Counselling as a profession has a decisive influence on the emotional functioning of the
counsellor/therapist at both the professional and personal level. A unique emotional component is
required of a counsellorltherapist. He/she as an emotional coach must have a special awareness
of his/her own emotional processes so that adaptable emotional coping can be harnessed as a
powerful therapeutic aid. In the past a void occurred within the context of the Christian
counsellor/therapist concerning practical guidelines for managing the emotional life of the
counsellor/therapist, which also is the specific focus of this study.
A number of passages from the Bible were focused on from a basis theoretical point of departure,
which is related to the emotional functioning of the Christian counsellor/therapist in one way or
another. From this, among others, it became clear that God rather wishes to bring recovery,
honour, renewal and joy instead of brokenness, grief and boundedness. During times of
despondency, depression and burnout, God is involved and present in the Christian in a tender,
though decisive manner. Rest as a physical, emotional and spiritual activity is also a command
which is directly related to the execution of the calling to discipleship.
Emotions are meant to be building blocks for fulfilment and joy in the Christian's life. Emotional
intimacy and the self-disclosure associated with it, is the only way to grow spiritually and remain
emotionally healthy. Life in Christ presents man with the essential foundation for this process.
Hence emotion can be utilised to culture greater awareness of a deep dependence on God.
In the lives of spiritual leaders, inner wounding often manifest as a noticeable separation1 splitting
off between their mind and heart, public and private life, as well as personal and professional life.
Like the counselled, the counsellor/therapist must do the necessary emotional work regarding
his/her emotional pain so that emotional resolution and transformation can be accomplished. Deep
inner wounds must eventually be "touched” in one way or another.
Seen from the meta-theory, it became clear that the phenomena compassion fatigue and burnout
normally indicates a period or season in which the humanness, fragility and weakness of the
counsellor come to the fore. The treatment principle underlying compassion fatigue and burnout is
increased self-esteem. A proactive choice of dealing with these phenomena can lead to a decisive
levelling out of the phenomena compassion fatigue and burnout. Such action implies, among
others, knowledge of the phenomena, self-care due to increased self-esteem, boundaries and a
balanced view of discipleship.
With regard to the empirical research, a qualitative research approach was followed by using a
standard interview. A profile was compiled of the counsellor/therapist who does indeed function
emotionally effectively, and eventually it served as the overarching aim of the counselling
programme. It became clear that the effective functioning of the counsellor/therapist is directly
linked to a process of healing which has taken place with regard to possible own emotional
wounding and/or burnout and/or compassion fatigue. The result of this process is someone who is
emotionally mature and also capable of maintaining good relationships and balanced emotional
intimacy
Concerning the practice-theoretical foundation, four basic themes were finally formulated by means
of which progressive growth is accomplished. Firstly, the Christian counsellor becomes aware of
important factors regarding his/her emotional life. Secondly, this process then flows over into
deeper self-knowledge. The moment change regarding self-intimacy is brought about attention can
thirdly be given to spiritual functioning. Fourthly, the individual who has received healing and
enrichment can now utilise it in the work context in order to manage it better. / Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/1649 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Van der Merwe, Amanda Johanna |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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