My father-in-law during his latter years, he died at age 94, would reply when asked how he felt, “Well, I hurt all over more than any where else,” which usually evoked a chuckle from the inquirer.
But would that answer satisfy his physician? Would that answer satisfy a counselor? The obvious answer is, “No.” Before the doctor or counselor can give proper treatment they must have an accurate diagnosis to answer the question: The problem is __________?
The doctor would not know whether to prescribe medication or treatment for his neck or his knee, his ankle or his elbow. The counselor would not know whether the problem was physical, mental, emotional or Spiritual.
The first step in problem solving is to name the problem. As a counselor, it is not up to me to tell a counselee what their problem is. It is up to me to develop a plan for solving any problem they bring to the counseling session. They must give it a name. This can be achieved by asking three questions and writing the answers in detail:
What is the problem as you see it?
What have you done to resolve it?
What do you want to do about it?
From this list a starting place for problem solving can be ascertained. Note that after naming the problem one of two things can be done: One can dwell on the problem or one can dwell on the solution. The one dwelt upon will grow.
If dwelling on the problem, by figuratively saying, life is difficult and growing more so daily each day life will truly become more difficult. However, if dwelling on the solution by believing, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me (Philippians 4:13 KJV),” this will happen. Learn and recite the following poem between now and the next time we get together:
Two Natures
Author Unknown
Two natures beat within my breast.
One is foul; one is blessed.
One I love; one I hate.
The one I feed will dominate.
Next Time: Three Levels of a Problems
