Growth through Counselling Course - Louise Terhart

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we our ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4). 

That was the word that God gently whispered into my heart, after I had encountered Him.  An encounter, which not only brought about healing and restoration of my childhood pain but assured me of His undeniable power, love and desire to restore “the years the locusts have eaten” – a 7-year journey for me.  A process timed well enough for me to work through my issues and experience lasting restoration and wholeness.

So, how does one comfort others?  I had years of experience of hiding and avoiding my pain, had finally surrendered and accepted comfort from God, was actually rejoicing in that when God’s Word penetrated my heart;  Somehow, I did not feel qualified enough to give the comfort I had received.  While wondering about this, I was invited to consider the Level 1 Counselling Course in 2008.  This course offered a preview into counselling and demonstrated basic skills which helped me to understand my journey and recognise how comfort could be offered to others. 

With God’s Word now firmly embedded in my heart, I then proceeded with the Level 2 Advanced Certificate in Counselling.  The theory which offered in-depth insight into the different approaches to Counselling, and to the development of advanced skills, proved invaluable.

I have been counselling for just over 2 years, and in hindsight I can see that the greatest preparation for giving comfort, started from the very first day of the course.   The course was structured in such a way that an atmosphere of safety was first created to replicate a trainee counselling room.  The early morning devotionals, subsequent discussions together with our daily journals aimed at developing our self-awareness.  The various exercises involved group work which meant continuous dialogue.  This and the personal nature of some of these exercises required that we practiced an important set of skills - genuineness, respect, and empathy.   

Thinking back, as much as I would hate to admit, the dreaded fish bowl sessions have stood me in good stead.  Role-playing a client exposed emotions that needed a response of care, sensitivity and empathy to be displayed – a crucial aspect to be captured in order for comfort to be given.  This is always important, but especially when meeting with someone new, where trust is yet to be established.   Role-playing a counsellor was a new experience, which necessitated honest critique.  So, a teachable spirit is absolutely essential, especially in areas where more growth is required.

It was beneficial that this course was not run consecutively, but rather spaced out over a 3-month period.  In this way, it allowed me to continue considering a single weeks’ training.  This further developed self-examination, resolved issues triggered, and allowed application of my counselling skills.  This enabled me to gain clarity as we all debriefed on our practical experiences upon our return for the 2^nd and 3^rd weeks of training.  The assignments thereafter just strengthened and moved me to remember that God is the Healer and that I am just a vessel which He has chosen to be used in this way.   

          

What I have found is that this ministry requires regular maintenance.  So it has become necessary for me to hold onto the outline of the course which is daily devotions and meditation, constant self-awareness, continuous dialogue in the form of supervision and on-going training to stay abreast of various troubles.   

Giving comfort from a Christian perspective, is not giving advice or telling a person what to do, it is about taking what God has done in our lives and offering it to someone in trouble, creating a space for hope and peace to be restored, culminating in renewed dignity, value and self-worth - ultimately holistic restoration.

My thanks to you, trainers at Philippi, may God continue to bless you with all you need to continue this vital work of empowering others to bring comfort to those in need.