grief and loss counseling: biblical foundations glco 501 ... · angry withdrawal vi. obsessing over...

Grief and Loss Counseling 1

Light University Online

Grief and Loss Counseling: Biblical Foundations

GLCO 501

Module 1



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



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.



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



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



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



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



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.



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



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



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



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.



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



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.


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.



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



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.



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.


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.



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



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

grief and loss counseling: biblical foundations glco 501 ... · angry withdrawal vi. obsessing over...

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