This research paper considers the secular and Christian perspectives as philosophically representative of two current systems of conceptualization, or approaches, for counselors to develop their ethical perspectives and establish functional professional identities from which they may serve as counselors. This paper will examine noteworthy traits of two selected orientations as they exhibit essential counseling worldviews and are fundamentally the foundation upon which their respective counselor ethics and identity stem.
Two Worldview Perspectives
For the Formation
Of Counselor Identity and Ethics
Introduction
Two statements made by Dr. ... The Uniqueness of the Christian Faith and Counseling – Part 1 (Videocassette Tape 4) Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University DLP COUN 501). These statements express the underlying driving mechanism of approaches to counseling. ... It is apparent there is at least a perceived distinction in the literature between rabbis and pastors on one hand and pastoral counseling as a profession on the other. ... The same author continues by indicating that this pastoral counseling approach of integrating science and religion may serve well a client’s emotional concerns (Foskett, 1992). ... 297)
Despite this clear statement of the distinct fundamental difference and incapability regarding secular and Christian worldviews Foskett observes that:
the theories of the human and social sciences and the techniques of counseling have spread widely amongst pastors of all persuasions, clerical and lay. The pastoral care and counseling associations in many countries, including Africa and Asian states, endeavor to relate the insights of relevant secular disciplines to those of theology in judeao/Christian tradition. ... This apparent discrepancy is addressed by Foskett when he says that “Christian counselors aim to use counseling, including secular knowledge and expertise” with the important caveat that:
For them, there will always be a clear distinction between counselors trained in christian methods and those trained as secular counselors. ... (Foskett, 1992, Aims of Pastoral Care and Counseling, 6)
Given the preceding citations under this heading of the Christian worldview, one may offer the conjecture that there are several positions called Christian in counseling practice. ...
Discussion
The division between secular and Christian ethical foundations is clearly significant within the counseling profession and on what the whole issue of modern ethical systems rest: natural science or divine revelation. ... In addition, although of the several ethical models employed currently in the counseling profession “they are not immune to criticism” (Newkrug & Lovell, 1996). ... 495)
In general, with the addition of adding the relevance of Scriptural insights as a source of counseling practice for the Christian, the following definition seems adequately broad in that “Counseling stands for the application of contemporary secular knowledge and expertise in the art and science of helping people” (Foskett, 1992, Aims of Pastoral Care and Counseling, 3). ... The ethical standards document is a serious attempt at providing such a basis for the counseling profession. ... (Daniels, 1994, 7)
Concluding Observations
Three citations sum up concisely what the modern professional counseling dilemma is in relation to ethical systems and behavior. ... The Uniqueness of the Christian Faith and Counseling – Part 1 (Videocassette Tape 4) Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University DLP COUN 501). ... Spiritual, ethical, and religious values in counseling. Counseling and Values, 38 (2). ... Ethical issues in counseling and pastoral care. British Journal of Guidance and Counseling, 20 (1). ... Counseling Psychology Quarterly, 14 (3). ... The development of the spiritual focus in counseling and counselor education. Journal of Counseling and Development, 77 (4). ... Counseling and Values, 40 (2). ... Counseling and Values, 34, (3). ... Counseling and Values, 43 (1).
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