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TRANS FORMAT ION
by Madz Deyzel, B.A.
T
he Wholeness Counseling Framework creates a great overview for
the journey of counseling from both a theological and psychological
perspective. Theologically, the story of mankind begins in the creation
story of Genesis 1 and 2, where we see God create mankind for a lov-
ing and intimate relationship with Him. He placed us in the garden,
with the intended purpose to reign and multiply, and all this took place in the
context of community between Himself and each other, creating a relationally
experienced sense of value.
In other words, God created in the soul of mankind, the crucial needs of secu-
rity, significance and self-worth; knowing we are loved, knowing we have a purpose
and knowing we have value. Genesis 3 then paints the story of the fall of mankind,
resulting in shame and the need to run, hide and cover up—classic self-protection
strategies. Yet, in the midst of our need to manage our shame, God seeks to find
us, and provides a covering made from an innocent victim, the echo of Christ’s
ultimate sacrifice to cover our shame.
The starting point for all mankind, however, is now one of a fallen state, seek-
ing to meet our crucial needs in either creation (as we aim to remain ‘god’ of our
own lives) or in the Creator (as we surrender our need for independence and allow
Him to be God of our lives). These crucial needs are the driving motivator behind
everything we choose to do, shaping our life stories, regardless of our faith.
LEADING COUNSELEES BACK TO A
RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD:
A Biblical Framework for Lay Counselors
For lay counselors and pastors, counseling training is often very limited and many of them find it is very easy to get lost in the complexities of
people’s stories in the counseling room. The Wholeness Counseling Framework is a great mind-mapping tool that assists lay counselors and pastors
in navigating themselves, and guiding others, through this transformational journey of counseling.