God Centered Counselling Training

GADC addresses the following concerns often voiced by volunteer Christian counselors

We are tired of:

counseling formulae and theories that we struggle to implement practically.
> GADC training is unique in that it starts with practical implementation (counseling) and then moves to Narrative Theory and Scripture.

counseling training formats that offer very limited opportunity for questions, discussions, and practical application.
> The GADC training format (a maximum of 24 in a training group) specifically caters for interactive, practical learning practices – it is unique in that the training duplicates the counseling journey, with time for reflections, demonstrations, discussions, and questions.

counselees who are not prepared to take action against problems, but expect the counsellor to carry full responsibility for their healing.
> The GADC “activity” approach activates the counselee and immediately makes it clear that there will be action (counseling work) involved (thus the construction analogy).

approaches that focus exclusively on problems and diagnosis.
> GADC is as interested in documenting a people’s narratives of hope and resilience, and the character of the God who made those narratives possible, as in the unpacking and re-storying of stories that steal hope.

over-spiritualized counseling training; training that portrays counseling and discipling as a practice of simply praying away problems.
> The GADC model is multidimensional and integrates:
• Spirit
• Soul (will, mind, emotions)
• Body
• Context
• Logic
• Creativity

approaches that oversimplify the complexity of working with individuals.
> Humans are complex and problems are multi-faceted. GADC celebrates difference as clearly in Chapter 5 of the Manual, which details the counseling process and illustrates it with real-life examples.

We need

clear counseling guidelines that “scaffold” the counseling process and which we can easily returned to when feeling lost during a counseling/discipling session.

> GADC addresses the need for counseling guidelines as follows:

The six-phase “construction plan” (counseling model) splits each “construction phase” into clear “construction steps”; each with simple counseling activations.

Construction Phase 4 is, for example, called “Site Establishment and scaffolding: Establish important truths” and broken down into the following steps, with guidelines and activations for each:

• A trip to the dump: Repentance and Forgiveness
• Consult a noise specialist: Voices from inside and outside
• Health and Safety: God’s love

The GADC MANUAL (a comprehensive, free resource) unpacks the process in detail, with numerous practical ideas, examples, guidelines and activations, while the GADC WORKBOOK summarises the GADC model.

Different techniques to overcome stumbling blocks and practical tips, tools, and demonstrations.
> A variety of documentation and memorial-making techniques and examples are used to serve as activations when stuck during the counseling journey. These are unveiled in detail in the GADC Manual, while the GADC Workbook focuses exclusively on documentation and memorial-making activities.

A model promoting sustainability.
> The “construction process” (counseling journey) is a slow and systematic process during which the counselee has the opportunity to use the problem as a tool to connect/reconnect with God on a deeper and more intimate level.

As conversations tend to be transient, the client has the opportunity to document insights, revelations, intentions, breakthroughs, Scriptures, and prophecies during the counseling journey. This documented personal history of God’s work and presence in their life sustains them when problems try to return.

The narrative practices of Compassionate Witnessing, Taking-it-back practices, and Archiving are also powerful sustainability tools.

Space for Holy Spirit to work within the model.
> The construction team consists of the Father (Architect), Jesus (Structural Engineer), and Holy Spirit (Project Advisor). All construction (counseling) is done prayerfully, according to the Construction Manual (Bible), guided by Holy Spirit.

Practical exercises to practice new tips during training.
> There are real-life case study demonstrations, applications, discussions, and time for feedback, questions, queries, and concerns. These provide ample opportunity for practical ideas. In addition to that, the GADC MANUAL explains each construction step in detail. It provides examples of real-life counseling documents and memorials. A maximum of 24 trainees per training group ensures maximum opportunity to observe, interact, and learn.

Update sessions and supervision
> Individual or group support/mentoring and update sessions can be arranged.

An easy, practical, interesting tool that will enable me to live out my commission to “Go then and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28: 19).
> The construction analogy becomes a tool that can contribute to a church culture of engagement and Holy Spirit-inspired action.

A tool that can activate and grow our own spiritual lives.
> The GADC Workbook is an excellent activation tool for personal growth. It is used by individuals, pairs, or groups for spiritual growth and entering into a deeper relationship with the Trinity through Scripture and prayer.

Testimonials

“The GADC Model has inspired me as an experienced counselor — and in my private capacity as a follower of Christ — to make the process of healing a much more practical, creative, and intimate journey with God.

We often forget that God in us has this amazing love for us and knows us uniquely, down to the minutest detail of our deepest being. He blessed us with the creativity that comes from Himself to actively, practically, and creatively express our hurts and pain. And He gives us the ability to let Him then come and heal our broken hearts in the same creative way – as only He can – through love, hope, and patience.”

Glory be to Him who gives “Beauty for Ashes”.

“An area which is often neglected in counselling is “giving back” in gratitude after healing. The GADC model addresses this by encouraging Compassionate Witnessing, Taking-it-back (Reclaiming), and Communities of Concern. These are all part of the journey that helps the counselee pay it forward. The counselee uses their healing journey to witness, encourage, and inspire others. It is a very effective and practical discipling tool – a gift that keeps on giving. It extends the love of God to others as He desires of us as His children because it glorifies His Name and adds to the Kingdom of God (Philippians 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11b)”

GADC Trainee

“The structure of the GADC model addresses different aspects of the counselee’s healing journey in manageable phases. The structure and flow of the model make it possible for the counselee to look at the journey from an objective perspective, see the bigger picture, and move between phases to track progress.”

“I am very excited to integrate this model into my existing work. I can think of previous specific circumstances where I experienced blockages and setbacks from clients where this model would have added a lot of value. It is an in-depth process and involves the discipling of the counselee over a period of time. This will give a strong foundation and documented reference on how to handle problems as a Christian.”

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Mon-Fri 9-5

15 Avalanche Street, Westdene, Johannesburg,2092