A biblical character will be selected for each student to counsel. The counseling report will include taking the biblical background and dynamics found in the text and offer the character sound, theological, pastoral counseling. The paper will be divided into and graded according to four sections:
a. Observation give a description of the background of the individual. Note the dynamics that lead up to the counseling session as well as identifying additional characters who may have an influence on the counselee. This should not be the time to make assumptions, just describe what is happening. See this section (Observation) as an exegetical paper: Though you do not need to worry about authorship or audience. Here are some things to consider:
i. Cultural Context (How does the culture inform the story?)
ii. Historical Context (How does the time period inform the story?)
iii.Textual Analysis (What is happening in the story?)
iv. Character Analysis (Who are the players on the scene?)
v. Examination of important words within the passage
vi. What clues can you draw regarding the counselee that will help you in identifying his/her situation, or what he/she may be going through.
vii. Pick up on the actions and behaviors of counselee and those who are affected by their situation. (At least 3 pages).
b. Identification state what you perceive to be the prominent issue. Do not be fooled by settling for the general symptom. Go beyond the symptom and pinpoint the problem. What in your counselees circumstance does he/she most likely need you to help him/her deal with? You should make the overall observations of what someone in their life-situation may be going through. What impact does it have on an individual? What complexities surround this issue? What causes this issue to manifest? How has this issue been addressed therapeutically and spiritually?
There may be multiple issues hidden just below the general symptom. Very briefly, share all of the potential emotional, relational, spiritual issues, but then explain why you selected the issue you chose to focus on for your paper. (At least 2 pages).
c. Intervention (Biblical Counseling) after identifying the problem, with as much detail as possible, describe what techniques, approaches, and Scripture you will use in counseling this individual. This is the step where you will interact with counseling resources as you research other models and make your reasonable determination for what sort of model you will use based on your client and your preference. You will need to explain in your paper why you chose the model you chose. (At least 3 pages).
d. Five Sessions: A description of five successive sessions should be utilized with a short-term counseling approach in mind. If referral seems reasonable give rationale and explanation of how that referral would be shared with the client. (At least 2 pages).
The paper should be at least 10 pages in length. The paper is to be submitted onto MyFire before the deadline. Citations should include at least five exegetical sources and five counseling sources. While internet sources may be utilized, no less than 10 non-internet sources must be referenced. A works cited page must be included in addition to the 10-page paper.
