AnibalSanteliz

November 25th/ 2015

Describe your understanding of your role as a

faithful under-shepherd who is responsible to provide

pastoral care and counseling to people, and whose
obligation it is to demonstrate Christlike concern and
personal integrity in all your interactions with them.
1 page
The role of a counselor and a Pastor are roles which describe the mission of The
Messiah, therefore in order to be up to the task, it is necessary to be connected with The
Messiah-Jesus, our Lord and Savior, the shepherd of shepherds, since nothing can replace
a real connection with the omnipotence. The faithfulness of an under-shepherd in
providing pastoral care and counseling to people, supposes an alignment with the work of
Christ and requires an anointment of The Holy Spirit, whose guidance and power imparts
to the under-shepherd, wisdom from up high, and discernment, in order to judge
correctly. The role of a careful listener who attentively hears trying to catch important
details that may have implications in the development of the counseling is of prime
importance, as well as an accurate observation of the counselees verbal, non-verbal, and
emotional cues, and even physical postures. These skills of involvement enable the
counselor to perform a better and more efficient job. To demonstrate Christ-like concern
and personal integrity is a matter that is related to what have been said above about a
vertical relationship, because real love for others is not a skill obtained at academia, but a
heavenly given principle that flows through the branches that are connected to the true
Vine. Only a life permeated by love will manifest and impart such attribute to others in
all its dealings, thus transforming others, therefore the responsibility to demonstrate a

Christ-like concern and personal integrity although befalls on the shoulder of the pastorcounselor, it is not an attribute of character forged or developed by the individual per se,
but by a humble recognition of the need of Gods presence and a contious and determine
seek of the almighty.

Describe the attitudes and ways of relating to

people that are recognized to be beneficial when one
counsels with people about their problems, and
indicate your progress toward incorporating these
into your ministry. 1 page
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The ministry of presence and listening constitute the main elements in our
way of relating to people when counseling about problems. It has been a
problem for me to be a listener, because even when I am, I tend to interrupt
and talk. This basic teaching learned at class has taught me to listen and listen
carefully, demonstrating such skill and attitude with my body language and
with the short phrases that I wisely and pertinently insert during any interview.
Among the body language signs, a look into the individuals eyes and leaning
forward would demonstrate physically that there is absolute attention and
earnest interest in the story that is being told; facial expressions should match
what is expressed in the story in order that full congruency is conveyed
between facial expressions, corporal gestures, and eye contact. These attentive
attitude, as well as the sort of questions asked allows counselor and counselee
to have many connection points and thus a well understanding on the part of
the counselor, and a warm feeling of being heard and understood on the part
of the counselee.

Although I felt I had been a good listener, It has dawn on me that I have not
been a very good listener as confessed above, but this class has taught me
that my interventions should be few and short, only to mirror the speech of the
counselee, and a very important point is that the solutions should come from
the person who is being interviewed, not from the counselor. I have learned
-and still need a lot of practice- that I am not to provide solutions to the
problems or dilemmas brought to discussion, instead, I am to facilitate the
eureka moment, where the individual finds the solution by himself or herself,
that way he/she will be clearly convicted and resolute in his/her decisions.

Describe what you learned about the

counseling process and your experience as you
applied these approaches to your counseling
sessions and verbatim preparation. Include a
progress report about your pastoral-counseling skill
development. 1 page
Apreparationneedstobedoneinthecontextoftheclientandthephysicalplace,
whichistoreceiveandinvitetheclienttoopeninaconfortableconfidential
environment,whichcommunicatesasenseofprivacytotheclient,andthusprovides
security.Thecounselingpracticegoesthroughthreewelldefinedphases:aninvolving
phase,whereeyecontact,andphysicalpostures,suchasleaningforward,headnodding,
wordsofaffirmation,andphrasesthatmirrorwhathasbeenheard,orevenquestionsthat
communicatesinterestonthepartofthehearer,willinvitethecounseleetoprogressin
thestorytellingwitheaseandsatisfactionofbeingheard.Anunderstandingphase,where
personalizationoftheproblemandpersonalizationofthegoalalsomirrorsthespeechof

thecounselee,thusprovidingafeedback,justasasingerwhoisabletohearand
evaluatehisownsinging.Finallytheresolutionphasewrapsuptheprocess,bringing
everythingtoaconclusionwherethediagnoseoftheproblemisstatedandthesolutionis
foundbythecounseleeandanappropriateresponsetoitisverballyachivedfromthelips
oftheindividualreceivingcounsel.ThisResolutionphaselooksforanswerstoquestions
suchaswhen,where,andhowthingswillbedoneinordertosolvetheproblemthatwas
statedatthebeginningoftheconversationthroughthestorythatwastold.Inmy
experience,theamountofmyinterventionsduringtheinterviewingdecreased,asalsodid
theamountofwords,becomingmoreandmorepreanalyzedandwellchosen.Some
skillshavestartedtoigniteanddevelop,suchastheobservanceofappearance,emotional
andnonverbalcues,bodylanguage,andtheintellectualengagement.Skillsoflistening
withcareandanalyticalapproachhasalsostartedtoacquiredeepermeaningformeatthe
momentofhearing,andhasbecomeasimportantandevenmoreimportantthanuttering
words.

Describe the most significant things that you

learned from your study of the required textbooks.

Note: this item represents 30% of your grade on the
Final Report! 3 pages
The book Practical Psychology for Pastors takes the reader through the understanding
of counseling and the role of the pastor in the art of counseling, which is defined as a
relation between the counselor and the individual, where one applies certain skills with
the sole purpose of helping the other to solve a personal or an interpersonal problem. The
counseling process goes through four different phases: clarification, formulation,

intervention, and termination. Counseling involves a great skill in listening, the author of
Practical Psychology for Pastors rightly calls it the art of understanding because it is of
primordial importance for the counselee to feel both heard and understood, and for the
counselor to exert the uttermost effort in communicating such feeling. Now the right
understanding of an individual conducts the counselor to a better evaluation and thus a
correct diagnose of the problem. In order to elevate the accuracy of the diagnosis some
theories have been proposed by different psychology experts, which also deem to achieve
a much closer understanding of an individual, these four principal personality theories
are: Psychodynamic, behaviorist, humanistic, and existential. Other theories include
Cognitive and Therapy, General systems, and even Spirituality. Furthermore, it can be
seen that different researchers have made progress on these different theories. In any
case, once a clear understanding of the individual that is counseled is achieved, the next
challenge is how to intervene in a persons mind in such an effective way that the
necessary changes are finally made, and given the fact that it is the individual who is in
charged of such changes, motivation becomes a crucial part of the counseling process.
Miller and Jackson accurately pinpoint that change is a continual and inevitable part of
existence and that the notion of the more treatment leads to more change is not likely
or universally true. The stages for change -conceived as the radius of a wheel- are: first,
pre-contemplation, where awareness is pursued; the second stage is the contemplation
itself, which denotes a greater openness from the part of the counselee, the third stage is
determination, where the individuals motivation has been significantly risen, and finally
the fourth stage is action, where the motivated individual elicits action, thus progress.
In their book, Miller and Jackson recognize that there are not magic tricks or universal

formulas to deal with the different problems brought to counselors, and in their book they
stress the difference between a normal persons shifting moods, and depression -term
which is defined and explained. Depression is caused by many factors, among which the
book mentions five of them: First Situational factors, second Thought patterns, third
Biological or organic affections, fourth Behavioral factors, and five, Social consequences
or social environment. The book Practical Psychology for Pastors, further proposes
scenarios with which the Pastor or counselor may encounter. These scenarios cover
possible cases of suicide, where a observation, information gathering and careful
evaluation of each case needs to be undertaken, in order to evaluate the risk level at
which the suicidal person is located. Another case and its scenarios cover stress and
anxiety with its intensity levels, and its treatment, as well as the alternative interventions
from changing the stressful situation, to changing the arousal, to changing behavior, or
even changing consequences. Management of anger and aggression is also covered by
Miller and Jackson, and some basic learning is acquired of what the assertive or balanced
behavior should be, as well as the obstacles to develop and achieve such a desired
balanced. A brief but interesting introduction to Schizophrenia and other major mental
disorders, is also discussed in the book, as well as dealing with diverse addictions, and
counseling on problems related with relationships. These scenarios and the suggestions
on how to deal with these cases, together with the usual expectations, pretend to be
descriptive and prescriptive but by no means conclusive, for the understanding of
psychology in its variety of fields is constantly in development. It is necessary to remark
that all these valuable suggestion on how to deal with these individuals, ranging within
such a wide array of scenarios, would be of little help without the first part of the book

where the ministry of counseling is described, explained and analyze, and where the art
of listening, understanding, and thinking clearly makes good changes possible.

Describe the most important things that you

learned from lab experiences and class

presentations. Note: this item represents 20% of
your grade on the Final Report! 2 pages

During lab experiences the counseling skills were put into practice several times,
creating either real or fictitious case scenarios, where different roles were played in order
to situate the student in the feet of each character of the hypothetical case scenarios. The
practice vividly exemplified the counseling context and showed me the following
lessons:
The importance of listening: The value of listening was very highlighted in my mind,
and the impact that such a skill does on the mind of the individual being counseled. How
to listen carefully as a skill allows the counselor to better understand the individual,
which enhances the counselors accuracy at formulating a diagnosis.
The preparation Context: It was very useful to be informed of the need of confidential
secretary, who protects the counselor from some legal liabilities that may arise. The
knowledge of the existence and function of disclosure statement release forms was very
revealing and helping for me, since I ignore all the implications that this office may have,
therefore this type of information though basic, is very useful.
Relax and Focus: Once again, these are two basic elements, however indispensable to
this office, and often not achieved because of obstacles such as distractions, too much
self-concern, and fears.

Involving Phase: Among the counseling skills, the involving phase comprehend certain
attitudes such as an empathic identification with client, and a genuine and authentic
respect for the individuals capabilities. I personally liked the quote from Ellen White if
we wish to do good to souls and appreciation of thm, our success with these souls will be
in proportion to their belief in our belief FE p 280
Observation: Among the skills of involvement, the careful and analytical
observation constitutes a real asset for the counselor, since the data thus
collected is of essential use in the counseling process. Observation should
look for: physical energy, emotional cues, intellectual engagement, and nonverbal cues.
Resolution phase: it is obvious that without the resolution phase the whole
counseling process would not be completed, and would be pointless to go
through this whole process of observation, evaluation, diagnosis, and the rest
if there is no final phase where the problems are resolved and real, definite
plans of actions are not set and put in action. The classical questions to
achieve the goals of this phase are: What must be done, how must it be
done?, when must it be done?, where must it be done?, will you do what must
be done?, will you tell me how it works out?, and who must do it?.

Describe your progress toward the attainment

of two Program Learning Objectives. (See page
3). 1.5 pages

As I have stated above, one of the skills that was emphasized for its primary

importance and its use in all interpersonal relations is that of listening. I have
made a good progress in this matter, for being aware of the major role that
listening plays in pastoral counseling and the personal limitation in its use, has
moved me to increase its practice and restrain from the moments when my
talking increases. Theabilitytoobservewhattheotherpersonis
communicatingwithitsbodylanguageorevenwithsilencehasalsoimpacted
me,foralltheimplicationsintheministry,andIreallyhopeIwillbemore
andmoreawareofthenecessityofthesetwovaluableskills:listeningand
observing.
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Equipping my immediate congregation, which is my family, as well as the church

Family, for an effective ministry supposes a slow process of learning, and calls for more
exposure to other cultures and their backgrounds and diverse contexts. This requires some
preparation, which includes education, and of course a close relation with the Holy Spirit,
without whom nothing can really be done or accomplished. Our world today demands
through and through, people with a very clear and good sense of cross-cultural
missionary work. I have personally started my way on being exposed to other cultures
given by the fact that there are subcultures among the so diverse community of Latin
people; furthermore, I have had the privilege of mingling among the people in Australia
and America, and am not only willing, but have I desires to live in Europe.
The appreciation for others and the placing of a high value on others really hits the
mind when one comes to the feet of the cross of Jesus and understand how much a soul
worth for Jesus. I have come to understand the behavioral problems as manifestations of

a human condition, maybe not less spiritual than psychic or psychosomatic, but
nevertheless a condition, which makes everybody worthy of compassion, understanding,
and needy of both empathy and sympathy. I hope by the grace of God my ministry will be
more effective with these tools and learning, for they have already enriched my
experience and broaden my worldview.