While searching for sources to use in my doctoral studies on pastoral crisis intervention, I found the Traumatic Stress Library, located on the website of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, to be very helpful. An article titled “Applying Spiritual Values and Resources in the Management of Traumatic Stress” by Rev. John E. Jamieson, Ph.D. caught my attention as it addresses one of the major emphases of my research. Jamieson identifies four general areas in which religious services have demonstrated value in times of crisis: funerals, memorial services, spiritual fellowship and pastoral counseling. For the purposes of my research, I was most interested in what Jamieson had to say about the value of pastoral counseling. Here’s what he says…

The fourth service, pastoral counseling, requires special training for the clergy in order for the process to be most effective. Unfortunately, few clergy are adequately trained to provide interventions for critical incident and posttraumatic stress. In some cases, pastoral counselors (like some ill-prepared mental health professionals) lack a proper understanding of the mechanisms of traumatic stress and as a result offer religious platitudes that can exacerbate the trauma by creating guilt, shame, or confusion. However, a properly trained pastoral counselor can help a traumatized individual recover from the physical, mental and emotional symptoms of traumatic stress by skillfully integrating sound psychological support with appropriate reinforcement of applicable religious doctrine and teaching. This approach can enhance the recovery of mind, body and spirit to achieve an integrated wholeness as the recovery process is completed.

In my research, I am most concerned about whether or not secular crisis intervention methodologies have any place in the context of biblical counseling. Does Jamieson have a valid point when he says that few clergy are adequately trained to provide interventions for critical incident and posttraumatic stress? I believe that his point is valid and deserves attention.

My seminary education at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary included a concentration in biblical counseling and included training in crisis intervention. I am very grateful that Southeastern provided a wonderful theological education steeped in an emphasis on the sufficiency of Scripture. I believe that a belief in the sufficiency of Scripture is vital for providing biblical counseling during crisis.

I can’t think of a much better point for the interjection of God’s truth than a crisis situation. However, I also believe that Jamieson rightly identifies the need to
have a proper understanding about the mechanisms of trauma when
providing pastoral counseling and applying God’s Word with victims of
trauma. There is always the potential for an inappropriate application
of biblical counsel. I have seen well-intentioned, biblically sound counsel rejected, not necessarily out of contempt for God’s Word, but rather from proclamation that was devoid of sensitivity to the effects of trauma. Case in point: With a good foundation in the study of Scripture and systematic theology, we may have a good grasp on how someone can commit a horrific crime against another person. However, while in the emergency room with a victim of physical or sexual abuse is not the time to discuss the finer points of the doctrine of sin or the immanence or transcendence of God. This is where adequate training can be most beneficial. Training in the mechanics of crisis intervention can help the pastoral counselor recognize the most appropriate methods and timing for applying these and other biblical truths to guide others through crisis.

There is much that the biblical counselor can learn from crisis intervention methods. I recommend that all pastors seek some form of formal training in crisis intervention methods to complement their preparedness for when those unexpected and desperate calls come from those in the middle of a crisis. I have personally found value in the methods of Critical Incident Stress Mangement as taught by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. I have also heard good things about the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) Crisis Response training. There are other programs that are also of value, but these are the most widely recognized and researched. Each would be a good choice for an introduction to crisis intervention. It’s important to note that no crisis training holds lasting spiritual value if disconnected from biblical truth. Unfortunately, pastoral counseling cannot necessarily be equated with biblical counseling. There is much pastoral counseling undertaken that is not biblical. The major difference for those engaged in biblical counseling with those in crisis as opposed to other forms of counseling is that the biblical counselor does not want the counselee to “recover.” The goal of biblical counseling is not to return to the same state one was in, but to come to a deeper understanding of and obedience to God as He reveals Himself through His Word. This is what makes biblical counseling unique and superior to other forms of counseling.

Technorati Tags: Pastoral, Clergy, Biblical Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Critical Incident Stress Mangement, Traumatic Stress, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, National Organization for Victim Assistance