciation for each assumption, write a brief explanation describing what it means to you. A pertinent example would help anchor the assumption as well. Consider Kollar’s discussion of remaining in agreement with the intent of the Holy Spirit. Assumptions are part of our SbStPC methodology for co-creating perspectives, solutions, and strategies in session with the Holy Spirit, counselor, and counselee (Kollar, 2011, p. 57).
Other assumptions to consider from Competent Christian Counseling (2002, p. 351)
All people are created in the image of God and, as his image bearers, have infinite value and worth.
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16, WEB).
The most effective pastoral counseling takes into account the whole person: body, soul, and spirit.
Different approaches can be helpful with different kinds of people struggling with different kinds of problems.
People have various strengths and resources to help them solve their problems.
Small changes are all that are necessary. Small changes lead to large changes. A change in one part of a system usually leads to a change in other parts of the system.
Problems are solved; people are not cured.
Change is inevitable, growth is optional
In what ways might we apply insights from Clinton & Hawkins’ Quick Reference Guide in the SbStPC structure?
Look at the section labeled “Using the Quick Reference Guide to Biblical Counseling” (pp. 10-11).
Phase One: Getting the Present Story (Consider: Prayer Starter; Portraits; Definitions & Key Thoughts; Assessment)
Phase Two: Developing the Preferred Story (Consider: Prayer Starter; Assessment; Wise Counsel; Biblical Insights)
Phase Three: Clarifying and Executing the Action Plan (Consider: Prayer Starter; Wise Counsel; Action Steps; Biblical Insights; Recommended Resources)
Phase Four: Consolidating and Supporting Change (Consider repeating Phase Three application)
What are the key skills most often associated with SbStPC?
In addition to insights gleaned from Nichols’ Masterpiece (2017), Petersen’s (2015) Why Don’t We Listen Better? and Kollar’s (2011) Solution Focused Pastoral Counseling, consider the following web resources.
The Art of Triage and Referral:
When Does a Pastor Need to Refer a Person to a Counselor or MD for Help?
Three C's of Pastoral Counseling - Dr. Cynthia Eriksson
https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/2002/09/pastoral-counseling-the-art-of-referral.html
Triage/ER Care for Clergy & Families in Crisis
Listening Skills:
SOLER:
http://healthpsychologyconsultancy.wordpress.com/2011/08/25/active-listening-through-body-language/
Become a Better Listener: Active Listening:
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/become-a-better-listener-active-listening/
Active Listening Example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLvZkUP5_KU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0eYhY5DUEY
Listening skills – paraphrasing examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ4u4jgZ7Jo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhCggSecq_0
Techniques:
In addition to Kollar’s (2011) tracking questions (chs. 10, 11), feedback process (chs. 12, 13), always be mindful of the counseling mnemonic: MECStat (i.e., Miracle Question; Exceptions to the problem; Coping skills; Scaling questions; the supportive feedback break – time-out, affirmation, tasking). This memory device will highlight Kollar’s presentation of core techniques (ch. 15: Not Knowing & Yes Set; Miracle Question; Scaling; Exceptions; Compliments; the Break).
Solution Based Techniques foster Forward Progress:
http://www.progressfocused.com/2011/07/21-solution-focused-techniques.html
MECStat information (click open the attachment): 
ABCs and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQRAekLA73I
A fun view of ABCDE and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_frDwckrys
A Christian perspective on Mental Health: Dr. Adrian Rogers 5 Steps to Mental Health
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-JRgAZySIM
A Christian perspective on changing your thinking: Taking Control of our Thoughts – Charles Stanley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bLgDoFkdqo
Will we use David Benner’s (2003) Strategic Pastoral Counseling stages (i.e., Encounter, Engagement, and Disengagement) in our SbStPC structure?
No. The expectation is to use the four phases presented in this course; however, Benner’s three stages offer additional description to our four-phase structure.
Phase One: Getting the Care-seeker’s Present Story or Portrait (Session 1: Encounter)
[possible disengagement if referral is needed]
Phase Two: Developing the Care-seeker’s Preferred Story/Solution (Session 2: Engagement)
Phase Three: Clarifying and Executing Action Plan (Session 3: Engagement)
Phase Four: Connecting Care-seeker to Community (Final Session: Disengagement
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