In the previous two entries the issue of an internal conflict between two identities was discussed and techniques explained that could be applied to resolve the conflict. I explained how Jesus used a therapeutic paradox to change Saul’s identity to be transformed. Saul changed from persecuting Jesus to becoming a dedicated follower and greatest missionary of all times.
In the following case study, centering around an internal identity struggle, I’ll apply a therapeutic paradox tool to demonstrate how it works. If you have missed the previous article, please ensure that you read it to gain a clear understanding a therapeutic paradox as a beneficial tool in resolving an internal conflict.
Case study: Sarah
Sarah identifies as a Christian and has been an active member of her church community for more than 10 years. She is a strong believer but struggles with her identity and purpose in life. She sought counseling because she feels a deep inner conflict about her identity. Although she perceives herself as a dedicated Christian but often question her worth and purpose outside of her religious activities. She has a history of comparing herself to others in her church and social circles, leading to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety and self-doubt. She feels torn between her desire to fulfill her religious responsibilities and her personal aspiration.
- Step 1: Assessment and goal setting
Sarah expressed feelings of frustration and confusion about her identity. She feels she is living a dichotomy – on the one hand she embodies Christian virtues and on the other hand she has personal desires and goals.
- Step 2: Goals for counseling
2.1 Explore Sarah sense of self outside of her religious activities and life.
2.2 Help her to reconcile different aspects of her identity.
2.3 To develop coping strategies to combat feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
- Step 3: Therapeutic paradox
The purpose is to facilitate a shift in Sarah’s perspective on identity.
3.1 Intervention: Identity as a journey: Pose the following question to Sarah:
“What if, instead of trying to define who you are as a Christian, you allow yourself to be undefined for a while?”
The journey to develop an identity as part of a divine journey with Christ can then be fostered by proposing that she could embrace confusion and uncertainty as part of her divine journey with Christ. Instead of viewing the identity conflict as a problem to be fixed it is embraced as a process and opportunity for growth.
- Step 4: Function of paradox
The paradox served to help Sarah let go of her rigid self-definitions shaped by comparisons and expectations. Identity could be viewed as an evolving process instead of a static endpoint. The idea that internal ambiguity in one’s identity, cannot be resolved is challenged, and reframed as opportunity to create a space for the self to develop without pressure.
- Step 5: Reflection and Journaling
Sarah was encouraged to journal and reflect on her internal desire and emotions and to confront her thoughts in a way to encourage acceptance of uncertainty.
- Step 6: Spiritual Integration
Bible verses can be introduced and mediated upon to foster a deeper spiritual understanding of her Christian identity. Philippians 6: 1 could be used for this purpose. “He who began a good work in you will carry it onto completion.’
- Step 7: Role reversal
Sarah could be asked to pretend she was mentoring a younger woman with the similar conflict. She had to share her experience and insights about stepping outside of a rigid framework to be able to change and grow with the younger woman.
Conclusion
In a series of three articles, I have shared a part of my journey in becoming a Christian psychologist and how I resolved it. The focus was on the internal conflict that could arise between a Christian identity and a professional identity. The experience of an internal identity crisis often encountered in Christian counseling and therapy. In this article, I have demonstrated the implementation of a therapeutic paradox in helping a person to reframe internal conflict and embrace ambiguity as an opportunity to grow in Christ, rather than a problem to be fixed. This is an excellent and effective intervention supported by numerous examples from the wisdom of Jesus and the life of the apostle Paul.
Nicolene Joubert is a registered Counselling Psychologist, trauma therapist and educator. She holds a PhD in Psychology (Northwest University) and a Masters degree in Online and Distance Education (Open University UK). She is the founder and head of the Institute of Christian Psychology in South Africa, now the Institute for Christian Practitioners (www.icp.org.za).
She has been a practicing psychologist for 37 years and her fields of specialty includes: Christian spirituality and worldview in the healing process, trauma counselling, bereavement and dealing with loss, family therapy, career counselling, lifespan development and challenges and dealing with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.
She is an associate professor of Christian Psychology and Counseling at Houston Baptist University (HBU), Texas, US. She is also a postgraduate supervisor at the South African Theological Seminary (SATS).
