My formation as a pastoral counselor.

Abstract

In this article I reflect on what I believe and have experienced about my relationship with God, in myself, others, and in prayer. How can I use this relationship in counseling? I have come up with the word, “WINDOW,” as my metaphor which I believe best describes what I feel is at the heart of the pastoral counseling relationship. One day I was doing some “window shopping” and I came upon a poster which read: “Let our life be like windows where love can shine through, reflecting the Lord in whatever we do.” I went right away and bought this poster, and since then it has been hanging in my room. Those words have become my mission statement. God is calling me to be a window where his Love can shine through and reach so many of his sons and daughters who are still living in ignorance, not knowing that they have a powerful and loving Father who can give them everything they need! Yes, my spiritual concept is that I am that window when I am in counseling sessions. As I was reflecting on how to develop this concept, I came up with two sections. In section one I describe what it takes to become that window, that is, what am I supposed to do in order to be an effective window? I must be open to the truth about myself, others, and God. In section two I describe the implication of this openness to pastoral counseling.