9. Define the concepts of "presentation level" and "performance level". Use a case history, in which you were the counselor, to show the necessity for moving from the presentation level to the performance level.
Hurting people tend to express themselves in a pattern of stages. Experienced counselors have labeled these stages/levels presentation problems, performance problems, and preconditioning problems. It is important that counselors know the difference between them to help counselees see their true soul issues. They do not need the ugliness of the weed branches dealt with alone. Rather, they must receive counsel on tearing out the deeply rooted causes.
People mistakenly explain their presentation problem as the cause of their suffering but it is really an effect. They often don’t fully recognize the sin in their lives and misplace the bull’s-eye. They will describe the symptoms of what they are experiencing as though that is the cause, “I’m depressed… I’m tired all the time… I have no joy”. Usually, the presentation problem comes first and then the performance problem. “I haven’t been much of a wife… I’m afraid to drive at night… I’ve been using drugs and I’m hooked” are some examples of performance problems that might follow. People explain these as though they are the effect when the truth is that they are the causes. It is important to recognize this flip-flop to help people understand that they are not acting wrongly due to their current condition but that their wrong doings are causing their current conditions. Rather than recognizing the root, plucking it out, and replacing it with fruit for God they look at the ugly weed branches and blame them for the existence of the root.
An effective counselor listens to the presentation problem to consider questions to ask about the relating performances, “What have you been doing… Can you describe how often…?” This is a good initial process because dealing with these ugly weed branches can build hope for the counselee while the counselor continues to probe for the underlying causes. These causes (preconditioning problems) are the roots of the immoral behaviors. Since it can take time to get there it would be “unwise for counselors to wait until all relevant information has been unearthed before beginning to tackle any problem”.[1] In this sense surface problems should be fixed but it should never end there. “I avoid responsibility whenever the going gets tough… I stay up late at night because I don’t want to go to bed with my wife… I enjoy drugs because they give me feelings and satisfaction I can’t get anywhere else…” are examples where counselors begin to see people take personal responsibility and reveal their heart-level idols. We must take these moments to focus on the Gospel to help the counselee pin the pain and suffering on their own decisions, not experiences. I have not served in the counseling role in my church yet. However, when a friend became frequently absent from church I was able to ask him some questions. He initially stated that he had some doubts about Calvinistic theology existing in the Scriptures. At the time his “doubt” (presentation problem) seemed (to him) to be his true issue. Upon further questioning and stating many Scriptures that refuted his thoughts, he was able to later admit that he had been regularly visiting a Catholic priest and attending Mass to hear both sides of the theology debate (performance issue). By God’s grace alone, I was able to listen, question, probe, and use the Scriptures to more truly recognize that his true preconditioning problem (his default sin setting) was intellectual pride and failure to wholly submit to the Scriptures. He was thinking that there must be something in the Scriptures that he couldn’t see and for that reason he had doubt. In actuality, his refusal to exercise faith and submit to the word was causing his doubt and explained his drifting to apostate sources for answers. He has since given his life fully to the Lord and His word and it is a joy to see the transformation. Through this example I see how important it is to re-direct the bull’s-eye for counselees to help them repent at the root level.
[1] Jay Adams, Competent to Counsel, p. 202
People mistakenly explain their presentation problem as the cause of their suffering but it is really an effect. They often don’t fully recognize the sin in their lives and misplace the bull’s-eye. They will describe the symptoms of what they are experiencing as though that is the cause, “I’m depressed… I’m tired all the time… I have no joy”. Usually, the presentation problem comes first and then the performance problem. “I haven’t been much of a wife… I’m afraid to drive at night… I’ve been using drugs and I’m hooked” are some examples of performance problems that might follow. People explain these as though they are the effect when the truth is that they are the causes. It is important to recognize this flip-flop to help people understand that they are not acting wrongly due to their current condition but that their wrong doings are causing their current conditions. Rather than recognizing the root, plucking it out, and replacing it with fruit for God they look at the ugly weed branches and blame them for the existence of the root.
An effective counselor listens to the presentation problem to consider questions to ask about the relating performances, “What have you been doing… Can you describe how often…?” This is a good initial process because dealing with these ugly weed branches can build hope for the counselee while the counselor continues to probe for the underlying causes. These causes (preconditioning problems) are the roots of the immoral behaviors. Since it can take time to get there it would be “unwise for counselors to wait until all relevant information has been unearthed before beginning to tackle any problem”.[1] In this sense surface problems should be fixed but it should never end there. “I avoid responsibility whenever the going gets tough… I stay up late at night because I don’t want to go to bed with my wife… I enjoy drugs because they give me feelings and satisfaction I can’t get anywhere else…” are examples where counselors begin to see people take personal responsibility and reveal their heart-level idols. We must take these moments to focus on the Gospel to help the counselee pin the pain and suffering on their own decisions, not experiences. I have not served in the counseling role in my church yet. However, when a friend became frequently absent from church I was able to ask him some questions. He initially stated that he had some doubts about Calvinistic theology existing in the Scriptures. At the time his “doubt” (presentation problem) seemed (to him) to be his true issue. Upon further questioning and stating many Scriptures that refuted his thoughts, he was able to later admit that he had been regularly visiting a Catholic priest and attending Mass to hear both sides of the theology debate (performance issue). By God’s grace alone, I was able to listen, question, probe, and use the Scriptures to more truly recognize that his true preconditioning problem (his default sin setting) was intellectual pride and failure to wholly submit to the Scriptures. He was thinking that there must be something in the Scriptures that he couldn’t see and for that reason he had doubt. In actuality, his refusal to exercise faith and submit to the word was causing his doubt and explained his drifting to apostate sources for answers. He has since given his life fully to the Lord and His word and it is a joy to see the transformation. Through this example I see how important it is to re-direct the bull’s-eye for counselees to help them repent at the root level.
[1] Jay Adams, Competent to Counsel, p. 202
10. Define the concept of "preconditioning level". Use a case history, in which you were the counselor, to show the necessity for moving from the performance level to the preconditioning level.
The
last response had a particular focus on presentation and performance
levels. To review, a person might
present their problems in this order: “I am depressed… I haven’t been reading
my Bible or praying much lately…” They
typically believe the “I am depressed” statement (the presentation problem) is
the cause for the performance problem, “I haven’t been reading…” They believe that the effect is the cause and
the cause is the effect. As counselors
we must help people understand how they are wrongly blame-shifting their
behaviors on their feelings. It was
stated that probing questions are the best way to unmask the true cause so that
people can see that they are suffering because of their thoughts and behaviors.[1] This response will answer; why is it
important to move them from performance to the preconditioning level?
When a counselee is moved to understand that he/she is depressed because he/she is not reading his/her Bible and praying he/she may have a sense of relief. The counselee may think, “Ah, if the problem is my behavior I simply need to change my behavior. I’ll start reading my Bible and praying every day.” To the psychologized world this behavior modification strategy is enough. However, it fails to get the deep, underlying root. It fails to explain why he/she is not reading or praying. As counselors we must move people onward towards the preconditioning level that lies in their heart or we may make Pharisees who do proper things with wrong motives.
The preconditioning problem can best be described as a computer program’s default setting. According to Psalm 51:5 our default setting from birth is “iniquity” and “sin” regardless of how we as individuals may manifest that problem. His or her personal sin patterns must be uncovered (though this may take time) so that the true root of these weeds may be uprooted and gorgeous fruit may be cultivated for God’s glory instead. These long-standing underlying patterns of sin responses may seem so ordinary to the person that they don’t even notice them as the cause and will likely be keeping them buried under the soil. The put-on and put-off principle of Ephesians 4:17-32 applies in this situation. It is not enough to just pluck out weeds once they are found. It must be believed that Christ and His glory is more satisfying than the sin that they are living for so that the desire to plant fruit for the Lord is the motive. This is only possible for believers because without the Holy Spirit nobody would want to let go of their sins (John 3:19).
I have not yet had the pleasure of helping a believer act on this call to repentance but as a growing believer my faithful shepherds have done this for me. As a growing believer on-fire for the Lord I have struggled with sadness and anger _________ hasn’t been called out of darkness _____________________. As a result I became ________________ _________ believing in the Doctrines of Grace and yet ___________________ like an Arminian. Through the help of many faithful shepherds I see that obedience is about objective truth not subjective feelings. Many times I blamed my feelings _______ not submitting ___ and God the way that I would like _____. The underlying root of this problem is that as a former lover of self I am programmed to want my desires, feelings, and needs to be met. I also want to make changes happen. This is outrageous sin that I’ve repented of as I realized that I was playing the role of the Holy Spirit and not trusting in His sovereignty. All of the behavior modification that the world could offer could not rid me of this struggle. I had to be lovingly shown that I was not living according to God’s ways and deal with it at the root level – humbling as it is. As my faithful shepherds have helped me to see the true issue (myself and my sinful ways), so too must all Christians help believers live greater obedience for the glory of Christ.
[1] See the previous response for some examples of the type of questioning.
When a counselee is moved to understand that he/she is depressed because he/she is not reading his/her Bible and praying he/she may have a sense of relief. The counselee may think, “Ah, if the problem is my behavior I simply need to change my behavior. I’ll start reading my Bible and praying every day.” To the psychologized world this behavior modification strategy is enough. However, it fails to get the deep, underlying root. It fails to explain why he/she is not reading or praying. As counselors we must move people onward towards the preconditioning level that lies in their heart or we may make Pharisees who do proper things with wrong motives.
The preconditioning problem can best be described as a computer program’s default setting. According to Psalm 51:5 our default setting from birth is “iniquity” and “sin” regardless of how we as individuals may manifest that problem. His or her personal sin patterns must be uncovered (though this may take time) so that the true root of these weeds may be uprooted and gorgeous fruit may be cultivated for God’s glory instead. These long-standing underlying patterns of sin responses may seem so ordinary to the person that they don’t even notice them as the cause and will likely be keeping them buried under the soil. The put-on and put-off principle of Ephesians 4:17-32 applies in this situation. It is not enough to just pluck out weeds once they are found. It must be believed that Christ and His glory is more satisfying than the sin that they are living for so that the desire to plant fruit for the Lord is the motive. This is only possible for believers because without the Holy Spirit nobody would want to let go of their sins (John 3:19).
I have not yet had the pleasure of helping a believer act on this call to repentance but as a growing believer my faithful shepherds have done this for me. As a growing believer on-fire for the Lord I have struggled with sadness and anger _________ hasn’t been called out of darkness _____________________. As a result I became ________________ _________ believing in the Doctrines of Grace and yet ___________________ like an Arminian. Through the help of many faithful shepherds I see that obedience is about objective truth not subjective feelings. Many times I blamed my feelings _______ not submitting ___ and God the way that I would like _____. The underlying root of this problem is that as a former lover of self I am programmed to want my desires, feelings, and needs to be met. I also want to make changes happen. This is outrageous sin that I’ve repented of as I realized that I was playing the role of the Holy Spirit and not trusting in His sovereignty. All of the behavior modification that the world could offer could not rid me of this struggle. I had to be lovingly shown that I was not living according to God’s ways and deal with it at the root level – humbling as it is. As my faithful shepherds have helped me to see the true issue (myself and my sinful ways), so too must all Christians help believers live greater obedience for the glory of Christ.
[1] See the previous response for some examples of the type of questioning.
11. Define a "complicating problem". Give a concrete example.
A
complication problem is a behavioral choice that an individual makes where the
result of the choice to continue in sinful thinking or actions compounds
his/her problems and suffering. Picture a
person tumbling down a hill towards a dangerous bottom. The obvious advice to give to this person
would be to spread out his/her arms and legs to stop the momentum of the
tumble. If he’s able to hear, empowered
to act, and responds by doing it he may initially experience great pain because
of the friction and tearing of the skin as the person drags for a few moments
against the surface. However, they will
be able to stop, recognize their folly, and turn back up ‘the hill of difficulty’
to safety and rest. Related to the
sinful man, the call to repentance can only be enabled by the power of the Holy
Spirit (2 Tim. 2:25) because natural man loves his sins (John 3:19). As much as his rolling causes him suffering
and leads him to a dangerous bottom to crash and burn, he is powerless against
even wanting to stop because he is hostile towards the Lord at the top of the
hill (Rom. 8:7). Though powerless, he’s
still responsible for his choices which have consequences. This is how our personal choices further
complicate our life circumstances.
A Biblical example of this is the history of Cain and Abel. Genesis 4 records the story of how Cain gave fruit sacrifices to God rather than firstlings of the flock (v.4). When Cain recognized that God had no regard for his offering he “became very angry and his countenance fell” (v. 5). Cain’s sin didn’t start with the act of improperly giving an offering. His sin started in his heart motive and as a result he had no regard to joyfully give to the Lord. This sin is sadly true for our lives in today’s time (failure to give our time, resources, devotions, gifts). Cain became angry because he was not regarded by God. The reaction was so strong internally that it was expressed outwardly. The irony is that he showed no regard for God himself. He was demanding from God what he wouldn’t offer to God. This backwards thinking sadly permeates today’s times as well. Cain’s downward spiral (or tumble down the hill) would increase in strength at this point (“very angry”). He was resentful. “Often resentment is one strong link in a chain of complicating problems”.[1] His original problem of disrespect to God went unresolved. He was suffering for that. When he saw that his brother’s sacrifice was pleasing and well regarded, bitterness towards God and Abel took him further and harder down this hill. Bitterness and resentment festered within him to the point where he wanted to murder his brother (v. 8).
At this point we see the graciousness of God. God Himself was nouthetically counseling Cain. God said, “If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it” (v. 7). Though the Lord was disregarded He still graciously stands at the top of the hill saying that if you heed His instructions you can turn towards righteousness. Cain even “told Abel his brother” (v. 8). Though we don’t know the extent of their conversation, we can infer that because Abel loved God that Abel himself might have given godly and helpful advice to Cain as well. Sadly, as many people today still currently do, Cain refused to heed God’s warning (and possibly his brother’s) and fell into deeper depths of sin. God offered hope by telling Cain that he could reverse the spiral through repentance by changing his behavior and yielding to the Lord in submission. Rather than stop and head up the hill towards his Lord, Cain’s love of sin drove him to the bottom where he murdered his brother Abel (v. 8). God cursed Cain (v. 11) and Cain did not like the consequences (v. 13). Who is to blame for Cain’s suffering? Could it be God for inadequate counsel? Of course not! Like us, Cain has no one to blame but himself for obeying his sin which ‘further complicates matters leading to greater guilt and deeper depression”.[2]
[1] Jay Adams, A Theology of Christian Counseling, p. 82
[2] Jay Adams, Christian Counselor’s Manual, p. 377-378.
A Biblical example of this is the history of Cain and Abel. Genesis 4 records the story of how Cain gave fruit sacrifices to God rather than firstlings of the flock (v.4). When Cain recognized that God had no regard for his offering he “became very angry and his countenance fell” (v. 5). Cain’s sin didn’t start with the act of improperly giving an offering. His sin started in his heart motive and as a result he had no regard to joyfully give to the Lord. This sin is sadly true for our lives in today’s time (failure to give our time, resources, devotions, gifts). Cain became angry because he was not regarded by God. The reaction was so strong internally that it was expressed outwardly. The irony is that he showed no regard for God himself. He was demanding from God what he wouldn’t offer to God. This backwards thinking sadly permeates today’s times as well. Cain’s downward spiral (or tumble down the hill) would increase in strength at this point (“very angry”). He was resentful. “Often resentment is one strong link in a chain of complicating problems”.[1] His original problem of disrespect to God went unresolved. He was suffering for that. When he saw that his brother’s sacrifice was pleasing and well regarded, bitterness towards God and Abel took him further and harder down this hill. Bitterness and resentment festered within him to the point where he wanted to murder his brother (v. 8).
At this point we see the graciousness of God. God Himself was nouthetically counseling Cain. God said, “If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it” (v. 7). Though the Lord was disregarded He still graciously stands at the top of the hill saying that if you heed His instructions you can turn towards righteousness. Cain even “told Abel his brother” (v. 8). Though we don’t know the extent of their conversation, we can infer that because Abel loved God that Abel himself might have given godly and helpful advice to Cain as well. Sadly, as many people today still currently do, Cain refused to heed God’s warning (and possibly his brother’s) and fell into deeper depths of sin. God offered hope by telling Cain that he could reverse the spiral through repentance by changing his behavior and yielding to the Lord in submission. Rather than stop and head up the hill towards his Lord, Cain’s love of sin drove him to the bottom where he murdered his brother Abel (v. 8). God cursed Cain (v. 11) and Cain did not like the consequences (v. 13). Who is to blame for Cain’s suffering? Could it be God for inadequate counsel? Of course not! Like us, Cain has no one to blame but himself for obeying his sin which ‘further complicates matters leading to greater guilt and deeper depression”.[2]
[1] Jay Adams, A Theology of Christian Counseling, p. 82
[2] Jay Adams, Christian Counselor’s Manual, p. 377-378.
12. Define "halo data" and give some examples of halo data for depression.
Previously defined in another response, halo data is information that the counselor can observe about a counselee.[1] Since counselors need to be deeply concerned about data so they can guide and direct the counselee towards life-dominating sin issues that affect their life and grieve the Holy Spirit, we must know how to detect data that counselees may be keeping buried beneath the soil. We cannot determine progress an individual may or may not be making by seeing where the person is at the moment. He/she may be on the up or down side of their consistent roller-coaster ride. But since “the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart” (Matt. 12:34) and Cain’s “countenance fell” when he became “very angry” (Gen. 4:5), we can see that the inward heart issues will somehow be revealed in the external expressions of our face, body language, volume of voice, tone of voice, and/or posture. So counselors must include this observable data in addition to what homework and verbal data may indicate to holistically determine a counselee’s inward heart-level progression or regression.
Some typical examples of halo data for depression may include a fallen countenance. These fallen expressions are obvious to even the casual observer. Droopy face, concerned eyebrows, hunched posture, and slow verbal expressions are just some ways this may manifest. It is important to point out that these signs won’t always surface when the person is being observed. Often it is noticing their reactions to a third person’s comments or observing them while they ponder a challenging question where data is revealed. It wouldn’t be uncommon to see a depressed person respond to a third person’s encouraging words with a comment like, “it won’t matter”. It also wouldn’t be uncommon to see a person sigh or complain when asked if they can handle the weekly workload. Self-pity is a horrible sin encompassed with depression. While there is nothing wrong with crying, a person is indicating a lot about where they are when they are more disappointed in their own short-comings than the counselor or third person is. One example is the person who is always being overly emotional on themselves (without obvious fruit of repentance) over failing to do the weekly assigned tasks. Sorrow is good if it leads to repentance but self-pity is a sorrow that leads to death (2 Cor. 7:8-10). Counselees may show noticeable signs of physical reactions to their sin-induced depression. King David stated that, “When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long” (Ps. 32:3). It is important to notice someone’s fatigue, groomed-appearance, and what physical health routines may be current. Some individuals will express depression with anger. This may seem contradictory because by definition a depressed person seems to not care about anything, right? But when we rightly understand that depression is linked to sinful selfish patterns, we can see that many people may roll their eyes, respond to another with great disgust, throw their hands up, or make statements like, “here we go again” when things don’t go their way. King Saul was greatly unhappy that David received more recognition than him when David began to show himself to be a greater warrior (1 Sam. 18:7-9). The same was true for Judas who’s remorse was worldly enough for him to throw the money bag back at the Pharisees and take his own life (Matt. 27:3-5). Lastly, though this list is not exhaustive, worry is often connected to depression. Many Old Testament recordings of the Israelites failing to trust in God reveal the state of their unfaithful worries that constantly lead to sadness over not having the goods they use to receive in Egyptian slavery (Num. 11:1-6). It’s with these many examples that we see depression is a complex emotion. While the emotions are real and we want to detect these signs, we must put the root of sin in its proper place – the heart of man. We want to use these halo data signs like a smoke detector to be able to put out fires that are burning them to death in their heart.
[1] See response #5 What is data gathering?...
Some typical examples of halo data for depression may include a fallen countenance. These fallen expressions are obvious to even the casual observer. Droopy face, concerned eyebrows, hunched posture, and slow verbal expressions are just some ways this may manifest. It is important to point out that these signs won’t always surface when the person is being observed. Often it is noticing their reactions to a third person’s comments or observing them while they ponder a challenging question where data is revealed. It wouldn’t be uncommon to see a depressed person respond to a third person’s encouraging words with a comment like, “it won’t matter”. It also wouldn’t be uncommon to see a person sigh or complain when asked if they can handle the weekly workload. Self-pity is a horrible sin encompassed with depression. While there is nothing wrong with crying, a person is indicating a lot about where they are when they are more disappointed in their own short-comings than the counselor or third person is. One example is the person who is always being overly emotional on themselves (without obvious fruit of repentance) over failing to do the weekly assigned tasks. Sorrow is good if it leads to repentance but self-pity is a sorrow that leads to death (2 Cor. 7:8-10). Counselees may show noticeable signs of physical reactions to their sin-induced depression. King David stated that, “When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long” (Ps. 32:3). It is important to notice someone’s fatigue, groomed-appearance, and what physical health routines may be current. Some individuals will express depression with anger. This may seem contradictory because by definition a depressed person seems to not care about anything, right? But when we rightly understand that depression is linked to sinful selfish patterns, we can see that many people may roll their eyes, respond to another with great disgust, throw their hands up, or make statements like, “here we go again” when things don’t go their way. King Saul was greatly unhappy that David received more recognition than him when David began to show himself to be a greater warrior (1 Sam. 18:7-9). The same was true for Judas who’s remorse was worldly enough for him to throw the money bag back at the Pharisees and take his own life (Matt. 27:3-5). Lastly, though this list is not exhaustive, worry is often connected to depression. Many Old Testament recordings of the Israelites failing to trust in God reveal the state of their unfaithful worries that constantly lead to sadness over not having the goods they use to receive in Egyptian slavery (Num. 11:1-6). It’s with these many examples that we see depression is a complex emotion. While the emotions are real and we want to detect these signs, we must put the root of sin in its proper place – the heart of man. We want to use these halo data signs like a smoke detector to be able to put out fires that are burning them to death in their heart.
[1] See response #5 What is data gathering?...