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space to preparation for the act, such as cha- between Spirit and spirit, as the first speaks to
racter development and spiritual growth, than and transforms the second. Remembering that
on hearing the voice of God (e.g. Barton, 2012). we have the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit,
Others point out the importance of communi- we should never hesitate to ask for wisdom,
ty in discernment (e.g., Smith, 2003; Barton, guidance, and the peace of his presence. The
2012). There is a revival of interest in mystical paraclete reveals truth, inspires, and illumina-
and contemplative spirituality, and the practice tes. At times the therapist needs to emphasize
of spiritual disciplines such as silence, solitude, implicit integration; other times explicit, or he-
and reflective Bible reading (e.g., Foster, 1998, aling prayer. At times clients need refining fire,
Willard, 2012). other times cleansing water, or a gentle dove.
In line with some of this research and reflec- We always need the life breath of the Spirit, the
tion, I am learning to trust my intuition more, loving source of life who whispers in the wind
though I am a far-from-perfect discerner. As or overshadows us with a cloud, surrounds us
mentioned, I often incorporate times of silence, with his redemptive presence, renews our spi-
and encourage clients to pay attention to their rits, and changes our hearts of stone into flesh.
own emotions, images, and intuition. I assist
people to grow in self-awareness, attending to Spiritual discernment is indispensable to the
their senses, and especially learning about co- Christian counselor. It is an art but can also be
gnitive limitations that may block the work of learned. Considering ways in which the Spirit
the Spirit. I encourage imagery work as appro- communicates can assist both therapist and
priate and share my biblical and theological client. We can be attuned to the thoughts that
knowledge as appropriate. I assign homework, spontaneously appear and cultivate listening
and encourage participation in a spiritual com- with both heart and mind. We can incorporate
munity, and the practice of spiritual disciplines. times of silence to provide space for the Spirit
(And I advise the same for myself but am fre- to speak. We can encourage the use of image-
quently non-compliant!) ry, metaphor and imagination as ways to intuit
the truth. Recall that the therapist provides the
Conclusion community to aid the client in discernment.
In the triad of the paraclete, the patient and the Both theology and psychology appear to be ad-
psychotherapist, the first is the most important vocating finding a balance between intellectual/
but also perhaps the most elusive. Having the rational and emotional/imaginative faculties.
“one who comes alongside to help” and acting The counseling setting is perhaps an ideal place
as “temporary assistant” to the Holy Spirit is a to practice the interplay of reason—understan-
delightful gift but also a sobering experience. ding, learning coping techniques, adjusting
We must never forget that the primary purpose thought processes—and intuition—listening to
of the Spirit is to reveal Christ, not to be used emotions, images, and the Spirit. For examp-
as a therapeutic tool—“the wind blows where it le, if a client is having difficulty with a limiting
chooses” (John 3:8). This wind may be a gale or thought, we can use both cognitive behavioral
a breeze; this breath surrounds and indwells us. techniques and pray for insight regarding the
It behooves us to retain humility and attend to roots of the thought, attend to the client’s emo-
our own spiritual, emotional, and mental selves, tions, and use prayer healing. Reason can help
as well as being responsible with professional change intellectual paradigms, which can then
development. Self-awareness opens channels open space for the Spirit. The Lord can heal
for the Spirit. through both rational and intuitive means.
We need to be aware of the delicate dialectic of However, an excessive use of logic may impe-
the Spirit as powerful but personal, transcen- de healing. I suggest we need to recover liste-
dent but tangible, and seek the subtle balance ning from the heart. We may not always know
between education and experience, compre- whether we are using our own clinical skills or
hension and contemplation. As we work with being guided by the Spirit, but I am not convin-
our clients, we can observe and guide the dance ced it is always necessary to know. If we ask for

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