Day 3: Class 1

I remember reading Irwin Yalom’s (2002) The Gift of Therapy this past spring semester and, through his lens, discovering the power of presence that we can provide for one another in the sacred space of therapy. Interestingly, Yalom (by admission an atheist) inadvertently oozed the Presence of The Other through his own offerings of wisdom that were generously scattered throughout the book. Similarly, Benner (2014) in Presence and Encounter, suggested that “whether we encounter ourselves, others, or God,” it is these moments that let us know just how meaningful life is and that “presence is what makes encounter possible.”

Courtyard Classroom

As if watching one of these books come to life, today’s class unfolded with moments of emotional vulnerability through genuine and heartfelt presentations as we began to experience presence with each other and within ourselves. And as if nodding in approval, one could also sense the presence of The Other as their spirit gently caressed raw wounds and the deeply felt passions of each one in the group. 

Courtyard Classroom

In light of this and as a clinical mental health cohort learning from a faith-based perspective, we have been provided some amazing opportunities throughout this program and on this trip specifically to engage with presence from an integration perspective—the beauty of merging psychology and theology. Considering this integration perspective while in Greece, I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul to those in Corinth: “And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3, NRSVUE).

Courtyard Classroom

And for many of us, it is easy to think of the Apostle Paul as fearless, strong, and confident considering his legacy of extended missionary journeys, church planting, and evangelism. However, he also admitted his own feelings of weakness and hesitation as he moved toward embracing himself as God had created him. In fact, a large portion of Paul’s journeys, including those in Greece, found him grappling with his own issues that caused significant frustration and inner turmoil. Amazingly, however, Paul also found reliance and comfort in the presence of others (like Priscilla and Aquila).

As the day closes here in Greece, my cohort and I look forward to the joys of and embrace the challenges associated with continuing our own journeys into the field of clinical mental health counseling. And somehow, I feel that our successes now and in the future, will find their foundations in the power of presence and mediated by generous portions of grace and love much like the Apostle Paul did with himself, with others, and with God. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NRSVUE).

Best way to end the day!

Decisions?!?!

Biased but best choice - Caramel & Almonds

~ Brandon Willingham

References

Benner, D. (2014). Presence and Encounter: The Sacramental Possibilities of Everyday Life. Brazos Press.

Yalom, I. (2002). The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients. HarperCollins Publishers. New York, NY.