Thinking While Counseling - Adams, JOFMM Spring 2004

Sure, “I can chew gum while walking” is a commonly used
statement meaning “I can do two things at once.” Well, that it’s
not very hard to chew gum while ambling down the street everyone
will agree. But there are things that are more difficult to do at
the same time. For instance, can you pat the top of your head
while rubbing your stomach in a circular motion? Some people
can, but many cannot. And another thing that an erstwhile counselor
may find difficult is to think about several things while listening
carefully to a counselee. Some can; many more cannot.
Because of this they may pause unnaturally in their responses, miss
important data, think poorly and so forth. It is not all that easy
unless you have trained yourself to do so.
“Is it necessary? Is it even possible?” you may wonder. I know
that it sounds like an arduous task to undertake if you find it hard
to think that way. But please don’t stop reading. Let’s consider the
matter a bit.
A counselee is telling you that her husband hit her and that she
is ready to leave him. What – if anything – goes through you mind
at that moment (remember, she will continue to talk)? What should
arise in your thinking is some questions: “Was it really a hit or was
it simply a push?” “Did she hit him too?” “Is this an abuse case
that must be reported to the authorities?” “Will I be able to forestall
a divorce?” “What will I need to say and ask next, and to
whom – Dave or Ginger?” “Will this involve Church Discipline?”
and, possibly, even more. In addition, perhaps you will even find it
necessary to utter a brief prayer: “Lord help me!”
“Too much for me,” you say. I know. I know. It sounds like a
lot. You wonder how you might be able to entertain all of this at
once. But wait. Remember how well computers do so many
things so quickly? Well, everyone tells us they can’t hold a candle to
the human mind. The mind God gave you can do all of this and
much more.