Page 105 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 7

Christian Psychology alive

Welch begins by identifying the guiding theo- Kristy Korten
logy for Christian counsellors. At the risk is a student
of sounding simplistic; he describes it as completing her
humanity’s need for relationship; knowing and Master’s degree
being known. The impact of this, in the coun- in Counselling
selling room, as Welch describes is, “the process from Provi-
of growth and change becomes more collabo- dence Theolo-
rative and less formulaic.” (Welch, 2014, p.67) I gical Seminary
agree with Welch, counselling should come out in Manitoba,
of an understanding of the human need for re- Canada. She
lationship. Research has continually shown that is currently
a strong therapeutic relationship is one of the completing a counselling internship
most effective components to positive change with Live Again Rwanda. She is passiona-
in counselling (Duncan, Miller, Wampold & te about counselling and has interacted
Hubble, 2010). It is through relationship that we with several cultures, many of them Af-
establish a greater identity of self. Furthermore, rican. In her home Kristy is an outgoing
as we gain a greater understanding of who we leader who enjoys the outdoors and being
are, we begin to have a greater understanding of active. She is enthusiastic about helping
our self in relationship with the others, nature people see beauty and strength in their
and the universe. Thus the process of knowing pain and suffering.
and being known presents a contingent relati-
onship.
Biblical counselling, according to Welch, con- therapeutic techniques and that I pursue holi-
ceptualizes illness through physical and moral stic care including spiritual, physical, emotio-
factors. While I affirm empowerment and re- nal and cognitive considerations. Yet, I am not
sponsibility for one’s own state, I do not con- a biblical counsellor in that I do not limit my
vict on sinful behaviours within the counselling clients to those who are already comfortable or
room. Furthermore conceptualizing physical aware of the theological concepts of the Bible.
and moral culpability for an illness is a tight Furthermore, I do not share my self-identity as
rope to walk on, and often is difficult to deter- a Christian as a biblical counsellor would. It is
mine the role each plays. Even more difficult is not that I think this is wrong, in contrast I think
addressing moral culpability and physical pro- there is a great need for this. However, I also
blems in concepts that are apropos to the cli- believe there is a great need for biblical coun-
ent, requiring a sensitive awareness. However, selling within the secular world, after all Jesus
Welch’s discussion on emotions as an image of called us to be in the world, not of it. It is crucial
the soul continues to show the need for holistic for my work as a Christian to follow the examp-
care: le of Jesus. For that reason Ed Welch’s article on
Our emotions usually proceed from our heart, biblical counselling is challenging and inspiring
are given shape by our body, reflect the quality for my own professional journey of being an
of our relationships, bear the etchings of both unacknowledged “biblical counsellor”.
goodness and the meaningless of work, provide
a peek into how we fare in spiritual battle, and
express the lies or truth we believe about God.
(Welch, 2014, p.71) References
Therefore, as a biblical counsellor our under- Duncan, B.L., S.D. Miller, B.E. Wampold, M. A. Hubble.
standing of emotions is linked not only to the (2010). The Heart and Soul of Change (Second Edition):
body or the soul but also to spirituality, re- Delivering What Works in Therapy. Washington, D.C.:
American Psychological Association.
gardless of the level of faith. Welch, Ed. (2014). A Christian Psychologist and Biblical
Am I a biblical counsellor? Yes, in that my theo- Counselor? EMCAPP: Christian Psychology Around the
logy of knowing and being known impacts my World, 5, 65-74.

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