Discussion Forum 1 Instructions
Table of Contents
Discussion Forum
Group Discussion Board Forum Instructions

The purpose of these Group Discussion Board Forums is to expand your thinking about the course materials or apply course materials to counseling scenarios. Some of the discussion board questions have a strong analytical component, as fitting a graduate-level course. As a basis for your reflection/evaluation/application, you will be asked to review the content covered during the discussion module(s)/week(s). In fact, your thread as well as your replies to your classmates must be amply supported by course materials (the lectures and your textbook readings) and properly cited as indicated in the Group Discussion Board Forum Grading Rubric.
In response to the discussion question (Modules/Weeks 2, 4, 6), submit your thread by the date specified using approximately 250–400 words. The grading rubric does not grade for word count. However, realize that too many words may indicate wordiness, but too few words may indicate incomplete thought. In addition to supporting your thread from course sources (with proper, current APA citation), the integration of a Christian worldview is always appropriate. It is also expected that you will include at least two references in every Discussion Board initial post.
- Use appropriate netiquette,
- Write at graduate level, and
- Cite in-text per current APA format and list references at the bottom of your post. It is expected that you will include at least one reference in every Discussion Board response post.
When citing any of the presentations provided in the Reading & Study folders, your references must look like the following:
Brewer, G., & Peters, C., (n.d.). [Insert audio lecture title or notes title]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty
University.
So, for Module/Week 1, a reference would look like this (notice the proper use of APA form):
Brewer, G., & Peters, C. (n.d.). COUC 506 Week Three, Lecture One: Christian spirituality and the ministry of counseling. [PowerPoint]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Online.
Topic:

· The New Christian Counseling
· Hawkins & Clinton:
· Chapter 4 Attachment and Relationships
·
· Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling McMinn:
· Chapter 1 Religion in the Counseling Office
· Chapter 2 Toward Psychological and Spiritual Health
For discussion this module/week, we consider how to counsel suffering clients. The class lectures, Entwistle, and McMinn all discuss the concept of suffering and factors guiding how we counsel those who are suffering. In fact, a careful reading of the Reading & Study materials indicates numerous concepts and principles that we could apply as we counsel those who are hurting.
1. Considering the numerous points that were made, make a list of at least 5 concepts (“questions to ask myself as I counsel those who are suffering. . . “) that you found particularly helpful, insightful, unique, or had not thought about before.
2. What guidelines would you particularly emphasize as you counsel hurting people?
3. Then consider this client’s statement: Client: “Dr. Counselor, I have been coming to you now for six weeks. I am not sure that counseling is working. I don’t feel any better now than when we started talking. Why are you not helping to remove this pain that I am feeling?” If your client expects that you help to remove the suffering, how would you respond, based on what you learned from your study for the week?
Hawkins & Clinton Christian Counseling Book Review

Hawkins & Clinton Book Review
Summary
The textbook Hawkins & Clinton (2015) “The New Christian Counselor” is an inspiring book that encourages and guides you through the vision and direction of Christian counseling.
Hawkins and Clinton (2015) discusses the importance of this book is to assist in actively shaping our future to respond to the Spirit in love and loyalty, honor God, and imitate Christs kindness, humility, and strength in all we do (pp6), and further states that in Christian counseling it is necessary to maintain pace with advances in research, practice, and treatment (Hawkins & Clinton, pp.6) Further section of this paper, I will be identifying eight important concepts that Hawkins & Clinton (2015) had discussed in the book.
The Cry of the Soul

Chapter one of Hawkins & Clinton (2015) discuss that listening accurately to the client is a central counseling skill, when we listen, what do we hear? (pp.7). The authors are expressing that it is vitally important to actively listen to what is being said and understand what is being said to you. If you listen clearly you can understand better what the individual is saying and how they are feeling.
Faith Matters
Chapter one of Hawkins and Clinton (2015) discuss that mental health facilities are making provisions to include spirituality in counseling context, it is further stated “ We believe that graduate counseling training programs should conduct sensitivity training to help therapists relate more effectively to religious clients.” This being said, the authors are stating that more facilities and counselors have integrated religion approach to their clients more now for religious beliefs in clients and those whom are religious. These organizations have concluded that Faith matters in therapeutic context (pp18) “Competent counselors and psychotherapists are needed to show others that God matters and he is willing and able to assist with healing” (Hawkins & Clinton 2015, pp.19).
Embracing the Revelation of Scripture
Chapter one of Hawkins & Clinton 2015 expresses that Christian counselors need to be the students of the broad scope of the biblical theology, and need to be armed with key biblical passages (pp21). Here the authors is expressing that counselors should express more biblical scriptures to their clients, scriptures that fit their needs, for example; a scripture for pain or for guidance. “The ultimate task of a Christian counselor is to be Christ’s partner” (Hawkins & Clinton 2015, pp21). People find comfort in biblical scriptures.
Multicultural Care and Advocacy
Chapter one of Hawkins and Clinton (2015) concepts have become accessible more now than in previous years. With the advancement in technology it is now possible for counselors to reach thousands of people by being informed, and to give advice to address issues globally. The advocacy mission is to be the voice for those who are unable to help themselves and advocators recognize that trauma is a special issue and an opportunity for Christians counselors to offer hope and healing (Hawkins & Clinton, 2015, p.23-24).
The Complexity of Life
The most important concepts in chapter two of Hawkins and Clinton (2015) having a new appreciation for the complexity of the human experience like the way people think, the things that motivate them, and personal and professional relationships. People who attend church services throughout their life, most still have not encountered that life changing power of God’s love (Hawkins & Clinton, 2015, p. 36). People are living a life of suffering, addiction, depression, and many other things that hold them in bondage. This could be, because many might not understand the need for God’s grace and the power of the gospel.
Grace and Truth Together
In chapter two the concept that is important according to Hawkins and Clinton (2015) understands human nature and its complexities, and all the problems in people lives are great with so many resources within reach no one should live in isolation. The Christian counselor counsels justice to biblical truth where sin is a factor in so many people lives, which has caused so much damage, brokenness, and disparity. Honoring God and all those who need help has to be met with something other than a simplistic approach (Hawkins & Clinton, 2015, p.37).
The Emotional Dimension and the Shaping of the Soul
The most important concepts in chapter three of Hawkins and Clinton (2015) one of the goals to therapy are to perceive and process emotions and clients come for help with the idea that they need to get over negative emotions, but the only way to do that is to suppress those emotions and that only leads to an implosion or explosion of the clients emotions which can be a very dangerous situation. Having a healthy and productive view of emotions is to look at it as indicators or motivators when something is going wrong (Hawkins & Clinton, 2015, p.92).
Sin as Addiction
Chapter one of Hawkins and Clinton (2015) concept is not all addictions are sin, but all sin has a destructive quality of addiction. No matter what degree of influences all sin numbs the moral senses through tolerance and everyone is responsible for their own actions no matter what the contributing factors may be understood by Christian counselors. Sin is irrational and will destroy hopes, dreams, relationships, and families; sin is equal to addiction and will lead to a form of slavery-being a slave to the sin and addiction (Hawkins & Clinton, 2015, p.140-141).
Analysis
Hawkins and Clinton (2015) integration approach in Christian counseling has taken huge steps in establishing credible clinical outcomes of faith based counseling. Christian counselors are finding the more productive therapy techniques for Christian counseling like Biblically informed and empirically supported therapies that is producing better treatment that is related to Judeo Christian theology which will treat many different clinical issues (Hawkins & Clinton, 2015, p.23).
Hawkins and Clinton approach represents the model applied integration-using integrative principles for the benefit of others, and public and personal integration for personhood of the counselor, because this book is about helping counselors gain a better understanding into faith based counseling. This will allow Christian counselors the opportunity to better serve their clients. Hawkins and Clinton would not identify psychological issues apart from spiritual, because the book is about building on the whole aspects of faith based counseling to include God, and client in order to create an better assessment in which to provide the best care for every client (Brewer and Peters, HSCO, Week One, Lecture Two).
Psychological theory and research is important to Hawkins & Clinton approach, because Christian counselors believe in the Scriptures and that God word is Truth! God has the power to transform life as we believe in the Scriptures. We are conduits of God’s power, his reason, his love, his hurt, and faith for when times are tough and faith is being tested God is there (Hawkins & Clinton, 2015, p.43).
Application
As a professional counselor working with many clients with mental illnesses, substance abuse issues, dysfunctional and abusive relationships it is my job to assess each client to be able to adequately work with them. The very first thing I would do is take an assessment of the client, the use of Clinical Assessment and Subjective and Objective Assessment would be useful in order to analyze the clients problems and better understand them and assist the client with an accurate treatment plan that best fits them. Hawkins & Clinton (2015) discuss that counseling, like medicine, begins with accurate assessment, “you can’t treat what you don’t see, and can’t treat properly what you don’t see accurately” (Hawkins & Clinton 2015, pp244-246).
I would also apply “The Cry of the Soul” method, listening accurately to the client (Hawkins & Clinton 2015, pp.7). This is an essential skill it allows you to actively hear and understand what your client is saying and what is going on with them inside and out. When you actively listen you can better understand the emotions and hear the pain, fear, happiness and sadness in the client. Hawkins & Clinton 2015 explains that “when we listen, what do we hear? (pp.7). If we actively listen we can be able to hear tension, fear, violence and more in an individual’s voice and body actions.
As we had moved on from assessments and evaluating the client as a Christian counselor I would offer “The Process of Christian Counseling” Hawkins & Clinton 2015 expresses that the goals and process of counseling – trusting God to change thoughts ,behaviors, and emotions- are thoroughly grounded in the Bible (pp.46). This process I would use with a client with reading some scriptures as it helps to calm the body and soul. Another process I would use is the “Three Biblical Antidotes to Anxiety “Paul reveals three crucial antidotes to fear drenched anxiety. The first antidote is prayer- entreating, God to deliver help, encouragement, and resources. The second antidote is to refocus our thought on things that are good, true, and worthy of our focus. The third antidote is imitative learning – this is to follow our mentors, leaders and others in the godly community, learn and serve as a strong antidote to obsessive, anxious thoughts ( Hawkins & Clinton 2015, pp.47-48).
References
Hawkins, R., & Clinton, T. (2015). The new Christian counselor: A fresh biblical and transformational approach. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers.
Brewer, G., & Peters, C. (n.d.). HSCO 506 Week One, Lecture Two: Five models for interdisciplinary integration. [PowerPoint]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Online
.
Running head: HAWKINS & CLINTON CHRISTIAN COUNSELING BOOK
REVIEW
1
Hawkins & Clinton Christian Counseling Book Review
Beverly Johnson
Liberty University
Running head: HAWKINS & CLINTON CHRISTIAN COUNSELING BOOK
REVIEW
1
Hawkins & Clinton Christian Counseling Book Review
Beverly Johnson
Liberty University
Group Discussion Board Forum Instructions
The purpose of these Group Discussion Board Forums is to expand your thinking about the course materials or apply course materials to counseling scenarios. Some of the discussion board questions have a strong analytical component, as fitting a graduate-level course. As a basis for your reflection/evaluation/application, you will be asked to review the content covered during the discussion module(s)/week(s). In fact, your thread as well as your replies to your classmates must be amply supported by course materials (the lectures and your textbook readings) and properly cited as indicated in the Group Discussion Board Forum Grading Rubric.
In response to the discussion question (Modules/Weeks 2, 4, 6), submit your thread by the date specified using approximately 250–400 words. The grading rubric does not grade for word count. However, realize that too many words may indicate wordiness, but too few words may indicate incomplete thought. In addition to supporting your thread from course sources (with proper, current APA citation), the integration of a Christian worldview is always appropriate. It is also expected that you will include at least two references in every Discussion Board initial post.
· Use appropriate netiquette,
· Write at graduate level, and
· Cite in-text per current APA format and list references at the bottom of your post. It is expected that you will include at least one reference in every Discussion Board response post.
When citing any of the presentations provided in the Reading & Study folders, your references must look like the following:
Brewer, G., & Peters, C., (n.d.). [Insert audio lecture title or notes title]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty
University.
So, for Module/Week 1, a reference would look like this (notice the proper use of APA form):
Brewer, G., & Peters, C. (n.d.). COUC 506 Week Three, Lecture One: Christian spirituality and the ministry of counseling. [PowerPoint]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Online.
Topic:
· The New Christian Counseling
· Hawkins & Clinton:
· Chapter 4 Attachment and Relationships
·
· Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling McMinn:
· Chapter 1 Religion in the Counseling Office
· Chapter 2 Toward Psychological and Spiritual Health
For discussion this module/week, we consider how to counsel suffering clients. The class lectures, Entwistle, and McMinn all discuss the concept of suffering and factors guiding how we counsel those who are suffering. In fact, a careful reading of the Reading & Study materials indicates numerous concepts and principles that we could apply as we counsel those who are hurting.
1. Considering the numerous points that were made, make a list of at least 5 concepts (“questions to ask myself as I counsel those who are suffering. . . “) that you found particularly helpful, insightful, unique, or had not thought about before.
2. What guidelines would you particularly emphasize as you counsel hurting people?
3. Then consider this client’s statement: Client: “Dr. Counselor, I have been coming to you now for six weeks. I am not sure that counseling is working. I don’t feel any better now than when we started talking. Why are you not helping to remove this pain that I am feeling?” If your client expects that you help to remove the suffering, how would you respond, based on what you learned from your study for the week?
Example
0. How are my personal actions showing my trust and faith in Christ to work through me personally and professionally?
0. How am I separating work and life balance to ensure I am taking care of myself to the best of my ability and in turn able to provide the best care to my clients?
0. What can I do to continue developing my skills and knowledge to help my clients?
0. How do my spiritual beliefs differ from my clients and can that affect our progress made in our sessions?
0. Am I viewing my client’s situation with personal preservations or am I listening with an open heart and open mind?
One guideline that I will particularly emphasize counseling those who are hurting is to always go back to two foundations, what my faith has taught me and what my education has taught me. “Science, then, became a venue of worship and praise. Moreover, science became a vocational calling that could produce tangible benefits to ease human suffering. The view of science as a sacred calling, however, was threatened by Darwinian theory” (Entwistle, 2015). A bible verse that stands out to me specifically when thinking about helping others who are suffering is Isaiah 43:2 which states, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” As Christians we carry each other’s burdens, as Christ carried our burdens.
When receiving this statement from a client I am working with I would first reflect on the notes I have taken so far during our time together. I would reflect on the progress that has been reported so far from my client and remind them of the process not being a sprint to the finish line, rather a marathon. Pacing themselves for a long term goal to achieve success. I would also asked the client to reflect back on where they feel they have progressed, or what they would like to see differently at this point in our time together. Do they feel they are challenging themselves to step out of their comfort zone to make progress, or do they have hesitations limiting them to move forward. If appropriate with this client, I would pray with them or pray with them independently for guidance to help the client identify what they are missing from services at this time.
Bibliography
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity An Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration. Eugene: Cascade Books.
G
ROUP
D
ISCUSSION
B
OARD
F
ORUM
I
NSTRUCTIONS
The purpose of these Group Discussion Board Forums is to expand your thinking about the
course materials or apply course materials to counseling scenarios. Some of the discussion board
questions have a
strong analytical component, as fitting a graduate
–
level course. As a basis for
your reflection/evaluation/application, you will be asked to review the content covered during
the discussion module(s)/week(s). In fact, your thread as well as your replies to
your classmates
must be amply supported by course materials (the lectures and your textbook readings) and
properly cited as indicated in the Group Discussion Board Forum Grading Rubric.
In response to the discussion question (Modules/Weeks 2, 4, 6), subm
it your thread by the date
specified using approximately
250
–
400 words
. The grading rubric does not grade for word
count. However, realize that too many words may indicate wordiness, but too few words may
indicate incomplete thought. In addition to support
ing your thread from course sources (with
proper, current APA citation), the integration of a Christian worldview is always appropriate. It
is also expected that you will include at least two references in every Discussion Board initial
post.
·
Use approp
riate netiquette,
·
Write at graduate level, and
·
Cite in
–
text per current APA format and list references at the bottom of your post. It is
expected that you will include at least one reference in every Discussion Board response
post.
When citing any of t
he presentations provided in the Reading & Study folders, your references
must look like the following:
Brewer, G., & Peters, C., (n.d.). [Insert audio lecture title or notes title]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty
University.
So, for Module/Week 1, a reference
would look like this (notice the proper use of APA form):
Brewer, G., & Peters, C. (n.d.).
COUC 506
Week Three, Lecture One:
Christian spirituality and
the ministry of counseling.
[PowerPoint]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Online.
GROUP DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM INSTRUCTIONS
The purpose of these Group Discussion Board Forums is to expand your thinking about the
course materials or apply course materials to counseling scenarios. Some of the discussion board
questions have a strong analytical component, as fitting a graduate-level course. As a basis for
your reflection/evaluation/application, you will be asked to review the content covered during
the discussion module(s)/week(s). In fact, your thread as well as your replies to your classmates
must be amply supported by course materials (the lectures and your textbook readings) and
properly cited as indicated in the Group Discussion Board Forum Grading Rubric.
In response to the discussion question (Modules/Weeks 2, 4, 6), submit your thread by the date
specified using approximately 250–400 words. The grading rubric does not grade for word
count. However, realize that too many words may indicate wordiness, but too few words may
indicate incomplete thought. In addition to supporting your thread from course sources (with
proper, current APA citation), the integration of a Christian worldview is always appropriate. It
is also expected that you will include at least two references in every Discussion Board initial
post.
Use appropriate netiquette,
Write at graduate level, and
Cite in-text per current APA format and list references at the bottom of your post. It is
expected that you will include at least one reference in every Discussion Board response
post.
When citing any of the presentations provided in the Reading & Study folders, your references
must look like the following:
Brewer, G., & Peters, C., (n.d.). [Insert audio lecture title or notes title]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty
University.
So, for Module/Week 1, a reference would look like this (notice the proper use of APA form):
Brewer, G., & Peters, C. (n.d.). COUC 506 Week Three, Lecture One: Christian spirituality and
the ministry of counseling. [PowerPoint]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Online.
Rubric Detail A rubric lists grading criteria that instructors use to evaluate student work. Your instructor linked a rubric to this item and made it available to you. Select Grid View or List View to change the rubric’s layout.
Advanced Pro�cient Developing Not Present
Thread: Content 18 (36.00%) – 20 (40.00%)
All key components of the Discussion Board Forum prompt are answered in a new thread. The thread has a clear, logical �ow and includes at least 300- 400 words. Major points are stated clearly. Major points are supported by at least two citations from the reading/lecture materialThrs. Major points are supported by good examples or thoughtful analysis. A Christian worldview or biblical themes are included as well.
16 (32.00%) – 17 (34.00%)
Most of the components of the Group Discussion Board Forum prompt are answered in the thread. The thread has a logical �ow and includes at least 250- 299 words. Major points are stated reasonably. Major points are supported by at least one citation from the reading/lecture materials. Major points are supported by good examples or thoughtful analysis. A Christian worldview or biblical themes are included as well.
1 (2.00%) – 15 (30.00%)
The Group Discussion Board Forum prompt are addressed minimally. The thread lacks �ow or content. Major points are unclear or confusing. Major points are not supported by examples or thoughtful analysis. No citations are used from the reading/lecture materials. The thread is under the content requirement (1-249 words). A Christian worldview or biblical themes are not included.
0 (0.00%) – 0 (0.00%)
Not present
Thread: Grammar and Spelling, APA formatting
7 (14.00%) – 8 (16.00%)
Spelling and grammar are correct. Sentences are complete, clear, and concise. Paragraphs contain appropriately varied sentence structures. References are cited in current APA format.
5 (10.00%) – 6 (12.00%)
Spelling and grammar has some errors. Sentences are presented as well. Paragraphs contain some varied sentence structures. Where applicable, references are cited with nearly accurate APA formatting.
1 (2.00%) – 4 (8.00%)
Spelling and grammar errors distract. Sentences are incomplete or unclear. Paragraphs are poorly formed. Where applicable, references are minimally or not cited in current APA format.
0 (0.00%) – 0 (0.00%)
Not present
Replies: Content 13 (26.00%) – 15 (30.00%)
Two replies must be present. Each reply focuses on a
10 (20.00%) – 12 (24.00%)
Two replies must be present. Each reply focuses on a
1 (2.00%) – 9 (18.00%)
At least one reply must be present. Some replies focus on a point
0 (0.00%) – 0 (0.00%)
Not present
Name: Discussion Board Grading Rubric Exit
Grid View List View
Advanced Pro�cient Developing Not Present
focuses on a meaningful point made in another student’s or professor’s thread. Each reply provides substantive additional thoughts regarding the thread and includes 200-250 words of content. Each reply to a student’s post provides one strength and one weakness found in another student’s original post. Each reply is clear and coherent and includes at least one citation from class materials.
focuses on a meaningful point made in another student’s thread and includes 150-199 words. Most replies provide substantive additional thoughts regarding the thread and an explanation of why the student likes or dislikes the idea presented in the thread. One strength or weakness of fellow student’s threads are included in the replies. Most replies are clear and coherent. Limited use of course materials.
replies focus on a point made in another student’s thread. Replies could be more substantive regarding the thread. Replies lack clarity and coherence. Strengths and weaknesses of fellow student’s threads are not included in the replies. No Course materials are incorporated in the post.
Replies: Grammar and Spelling, APA formatting
7 (14.00%) – 7 (14.00%)
Spelling and grammar are correct. Sentences are complete, clear, and concise. Paragraphs contain appropriately varied sentence structures. References are cited in current APA format.
5 (10.00%) – 6 (12.00%)
Spelling and grammar has some errors. Sentences are presented as well. Paragraphs contain some varied sentence structures. Where applicable, references are cited with some APA formatting.
1 (2.00%) – 4 (8.00%)
Spelling and grammar errors distract. Sentences are incomplete or unclear. Paragraphs are poorly formed. Where applicable, references are minimally or not cited in current APA format.
0 (0.00%) – 0 (0.00%)
Not present
Name:Discussion Board Grading Rubric Exit