Secular psychology is divorced from biblical truth. Unbelievers can only observe what they see and offer human interpretations of the things that ail humanity.
We Must Give Hope To Counselees
God sanctifies His people (John 17:17). God provides a way out of struggles (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 1:3-4). The old self is dead and the new person is alive (2 Corinthians 5:17).
In hard cases like these we must learn all we can about the counselee. Proverbs 18:13 - The one who gives an answer before he listens--this is foolishness and disgrace for him. We must listen well before we can counsel well.
Counseling
We want to minister to the whole person. Spiritual and physical components do affect each other (1 Kings 9:1-18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Sometimes sleep in necessary to stabilize emotional states and allow one to think clearly. Diet could help people in this regard, too.
Identity in Christ because of the gospel must come into view (1 Corinthians 6:11 - such were some of you but you were sanctified and justified; 2 Corinthians 5:17 - we are new creations in Christ). Although our identity is one thing, we are still called to change and work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12-13).
Idols and Destructive Life Agendas
What are we willing to sin to get? And what sins will I commit if I don't get something? Philippians 1:21 tells us that to live is Christ and to die is gain. People with DID often create alternate realities to deal with their pains and desires. Lies are basically what this is. There could be a desire to escape pain or to gain attention. But phantasy realms are created to manipulate situations their way or to avoid pain or guilt. The lusts of the heart are at work even though circumstances might be shaping influences, they are not the ultimate problems. Our sinful corrupt hearts are the issue (Jeremiah 17:9 - deceitful hearts; Titus 3:3 - slaves to various passions). When we exchange God for idols we go down all sorts of sinful paths.
Christ needs to be presented as the supreme treasure over idols and sins (Psalm 73:25-28). We have to be satisfied in God alone. Sinners need to know God's love in Christ (Ephesians 3:17-18 - comprehend the breadth, length, height, depth of Christ's love. Sinners need to also learn to love others (Philippians 2:3-4 - do nothing from selfish conceit, consider others. Sinners must learn to submit to God (Psalm 138:8 - the Lord's purpose; Proverbs 16:9 - man plans his way, the Lord establishes his steps; James 4:13-15 - if the Lord wills, we will).
Practically Working At Change
The disordered soul will move from sinful affections to sinful thoughts to sinful emotions to sinful behavior. Even though we have changed hearts and are renewed, we face enemies--the flesh, the world, Satan (Galatians 5:16-17; Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 5:8-9). Counselees need to learn to put off and put on (Ephesians 4:22-32). That's different than stapling good fruit on to a dead tree.
Addressing Guilt And Shame
Sometimes in a counselee, guild and shame will hinder their progress and growth in the Lord. Discuss forgiveness in Christ (1 John 1:9). A genuine lack of trust in Christ and his atonement is not good. It calls into question what God has said. No condemnation exists for those in Christ (Romans 8:1).
Confronting Dissociaton And False Refuges
Phantasy are false hopes, false places of refuge, lies, nonrealities that can never truly help. You can't relate to God in a non-existent realm. Only God is a refuge. He is ultimate reality. He's why we were created and for him. He can be relied on. A false reality is of no help. Show them Psalms and how the authors turned to God in desperate moments. He gets them through difficult moments (Psalm 62:8; 142:1-2; 31:9-24; 40:1-5).
Learning To Love
Secular psychology teaches us to work on self-esteem, self-image and self-confidence. That's an inward focus. We are to forsake that and focus on loving God and others as the greatest and second greatest commandment teach us. Help counselees to consider others and their needs (Philippians 2:3-4).
Counselees need to know the nature of pride and humility. Study 1 Corinthians 13 and work out how to apply this. Make concrete plans for serving others. The gospel is the driving motive for doing this. Dissociate people then move from inward, self-focused, delusional refuges, to outward acts of love that are God-honoring.
The Importance Of The Body Of Christ
We best display God's image in the community of God.
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