Advantages And Disadvantages Of Reframing

The Reframing techniques

Capps employs the principle of reframing which he describes as a “key shift from unwanted first-order change to the desired second-order change solution” (1990:17). In other words the second-order change is the reframing method which aims at changing a specific system to supplant it with a different setting which make the situation far better than the first.

Firstly, Capps cites the situation of a Laurie who was obligated to her job for the sake of her husband despite of being deprived by her boss which resulted into the loss of self-confidence. With scriptural support from Psalm 62 and Luke 16:1-8, Capps suggests that the solution to her problem is the second- order change type of reframing plan which would bring a permanent change in her life, (1990:75-89)

Secondly, Capps ascribes to the second-order change to be used by God to change Job’s case. Capps asserts that God reframed the situation to counsel Job when his friends failed to help him because they employed the first-order change which aimed to condemn him for his sinfulness and that the problem he was facing was God’s punishment. This method completely failed to resolve the difficulties in Job’s life. However, where Job’s three friends failed to counsel, God succeeded, and in Capps thoughts

God succeeded because He spoke to Job and made him see the matter differently which was the instance of reframing (1990: 147).
Indeed one can agree with Capps when looking at how God approached Job with the reframing techniques. Firstly, he employed hard questions which Job did not have answers to them. These questions got Job’s attention and challenged him to look at life in a different perspective. Secondly, God used parables which was intelligibly set to show job’s insufficiency knowledge on life. All these helped Job to see that his suffering had no connection with sin as judged by his friends. It also made him to think about the greatness of God, His majesty and grace towards his creation. Consequently, God’s reframing methods changed Job’s perception toward both God and his life thus, he was willing to listen to God (Capps, 1990:147-167).
Evaluation of the Reframing Method in the Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care is a critical vocation which deals with real issues of life, therefore those who are entrusted with the calling must proper understanding of methods which can be better used to help those which God would bring them to their care.

In the case of the reframing method, it is imperative that the counselor gets him/herself acquainted with these two methods and it is the counsellor job to determine which order change is necessary for a particular given case because t situations are unique from each other therefore each situation requires different plans . In doing so, it will help counsellor not only to be professional but most importantly to be good stewards of the flocks

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