The concept of suffering entails a variety of unpleasant experiences that people may go through across their lifespan, which may result in physical or mental pain. Physical suffering involves pain, while some form of anger, fear, or sadness causes mental suffering. Suffering consists of the endurance of some negative experience or loss, which may sometimes make it feel unbearable. Suffering is identified with experiences of intense pain, fury, sadness, and fear and may threaten one’s personhood. It affects the subject self-identity, views about the future, the possibility of achieving goals and pursuing different purposes, and disruption of patterns and relationships in everyday life. Suffering can lead to emotional distress and devastation. A person may need to seek counseling to help them manage the situation.
Several factors can guide how to counsel those who are suffering. Firstly, the counselor must establish a rapport with the client by engaging them to analyze the situation. In the process, the client can judge whether the counselor is empathetic to understand their experiences and views. The counselor demonstrates empathy by actively listening to the client’s worries, relating their situation, and responding so that the client feels understood (Hawkins, R, Clinton, and T). Through this, the individual can comfortably share experiences on their situation.
Secondly, the counselor should create a secure and supportive environment for clients to share their opinions and feelings. It involves building trust with the client and providing non-judgmental care where individuals express themselves freely. It helps the client feel appreciated, which can be crucial in counseling ( Hawkins, R, Clinton, and T 2015). Lastly, the counselor should use the right approach in dealing with issues depending on the client’s specific needs because individuals experience different situations that may require other methods. The counselor should clearly understand the factors contributing to the individual’s suffering.
Various concepts for counseling those who suffer are helpful, insightful, and unique. The most critical five concepts are empathy, resilience, self-care, and developing adaptive strategies and support systems. Empathy is emotionally understanding and sharing the feelings of those suffering as your own. It is necessary to build a relationship between the individuals and provide encouragement and assistance during challenging moments (Hawkins, R, Clinton, and T 2015). Besides, resilience is also essential, where clients can rebuild themselves after suffering. These can be demonstrated when the client can regain and adjust when faced with difficult situations. Withstanding adversity can help the client handle challenging situations. In addition, having supportive people can help individuals cope with problems. They include friends, relatives, and therapists who can help provide emotional and practical support that can help reduce the feeling of suffering.
Self-care is also helpful. The individual should spend time engaging in activities that promote their well-being. This involves eating healthy foods, practicing good sleep hygiene, and engaging in mind recreation activities (Hawkins, R, Clinton, and T 2015). Individuals can also develop adaptive strategies that can help control their emotions and cope with their suffering. These strategies include working out, sharing the issue with a trusted friend, and contemplation. The use of healthy coping techniques in handling negative experiences can help in managing to suffer.
From the concepts, there are questions I can ask myself as I counsel those who are suffering to guide my approach and understanding. They include; What is the main reason for suffering?, How is their suffering affecting their everyday life and interactions?, Who provides them emotional and mental support to handle the situation?, What are their adaptive strategies?
These questions will help me gain an understanding of the client. From this, I will use the correct approach to help cope with the challenge.
Considering Jamie’s scenario, I emphasize empathy, a support system, and developing healthy strategies to manage difficult situations. As a counselor, practicing compassion will help her realize that I can understand her feelings. She should share her feelings with her companions to reduce her anxiety. This can ease the feeling of rejection because she will receive affection from her allies and family. Lastly, she can practice copying strategies such as exercising regularly or engaging in hobbies that bring her joy and fulfillment. These suggestions are important because Jamie will be able to feel loved and may be able to cope with the situation.
Human counseling and services are essential in dealing with suffering. It provides emotional and mental support, adaptive strategies, and exceptional support, guiding individuals to cope with challenges and promoting happiness and comfort to those suffering.
Bibliography
Hawkins, R., & Clinton, T. (2015). The new Christian counselor: A fresh biblical and transformational approach. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers. ISBN: 9780736943543.
McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling (Rev. ed.). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House. ISBN: 9780842352529.Hawkins, R., & Clinton, T. (2015). The new Christian counselor: A fresh biblical and transformational approach. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers. ISBN: 9780736943543.
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