Sin in Counseling

Christian counselors are called to minister to the needs of others and one of our primary responsibilities as counselors is to help people function better (McMinn, 2008). In the process of helping clients function better, we are often faced with the challenge of confronting sin. Sin is a ubiquitous state of brokenness that affects every aspect of creation, including every human being, but if we only see sin in general we fail at understanding it as it relates to someone personally (2011). As a Christian counselor, deciding which approach to use in confronting sin and with which clients requires discernment, wisdom, and an understanding of the counseling relationship, and self awareness (McMinn, 2011).

There is no perfect scenario for confronting sin in counseling. Christian counselors do well to consider both a macro and micro perspective of sin, and then to respond in ways that affirm God’s lavish grace revealed in Jesus Christ (McMinn, 2008). Christian counselors must take caution when confronting sin in counseling. Each client, their situations, and level of vulnerability varies and can be extremely sensitive to the process. Sin must be confronted with Grace. If sin is confronted without grace, or if the counselor probes too directly, one of God’s precious children may be hurt rather than helped in the counseling process (McMinn, 2008). The forms of confrontation that should be used in counseling are silence, pondering, questioning, direct censure and not confronting (McMinn, 2011). Each also takes into consideration the level of trust established in the therapeutic relationship and the counselors plan for treatment. To effectively confront a client all factors must be considered and caution taken.

References

McMinn, M.R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Carol

Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

McMinn, M. (2008). Sin and grace in Christian counseling: An integrative paradigm. Downers

Grove,...