Some people's pain is deeper than others. When I started teaching Pastors and Counselors in Asia it became apparent that my students had a tendency to lump everybody into the same diagnostic bucket. They had been overly influenced by Western Psychotherapy and called everyone with a mental, emotional and relational problem "Mentally Ill". Maybe I need to add another term to this designation: "Hopelessly Mentally Ill". I needed to innovate so I came up with new chartts.
My Asian friends already had a system of differentiating people by how far away or antagonistic they were to the church. I adopted and modified their system. In my system, people are differentiated like this.
Levels of Problems and Pain
Type A Persons: No life-interrupting problems
Level I Very mature and healthy individuals
- Able to lead if equipped
- Strong in relationships and self control
- Stable and deal with life’s problems
- Full range of emotional life
- Not blown about by every new thing--Need: Leadership training
Level II Can vary in healthy lifestyles from weak to developing
- Some are fragile but dealing with life
- Symptoms of weaknesses can be identified
- Need to be discipled and equipped for ministry--Need: Challenge to grow and be trained
Type B Persons: Differing types
and intensity of problems
Level III Ongoing issues and problems that cause disruptions
- Worried or anxious, sad, angry, conflicts and dissatisfied with life
- Misses appointments, sleeplessness, low performance, relational problems
- Is strong enough to work and learn from counsel
- No harmful thoughts about self or others Need: Lay care, counsel, support-friends and family
Level IV Ongoing problems and pain
- Issues getting worse
- Cannot meet personal, work, family or school responsibilities and cannot change
- Misses appointments due to depression, anxiety, stress, drinking, etc
- Cannot concentrate, does very poor work, scattered thoughts
- Compulsive behaviors with food, gambling, anger, drugs
- Unresolved conflicts--Need: Refer to Professional Counseling
Level V Acute Pain
- Lay and Professional counseling have failed to help so pain increases
- Cannot manage school or work
- Ideas are distorted, cannot manage life or relationships
- Dangerous use of alcohol, food, drugs
- Thoughts of harming self or others
Need: Intensive care in a safe place
Interested in learning more??? Hope and Change for Humpty Dumpty
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