New & Ancient Wisdom

By Todd DeVries…

In this age of 24-hour-news and social media, it is far too easy to be blown off course by the latest “revelation.” Gurus write books describing “relationship cures,” “steps to happiness,” and "shortcuts to success."  Are we happier or more successful?

My studies this past year around theories of counseling and mental well-being introduced me to entirely new ways of thinking about how to live a more fulfilled life.  But Dale Davidson, of the Ancient Wisdom Project, suggests that one should regard current teachings with skepticism. In a letter to the graduating class of 2015 at Georgetown University, he recommends that people should not “trust anyone under 500.” He offers graduates this advice: 

 “the next time you are looking for advice on the way forward, you might turn to a theologian, prophet, philosopher, or saint before any modern-day blogger (except for me, of course).” 

St. Ignatius Loyola, 1491-1556, passes the longevity test. He created the Jesuit order within the Catholic Church.  Read the following steps that he used as part of his spiritual exercises: 

• Step 1:  Presence. Open yourself to the presence of God, or a higher power. Pray to, or communicate with the reality that is outside of, and larger than our individual life concerns.

• Step 2:  Gratitude. Remember two or three things during the day which brought joy. Relive them in your mind. Thank God (or whatever presence with which you identify) for these gifts.  

• Step 3:  Review. Think about your day from early morning until now and pay attention to those incidents where you noticed God’s presence. These may be small things, like the warmth of the sun, or more meaningful, like the touch of a friend’s hand. If you are uncomfortable with a God metaphor, use nature, the universe, or some other transcendent idea.  

• Step 4: Sorrow. Did you wrong anyone today –offend someone – hurt another’s feelings? Take time to acknowledge these wrongs. Forgive yourself and ask forgiveness of your higher power. Consider making amends to those you have hurt.  

• Step 5: Grace. Take time to remember that we are all children of our creator. Return to a part of your day where you felt loved. Think about tomorrow and ask for God’s support and grace for the up-coming day. 

From long ago, this advice still resonates for us.  Take a few minutes today to consider each of these steps. How might you apply them to your life?

Back to the Well Spring Counseling website. 

"Client-Based" and "Solution-Focused" - What Does it Mean?

by Todd Devries

Wellspring Counseling describes our services as a “client-based, solution-focused approach to mental health.” But what does that mean? Let’s break this statement into two parts.

First, “client based” means that you, as the person seeking counseling, are in a position of control. You provide the agenda for discussions along with input from the counselor. Common ways of beginning sessions are questions like: “What would you like to talk about today? Or, “Last week, we talked about a decision you need to make. Shall we continue with that conversation?”

The important thing to remember is that you are in the driver’s seat when choosing and discussing the areas of your life. It is not necessary to discuss marriage, if the problem is work-related. This creates a safe environment for exploring concerns and difficulties.

Second, “solution-focused” means we help you find ways of meeting your immediate needs. We can help you find resources, whether they are personal, familial, or within the community, to help create the reality in which your issue is manageable or even solved. We focus on your strengths, competencies, and resources, rather than on your problems, deficits and shortcomings. Conversations focus on what you want to happen in your world, and not on what is wrong with your life.

We help you build upon your strengths and create a better outcome for you.  Even in parts of life where coping is most difficult, we can work with you to imagine better outcomes and create plans for improvement.

Back to Well Spring Counseling website. 

 You are welcome to contact our office at 208-557-7500 to learn how client based and solution focused therapy can help you change your life today.