The joke goes something like this, “Asked my counsellor who their counsellor was and went to see them. Asked them the same thing until I got to the final boss counsellor and defeated them with my train wreck of a life.”
Two serious things stand out for me, (1) people can be pretty “messed up” and (2) so can counsellors.
As counsellors, we are constantly exposed to client’s callouts for help as well as narratives of pain, turmoil, confusion and even abuse. When last did a client book a few sessions because of their blissful, inspiring and complete life? Client narratives certainly do take their toll on you as a counsellor.
It is my experience that all too often, we forget that we engage and respond to clients in our humanity, albeit as a Spirit-filled human, not a Spirit-filled super-human. Naturally, we do, on occasion, find ourselves short of breath; perhaps leaning toward developing compassion fatigue or burnout. The hidden danger is when we don’t realize just how much we need that next breath of fresh air.
With how many of the following symptoms (this is not an exhaustive list) can you associate? Feelings of resentment, irritation or burden toward a client? Getting lost during sessions? Poor timekeeping? Low energy? An unusual (or unaccountable) elevation of stress levels? A loss of sense of humour?
Now ask yourself the following: Do I belong to a peer support group (e.g. a mentorship group)? Who is my counsellor/confident? Do I know the difference between emotional attachment and empathy? Can I prioritize? Do I have sufficient “me time” (leisure, exercise, journaling, reading etc.)? Am I physically, emotionally and spiritually nourished? Am I dependent on God?
Reach out and connect with MePeople hello@mepeople.co.za to join a Bible-based peer support group (mentoring) or for a Counsellor’s Counsellor. :24-25, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (NIV).
A present reality of navigating the troubled waters known as COVID is that going to church, is for now, not allowed. Not to be confused with being the church.
This is not the first time that the church has had to navigate troubled waters. The church has survived every storm because Jesus called the church into being, He is the head of the church and He will sustain His church. The church meant everything to Jesus, and He sacrificed everything for His church. The church is, therefore, undefeatable and unstoppable.
Let’s be bold and ask each other just what going to church is all about. If it is to read the Bible, we can also do this at home. If it is to sing songs of praise, we can also do this at home. If it is praying, we can also do this at home. If it is to partake in Holy Communion, we can also do this at home. If it is receiving a sermon, we can receive it via email, Skype, or Zoom -at home.
Despite everything we can do for ourselves at home, we still need to frequently gather as the church and collectively partake in the same. The point is, we have unmet needs when we can’t go to church because we are not designed to live and worship in isolation, we are designed to live in a loving relationship with God and the community of believers who make up the church. Attending church is therefore an expression of corporate Christian fellowship. The family structure is another.
I need to speak to leaders of households – regardless of whether you find yourself in the midst of COVID troubled waters or not – about a pressing matter: have you or are you leading your household in Scripture reading, praise, prayer, teachings, and Holy Communion? This responsibility rests on your shoulders. Rise to the challenge!
#bethechurch #lead