The Christian Therapist's Notebook

Homework, Handouts, and Activities for Use in Christian Counseling

Philip J. Henry, Lori Marie Figueroa, David R. Miller

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2012
• ISBN:
  9781136862892
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Psychology
• Subtopic: History & Theory in Psychology
• Index: Psychology

Provide professionally sound and principled therapy based on the truth of GodChristians are faced with the same range of problems as everyone else. However, Christian therapists understand deeply the unique issues involved with their therapy. The Christian Therapist's Notebook is a single source for innovative, user-friendly techniques for connecting the everyday world of the client with Christian principles and Scripture. This creative, timesaving guide assists therapists in helping clients achieve therapy goals through professionally sound and principled exercises while always maintaining a positive, supportive connection with Christian beliefs. Helpful features include Scripture references relevant to common problems, case studies, vignettes, professional resource lists, client resource lists, in-session exercises, homework exercises, and handouts.The Christian Therapist's Notebook bases its success on three foundations: the truth of scripture; the centrality of Christ; and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The book's three sections include individuals, couples and families, and children and adolescents. Each chapter focuses on a single exercise to address an important issue that may be affecting the client. Chapters provide a guiding Scripture quote, an objective, rationale for use, clear and specific instructions, suggestions for a follow-up, a vignette illustrating the exercise's success, contraindications, extensive resources, and related Scriptures.The Christian Therapist's Notebook exercises include:

• A New Creation, which uses a Christogram to personalize the Biblical promises and truths of the spiritual transformation
  
• Snapshots, which reveals repetitive behavior patterns in relationships
  
• Core Connections, which helps the client explore the organization of relational core connections to other people as well as to God
  
• Temptation Judo, which explores the connection between temptation and needs while uncovering God's promise of escape
  
• Broken Mirrors, which identifies unresolved issues affecting self-image and moves the client to a personal relationship with God
  
• The Book of My Life, which helps identify situations and people that have had an impact on clients, while helping them to acknowledge that God has a plan for them
  
• Tearing Down Strongholds, which helps take the client through the process of repentance
  
• It Was Wrong, which helps abuse victims deal with pain and frustration
  
• Bowing Down, which helps to restore a healthy relationship
  
• Panic Breaker, which helps get to the root of client fears
  
• Parenting after Divorce
  
• Self-esteem, which helps children with self-concept
  
• and many, many more!

The Christian Therapist's Notebook is the answer for practicing therapists, counselors, interns, pastors, educators, and students searching for activities for client therapy based upon the truth of God.

SECTION I:

HOMEWORK, HANDOUTS, AND ACTIVITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS

– 1 –

A New Creation

Philip J. Henry

Guiding Scripture

If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Type of Contribution: Exercise, Handouts

Objective

Although the Bible contains wonderful promises for the Christian, sadly, many are not experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised to give to those who believe. The objective of this exercise is to help the client realize who he or she is in Christ, to learn all that is available to him or her as a Christian and to facilitate his or her beginning to live in that faith.

Rationale for Use

The “A New Creation” exercise uses a “Christogram” to personalize the biblical promises and truths of the spiritual transformation. The result is becoming the new creation that is in Christ. A Christogram is a pattern of verses containing promises for the Christian about the new life that Christ brings. Identifying the changes and promises regarding the new birth God has completed in the client, while highlighting his or her new birth and new covenant relationship with God, makes these scriptures personal and applicable. This exercise intends to help the client in four areas:

1. It will guide the client in forming a philosophy of life or “worldview.” Like a compass, a correct worldview provides direction for navigation through the decisions of everyday life. Simply stated, a worldview is one’s practical philosophy of living. It influences how the client perceives the world and directs his or her choices. If the client understands who he or she is in Christ, and his or her true current spiritual reality, this will help develop a worldview that will aid the client in finding direction and purpose in life; it will also help him or her to negotiate the host of twists and turns life brings.
2. This exercise is a growth-shaping catalyst for godly change. Knowing the changes God says are possible, to the believer, is a motivator for this kind of transformation and can sustain a life-changing faith. God’s kindness and love are what changes lives.
3. If the client becomes well acquainted with the scriptures, he or she can recall these verses in times of trouble. When trials come in the walk of faith, and trials will come, knowing God’s Word can anchor the believer in the storm. The promises of God and the truth about His place in the life of the believer can be the difference between the sadness of a shipwrecked life and the joy of hanging ten on a big wave.
4. This exercise can aid in building the client’s godly self-esteem and in elevating hope, by recognizing what God has already done for him or her. Encourage the client to take a second look at life and to see it as God sees it. We feel good about ourselves as Christians, not because of all the wonderful attributes we possess, but because God values us and has a wonderful plan for our lives.

Scripture clearly states that those who become Christians have become a new creation. This change is like the birth of a child; big changes have happened and big changes are on the way. Knowing what transformations God has already effected in the heart and life of the believer makes all the difference in the way each day is lived out, and in how each problem is faced.

Instructions

First, make sure the client has established a saving relationship with Christ. Many good people, even those who have attended church or have a strong connection with God have not come to the place where they have this type of a relationship. Rather than making the judgment yourself, have the client look at verses and scripture highlighting salvation (e.g., John 3:16; Romans 3:23). If the client is not sure or if he or she needs more information, refer to the handout at the end of this chapter: “Four Spiritual Laws.” Make certain the client understands how to take this initial step of faith, and that the client is secure in where he or she stands with God before using the New Creation exercise.

After having made certain the client has placed his or her faith in Christ, introduce the Christogram handout by discussing with the client his or her life and how it can be different with Christ. Often, it will be easy for the client to articulate emotional changes; however, articulating changes in beliefs, attitudes, and philosophy may take more time. For these, there needs to be scriptural input and greater understanding. Such changes come only as the client grows and gains spiritual maturity.

Next, take out an example of a Christogram. Use the completed handout at the end of the chapter, a handout that another client has volunteered, or one you have put together yourself. Hand the client the finished Christogram and have him or her look at a few of the verses that comprise the picture of what Christ promised to do in the life of the believer. Think together about what might be the central message of each verse. Make sure the client has a good understanding of what the chosen verses truly mean or promise. Look up one or two of the scriptures to see the context. The context will provide a greater understanding of what each verse is trying to communicate. The therapist teaches the client to learn skills, so take time to encourage the client to go at his or her own pace.

Next, lead the client to think of the implication of each verse and to describe how it applies to everyday life. Ask the question, “What would change in a person’s life if he or she understood the meaning of this verse and applied it?” Let the client articulate several ways life would be different. Determine whether the client can then see how understanding the message of the chosen verse would influence him or her personally.

After the client has a good understanding of what the complete product is to look like, hand the client a blank Christogram handout and ask him or her to begin to make one to keep. At this point, check to see if the client has a Bible, preferably a version that is easy for him or her to read and understand. If the client is familiar with scripture and has a Bible, he or she may do much of this unaided. However, to be sure, provide the client with a list of verses that highlight his or her new creation status. If the client is unable to grasp the nature of this exercise, take him or her through the Four Spiritual Laws handout first.

Encourage the client to borrow verses from the model Christogram you handed him or her earlier. Optimistically, some of the verses you have reviewed have been important enough to include. In any case, encourage the client to be actively involved in the process.

Make sure to have the client begin with verses that are important to him or her, verses that touch issues he or she struggles with or that seem particularly salient. Make sure this is not merely an intellectual exercise. Try to have the client involved in picking the verses, interpreting the verses, and applying the verses. Encourage him or her to own each verse.

If possible, have the client hang the Christogram in a place where it will continually remind him or her of the reality that, in Christ, he or she is a new creation.

Vignette

Three years ago, Ron had gone into recovery following a seven-year span during which he abused both marijuana and alcohol. Following treatment, he attended Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). When his sponsor suggested that he attend church as a way of connecting with his higher power, Ron agreed. He became a regular attendee at St. Marks Church of God. In the next year, he made a public commitment to Christ and became a member of that church.

Ron had come to therapy with many questions. Some of these questions were about life in general; others specifically concerned his beliefs and his struggle to grow as a Christian. Since the birth of his second child a year ago, he often found himself brooding, anxious, and occasionally depressed. He also complained that lately he found himself struggling with his faith and losing motivation in his recovery program.

Miguel, Ron’s counselor, began the session by suggesting that they work together on an exercise that might help him to examine his faith more closely. Miguel had listened to Ron talk about his faith, but he took some time to read John 3:16 and Romans 6:23 to make sure Ron was comfortable with this initial step of faith. Ron enthusiastically told Miguel about coming to Christ and his attempts to grow as a Christian. The two talked for a while about what Ron hoped for in his spiritual life.

Miguel then asked Ron if he would like to complete an exercise that would lead him to think more clearly about the changes in his life. With Ron’s assent, Miguel handed him a completed copy of the Christogram handout. “This will give you an idea of what yours might look like when we are done,” said Miguel.

Picking 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NIV), Miguel took a Bible and read, “‘Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.’” Miguel explained the context of the verse and its relation to some of the issues Ron was facing. “In verse 12 of the same chapter, it says, ‘Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.’” Ron and Miguel talked about this verse, about the choices Ron had made in the past, and about the better choices he was trying to make now.

Ron then looked at several other verses in the completed Christogram until Miguel was sure Ron knew how to complete the handout. Miguel also made sure Ron had a Bible at home that he could read and use to find verses. Then, giving Ron a new uncompleted copy of the Christogram, along with the completed model Christogram, Miguel closed the session in prayer, asking God to guide Ron in the coming week.

The next week, Ron returned to therapy with the Christogram half completed. Ron had chosen verses that had forgiveness as a theme and those which centered on what was possible with faith.When asked about this, he explained that at times he would get down, thinking about all of the mistakes he had made in his life. “Over and over again, I need to remind myself I am not perfect, just forgiven.” Ron went on to explain how this focus on forgiveness helped him to rethink his world.

Miguel then asked about the verses dealing with faith. “I struggle with thinking I will not make it, so I am tempted just to give up and drink or get high.” Ron said, “Since the birth of my daughter, I have worried about money and wondered if I should stay at my job or try to find another one. I know God has helped me in the past before, but it is so easy to worry.” Miguel then asked Ron to read some of the verses he had chosen regarding faith. The two then talked about what this kind of faith would look and feel like and how it would change Ron’s life.

In the next two sessions, Miguel worked with Ron to complete the Christogram, including verses focusing on the victory God promises and the strength that faith in Christ can bring. Ron began to attend a few church-related twelve-step groups again and appeared to regain his stride. He even took the step of becoming a sponsor for a new young man in the recovery group.

It was also during this time that Ron decided to apply for a supervisor’s position at work. Although he did not get that position, he did accept a similar position at another company later that year. Ron came to a clearer understandi...