Dr. Janet Warren shared her reflections on this week of teaching...
This past week, along with teaching on children’s health,
urology, family planning and infectious diseases, students have had some
intensive teaching and practice in basic counseling skills. In many of their
villages, addictions (heroin especially) and post-traumatic stress are common.
Students requested some extra teaching during their evening
devotionals. Using the story of the Good Samaritan, I talked about how Jesus
modeled counseling by listening, not judging, and by asking many questions of
those he taught.
We discussed the importance of affirmation, empathy and
encouragement, reading body language, and guiding people to their own solution
rather than giving them advice. We also discussed the similarities between
evangelism and counseling in terms of relationship building.
Students especially enjoyed role plays and volunteered
readily. They were somewhat reluctant to give feedback regarding improvement,
but in general were very open and keen to learn. In one role play, we
demonstrated how to defuse an angry person (along with biblical teaching that
anger is okay, but not if acted upon sinfully), in another, how to counsel
someone in grief, and in another I taught relaxation and breathing techniques.
Students asked appropriately skeptical questions:
“This is easy now but when I really see an addict it is
going to be difficult.”
“Someone may get angry if I ask too many questions.”
I emphasized the importance of self-care, having a mentor,
and setting limits.
As this is a passion of mine, I enjoyed the opportunity to
teach about counseling as well as how to integrate Christian faith with medical
care. I was also challenged in translating (culturally and linguistically) my
knowledge and experience.
Here is a picture of Dr. Warren singing a song for everyone.
Once again, we thank God for all the wonderful instructors
who voluntarily come at their own expenses to teach our students in Chiang Mai.
Jon
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