The Personhood of the Therapist

One of the things we know about outcomes in therapy is that the person of the therapist is more important than the technique he or she uses. Benedict says; "...he should show them by deeds more than by words, what is good and holy." The Abbot (therapist) is "Christ's representative..." symbolizing the Imago Dei for the Seeker. To be a whole person one-self is the top priority for the spiritual leader so that the un-whole person can interact with us and be re-symbolized themselves. This means different things in different situations. .."In his instruction the abbot should always observe the apostolic rule: "Reprove, entreat, rebuke ( I Tim. 4:2)."..." He should show the sternness of a master and the love and affection of a father....One must be led by friendliness, another by sharp rebukes, another by persuasion. The abbot must adapt himself to cope with individuality..." This again is a difficult task, often demanding more than we think we have to offer. But: "The abbot must always remember what he is and be mindful of his calling; he should know that the greater his trust, the greater the responsibility." A lot rides on our responses to clients, patients or seekers . We are being watched closely and our lives are the open text they will read as they attempt to learn more of God and become whole.