Post on 04-Aug-2020
Grief and Loss Counseling 1
Light University Online
Grief and Loss Counseling: Biblical Foundations
GLCO 501
Module 1
Grief and Loss Counseling 2
Light University Online
Module One
Table of Contents
Grief and Loss Freda Crews, D.Min., Ph.D. ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Theology of Suffering and the Crisis of Faith Ron Hawkins, D.Min., Ed.D. ................................................................................................................................... 14
When God Doesn't Make Sense Ed Hindson, Th.D., D.Min., D.Phil. .... ..................................................................................................................... 17
BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS OF GRIEF
Grief and Loss Counseling 3
Light University Online
Description
Years ago, a national Gallup Poll revealed that most Americans thought grief over major loss should be resolved in three weeks to three months at most. No wonder, then, that those commonly grieving for years over the loss of a spouse or a child feel so lost in our society. Grief counseling is a major part of lay helping ministry, and this important lesson will guide counselors in its practice.
Learning Objectives:
1. Gain an understanding of the problem of grief.
2. Develop an understanding of the process of grief.
3. Gain an understanding of the paradox of grief.
GRIEF AND LOSS
Video
Freda Crews, D.Min., Ph.D.
Grief and Loss Counseling 4
Light University Online
Introduction
Grief and loss are an ever present and universal reality. Since this is true, it isn’t a matter of
how to avoid grief and loss but how to cope with it. Careless and unwise advice and
direction can complicate a person’s grief. Grieving people need clear-cut directions for a
healthy response to their grief. This lesson is divided into the problem, process and
paradox of grief.
I. The Problem of Grief
A. Grief is Inescapable and Universal
Job 1:7
Job 14:1
B. Definition of Grief
C. Origin of Grief
D. Painful Process of Grief
Acute psychological pain 1. Emotional turmoil
2. Guilt
Grief and Loss Counseling 5
Light University Online
3. Depression
4. Anger
5. Sadness
6. Helplessness
7. Rage
8. Loneliness
9. Resentment
10. Hopelessness
Physiological symptoms
1. Eating disturbances
2. Sleep disturbances
3. Sexual disturbances
4. Somatic complaints
Relationship problems
1. Family
2. Marital
Grief and Loss Counseling 6
Light University Online
II. The Process of Grief
A. Stages Shock
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
B. Kinds of Grief Acute
Anticipatory
C. Course of Grief
Factors 1. Emotional stability
Grief and Loss Counseling 7
Light University Online
2. Social support system
3. Age of deceased
4. Psychological and spiritual state of deceased
5. Troubled/untroubled relationship with deceased
Recovery time 1. Normal: 12-18 months; varies with each individual
2. Abnormal:
i. Psychotic immediately following loss
ii. Completely disown pain
iii. Enshrinement
iv. Persistent physical symptoms
v. Angry withdrawal
vi. Obsessing over the loss or loved one
vii. Lingering depression
Grief and Loss Counseling 8
Light University Online
D. Intervention and Treatment
Goals
1. Healthy grieving
2. Recovery
i. Acceptance
ii. Adjustment
iii. Re-entry
c. Personal growth
Process
1. Exploration: Ask probing questions about …
i. Relationship to the lost person/object
ii. Specifics about loss
iii. Personality variables
The ultimate goal of grief is always spiritual maturity. God has a plan
with the grief people experience. He uses it to mold us into what He
wants us to be.
Grief and Loss Counseling 9
Light University Online
iv. Social variables
v. Loss and grief history
2. Evaluate and/or Interpret
i. Continuing desire for recovery of lost object
ii. Inability to express negative affect
iii. Difficulty expressing anger over the loss
iv. Pandora’s box phenomenon
v. Covert contracts with the lost person or object
vi. Unfinished business
vii. Secondary gain reinforcement
viii. Lack of social network
ix. Lack of social network
Grief and Loss Counseling 10
Light University Online
3. Understanding
4. Support
5. Refer when appropriate and necessary
Intervention: Empower counselee to: 1. Believe the loss has really happened
2. Allow themselves to experience the pain of loss
3. Gradually adjust to environments associated with the lost relationship
4. Let go of the lost relationship
5. Integrate the experience into one’s life
Treatment plan
1. Think
2. Write
Grief and Loss Counseling 11
Light University Online
3. Talk
4. Weep
5. Practice spiritual disciplines 6. Stay active
7. Travel
III. The Paradox of Grief (Promise of Grief)
A. From Hopelessness to Hope
Ending brings new beginning
Death before life
B. From Grief to Joy
C. From Separation to Eternal Reunion
Grief and Loss Counseling 12
Light University Online
Bibliography Collins, Gary. Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive guide. Nashville, TN: Word Books,
1980. Detwiler-Zapp, Diane and Dixon; Caveness, William. Lay Care-Giving. Philadelphia, PA:
Fortress Press, 1982. Hewett, John. After Suicide. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, 1979. Huntley, Theresa. Helping Children Grieve: When Someone They Love Dies. Minneapolis,
MN: Augsburg Fortress, 1991. Jackson, Egar N. The Many Faces of Grief. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1977. Oates, Wayne E. Pastoral Care and Counseling in Grief and Separation. Philadelphia, PA:
Fortress, 1976.
Grief and Loss Counseling 13
Light University Online
Study Questions
1. Define grief. What are some of the emotional and/or psychological responses to loss and grief? What are some of the physiological symptoms grieving people may exhibit?
2. Name and explain the six stages of grief generally experienced by most people.
3. Differentiate between a normal and abnormal grief process. What are the two types of grief and how does each affect the recovery process?
4. What are the five things that are necessary for a lay counselor to do before structuring a treatment plan for a grieving counselee?
5. Explain what is meant by the “paradox” of grief. Why does God allow grief?
Soul Care Notes Job 5:7 Job 14:1 Psalms 30:5 Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 II Corinthians 1:3-5 I Corinthians 15:19 I Corinthians 15:50-55 I Thessalonians 4:13 I Thessalonians 4:16
Grief and Loss Counseling 14
Light University Online
Description
The Bible does not ignore suffering or simply deal with it through theodicy. There are extensive theological foundations for a biblical understanding of suffering, as well as examples of how suffering and loss can result in a crisis of faith. In this lesson, Dr. Ron Hawkins examines what the Bible teaches regarding this important issue, and offers insight into how students can biblically help those who are suffering from loss.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the concept of a theology of suffering.
2. Identify biblical reasons why people suffer
3. Be able to explain how suffering can cause a crisis of faith, and bestpractices for helping and counseling those suffering.
THEOLOGY OF SUFFERING AND THE CRISIS OF FAITH
VIDEO
Ron Hawkins, D.Min., Ed.D.
Grief and Loss Counseling 15
Light University Online
Introduction
How do people feel and think about suffering? There are always at least two people
involved in the counseling or intervention process and how both parties feel about
suffering will affect the progress they make together. A crisis of faith is when you feel like
God has abandoned you in some way.
1. Anyone Can Experience a Crisis of Faith
2. Biblical Suffering
Grief and Loss Counseling 16
Light University Online
3. What Can We Do with Our Theology of Suffering
Conclusion Suffering has many origins. It is a very complicated issue. All suffering has a purpose in God's great plan. To understand suffering in a biblical sense is important to crisis responders, but we must be careful how we use this information. Sticking with the victims of trauma and being a presence of God's grace and love is the most important thing to remember; it is, as Christians, our unique gift to those who suffer.
Grief and Loss Counseling 17
Light University Online
Description
When tragedy strikes, there are usually many questions but few clear and satisfactory answers. In this lesson, Dr. Ed Hindson describes and gives examples of God uses disaster to speak to His people and to win others to Him.
Learning Objectives:
4. Gain awareness of biblical stories of disaster and tragedy.
5. Understand that God is more powerful than crisis and can use it to Hisadvantage.
6. Be prepared to use these concepts and Scriptures to help others whoare asking tough questions in times of tragedy.
WHEN GOD DOESN'T MAKE SENSE
AUDIO
Ed Hindson, Th.D., D.Min., D.Phil.
Grief and Loss Counseling 18
Light University Online
Introduction
What do we do when God does not seem to make sense? The struggles that our country
deals with in modern times present many "teachable" moments for God's people to take
advantage of. We can be a source of answers and guidance for those who are lost and
confused..
1. Luke 13
2. Matthew 24
Grief and Loss Counseling 19
Light University Online
Conclusion Disaster makes the reality clear to us that life is short and eternity is real. Our relationship with God is the only thing that is eternal in our lives; everything else is temporary.
Recommended Reading God is There in the Tough Times: Turning Your Disappointments into Hope by Ed Hindson