The Counseling Process: The Relationship between Pastor and Adolescent Males with No Father Figure

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to inform the reader about challenges that may face the pastor in his counseling relationships with young male adolescents, specifically those who have no father figure. The goal of this paper is not to address all of the problems which may arise, but rather to analyze briefly the differences a pastor may encounter counseling children without a male role-model versus counseling children with such a male figure in their lives. This paper will especially focus on the counseling process through five stages of the relationship: building the relationship, assessment and diagnosis, formulating counseling goals, intervention and problem-solving, and ultimately, termination of the counseling process and follow up. Lastly, this paper will provide insight and practical tips for the pastor to employ while seeking to give spiritual and social guidance to this ever-growing demographic of young men.