MA in Christian Counseling: Alumna Samantha McDonald

Meet the Director: Dr. Dana Wicker

"This edition of Counseling Connections will focus on caring for one another. 1 Corinthians 12 tells us about spiritual gifts and reminds us that believers are part of one body. It goes on to say in verse 25 that we should care for one another. There are many ways to care for others. Sometimes, care involves a significant commitment, but other times, small behaviors can communicate care. In Counseling Tips, I will describe interventions to encourage your counselee to care for others. In Alumni Illumination, we are featuring Samantha McDonald, a 2021 graduate of the Christian Counseling Program who is using her counseling skills and creativity to communicate how God works in each of our lives.

There are two conferences in Dallas this fall: the Hope Together Conference and the American Association of Christian Counselors Conference. Both are opportunities to learn about resources and network with other Christian counselors. I plan to attend, and I hope you will, too. There are student discounts and opportunities to volunteer and attend for free.

Contact me at dana@dbu.edu and let me know how you are doing or if I can be a resource. I am glad to help." — Dr. Dana Wicker, Program Director.

Counseling Tips

Many of you will work with couples. The Carrying Days intervention, developed by Richard Stuart, is a technique used with couples. It helps encourage positive interaction between the couple. Focusing on the issues a couple brings to counseling will be important, but increasing positive interactions will provide a foundation in which the couple feels safe to deal with their problems. The couple is asked: What would you like your partner to do to show that he or she cares for you?

There are four criteria: 1. The acts must be positive. 2. They must be specific. 3. They must be small behaviors that could be done at least once daily. 4. They cannot be something that is a subject of conflict. Examples include rubbing my back, calling me once a day, and holding my hand when we walk. A list is made with the action in a center column and on the left and right are a husband and wife column. The couple then marks the dates their partner did an action on the list. Remember, these small actions can be done several times a week. By doing Caring Days, the individual demonstrates care but recognizes that their partner is also showing care.

A similar activity can be used with individuals. Sometimes, individuals who are dealing with anxiety and depression become self-focused and ruminate over their problems. To help them shift their focus, work with them on a list of simple things they can do for others. It might be simple things like opening a door for someone or smiling at someone (even though they don't feel like smiling). Challenge them to see how often they can care for someone else during the week.

Alumni Illumination: Samantha McDonald

"I currently work for Hashtag Church, a media company that serves churches and businesses in the local area with their media and creative needs. I am also a freelance portrait photographer and painter. I launched my business, Formed Co., in June 2022, where I have the honor of capturing memories and stories that are shared with me.

Formed Co. comes from Psalm 139, a well-known chapter in which the Lord spoke to me during a time when I struggled with being known by the Lord. He highlighted verse 13, where David declares that Yahweh God formed his body and everything in him so intricately and intentionally. I desire that the Lord would continue to speak through me to those I can serve through creativity about this hope-filled message that being known by a mighty God has shaped your existence and your story. I am grateful to listen and know the Lord deeper through each story I hear.

The Lord has provided me with open doors since I graduated from DBU. I've been able to serve on staff at my home church, Fielder Church in Arlington, and serve as a mission trip leader for our college and young adult Central Asia trip for the last three years. I never would have imagined serving in these capacities in my local church or even starting a small business that has allowed me to be present with individuals from various backgrounds creatively. I believe the Lord has taken me places that only he knew and, in his grace, planned for me in advance.

The biggest takeaway from my degree is that nothing is wasted. The Lord frequently reminds me of this as I navigate life post-graduation. Although it is new territory and often filled with anxiety, I believe I have been equipped with the tools to expand the kingdom of God and minister to all people.