I wonder what the how earth reacted to a King (Jesus) being born. Did the flowers sway with the joy and the stars twinkle with delight? Maybe even the grass rustled into a sweet reverence as the birds slept quietly?
I’m taking a Counseling and Psychotherapy course this semester and last week, we talked about the five components that are essential to psychotherapy:
- Therapeutic alliance
- Empathy
- Positive client expectations
- Clint and therapists share similar worldview
- Rituals/interventions that client and therapist agree to
Two of the five are said to be the most critical, therapeutic alliance and positive client expectations. Therapeutic alliance is the rapport that counselors have with their clients. This professional relationship is built on trust and allows counselors to help clients reach their goals. Positive client expectations refers to clients believing that things will and can get better. If a client does not trust their therapist and/or has a pessimistic view about their future, then psychotherapy is a waste of time and money.
As I sat in the class, I couldn’t help but equate therapeutic alliance and positive client beliefs to our relationship with Jesus and faith. Just like a counselor, Jesus is rooting for us and we can have complete confidence in the fact that He has our back. However, just like a client, we still have to expect good and great things by exercising our faith.
“Hope of all hopes, dream of our dreams, a child is born, sweet-breathed; a son is given to us: a living gift. And even now, with tiny features and dewy hair, He is great. The power of leadership, and the weight of authority, will rest on His shoulders. His name? His name we’ll know in many ways—He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Dear Father everlasting, ever-present never-failing, Master of Wholeness, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 VOICE
Maybe Jesus should be called the father of Counseling Psychology!?
Weekend Wellness Tip
Until Midweek Musings,
