Temperament Counseling or Therapy

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very (Psalm 139:14 NKJV).”  

Temperament and the Arno Profile System (A.P.S.)

A God-Inspired, Established & Innovative Counseling Technique 

Quoting Dr. Linda King, “a person’s temperament is like a mirror image of their soul”.   The soul is the inner person of mankind and the seat of the struggles, dis-ease, battles, and warfare we experience in our circumstances, situations and issues.  The soul consists of the mind, will and emotions.  The primary goal of Temperament Counseling or Therapy, as a form of  ‘soul care’, seeks to help you be able to say I am spiritually restored, mentally renewed and emotionally healed; therefore ‘it is well with my soul’.  The great news is that, when it is well with your soul, there can also be a very positive impact on your physical health as well as your spiritual growth!

Struggles, battles, dis-ease and warfare are rooted in spiritual issues so that is why we are just as concerned with your spiritual health as we are with your mental health and emotional well-being.  Our desire for you is that ‘you prosper in all things and be in health even as your soul prospers (cf. 3 John 1:2)’.

The temperament counselors/therapists at Soul Care Ministries International (SCMi™) are certified by the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling and Licensed (with advanced board certifications) by the National Christian Counselors Association to utilize the Arno Profile System in Clinical Pastoral Counseling.   Pastoral counselors are ministers first and counselors second. Pastoral counselors are clergy persons who have received graduate training in both religion and behavioral science.  Pastoral Counseling is a therapeutic practice that integrates psychological and theological disciplines.  At SCMi, we specialize in using this non-secular, therapeutic counseling model in our clinical pastoral counseling ministry.

We are not state licensed psychologist or psychotherapists.  Instead we are licensed as clergy and are subject to state Clergy Exemption laws. States are held to strict ethical standards which mandate an individual’s right to be free from religious interference.  The state governs secular counselors and we believe the Church is responsible to set standards and govern ministers who devote their lives to the ministry including the ministry of counseling.  The N.C.C.A. requires all who are licensed by its Licensing Board of Examiners to be credentialed ministers whose goal is to evangelize, disciple and ease the emotional pain and suffering of humanity.  The counseling we provide is strictly religious counseling provided from the Christian perspective.  Our founder,  Dr. Linda King is an Ordained Minister of the Gospel and is also an N.C.C.A. Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor, Board Certified, Diplomate and Clinical Supervisor.  She was also awarded the distinction of Fellow by the N.B.C.C.T. in 2005.

Temperament Counseling or Therapy

This faith-based therapeutic method helps to identify root causes of problems in order to promote healing, develop wholeness and spur you on in becoming the person God created you to be.  We have been using Temperament Counseling and Therapy in our counseling ministry since 2002 and it has proven to be extremely successful.

While the terms counseling and therapy are often used interchangeably, we make a distinction in via the scope of service:

• Temperament Counseling is typically a short-term, more solution focused intervention whereby we focus on a specific problem(s) such as improving relationships, stress related issues or lifestyle changes.  In most instances counselees/clients who seek out Temperament Counseling services are proactive with an awareness of their presenting concerns and want to only focus on the specific area (s) of their temperament that relates to that problem.
• Therapy may consist of all the components of Temperament Counseling with some additional services that involve more extended duration, scope and pace of services. The therapeutic process helps the counselee/client to find the root causes of emotional and behavioral pattern.  The counselor may also recommend other assessments such as the Biblical DiSC personality profile which is more behavioral oriented, etc.

It is important to recognize that temperament counseling and therapy services may overlap in some areas. Therefore, it is suggested that you first work with the Clinical Pastoral Counselor to list the presenting issue(s) you want to resolve.  Both, our temperament counselors and therapists are trained to evaluate your needs and provide you with the appropriate recommendations for Temperament Counseling/Therapy service.

The Temperament Therapy model we use was initially developed by Dr. Richard Arno, President and Dr. Phyllis Arno, Executive Vice President of the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling (S.A.C.C.).  You may read Dr. Richard Arno’s personal testimony at this link.  Temperament Counseling/Therapy is based upon the theory of temperament (understanding of the inner man. . . mind, will and emotions) and uses this knowledge to help us understand ourselves.  It helps us to be the best that God has created us to be by meeting the needs of our temperament in a Godly manner.

The Arno Profile System is a Bible and spiritually based therapeutic method by which an individual’s soul (mind, will, emotions) is analyzed and measured scientifically, on a personal level, for understanding and development of godly change. It is a spiritual compass that navigates each person in the right direction, revealing personal weaknesses and strengths that can bring glory to God.

Developed Through Research

The Arno Profile System is based on the belief that man is a uniquely created being rather than the result of an evolutionary process. This method was developed during seven years of research involving five thousand (5,000) individuals who were seeking help for their problems.  Temperament Therapy deals with the inner, spiritual self, and not necessarily with outward manifestations of someone’s learned behavior, which is largely shaped by environment. We also get beyond the personality which often masks someone’s true self. Research shows that over 90% of counselees who voluntarily seek counseling utilizing this method are helped. Successful results are achieved when a trained and qualified Christian counselor administers the tools and techniques of Creation Therapy, including the Arno Profile System (A.P.S.).

Identifying Your ‘Spiritual Genetics’ (Temperament)

This therapeutic method allows men, women, teens and youth to better understand themselves and their relationship to God, our Creator.  Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV) says, ” For you created my inmost being;  knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;  your works are wonderful, I know that full well”.  Each individual is uniquely and wonderfully created and that is the basis of Creation Therapy.

Temperament Counseling/Therapy begins by first identifying your unique temperament (a/k/a ‘spiritual Genetics’).  Each counselee [person(s) receiving counseling] is initially asked to complete the Arno Profile Report Response Form (APS), a 10 minute, 54 questions assessment.  Upon completion of the form, the counselor orders a computerized Arno Profile Report (A.P.S. Report).   This is a clinical report that identifies an individual’s temperament in Inclusion (Intellectual/Social), Control (Will/Decision Making) and Affection(Emotions/Feelings) with a listing of individual strengths, weaknesses and temperament needs.  Temperament theory states that people will live in their temperament strengths when their temperament needs are met. Suggestions for meeting an individuals temperament needs can be gleaned from the report and counseling process.

There is an administrative fee for having your counselor administer, generate and interpret the assessment.  The fee is included in the enrollment service.  This comprehensive report is created specifically to present the information in an encouraging and non-threatening manner should the counselee/client wish to purchase a Special Personal Profile. It is necessary to have an A.P.S. score in order to determine the temperament. The score is obtained through the A.P.S. Temperament Response form.

Why Temperament Counseling/Therapy Works

Temperament Counseling/Therapyis a step by step therapeutic format based upon the Word of God.  Temperament is often referred to as your ‘Spiritual Genetics ’.  Although “temperament” is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, in Psalm 139 King David (knowing nothing about DNA) knew that before we were born, God designed us. . . .” For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.  I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well”. While your body was being differentiated within your mother’s womb, each “inward part” was designed exactly as God intended – including both your strengths and weaknesses. The Temperament Therapy model we use  is based upon a “creationist view” and not an evolutionary view of human origin and development. In Genesis 1:27 the Word of God says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female created he them”. Temperament is similar to gender in the sense that there are certain environment influences that can alter the gender, but never really change it. Temperament is not genetic in the sense that it is not passed through the genes and chromosomes of men and women. Your Temperament contains your inborn qualities coded by a loving and wise Creator and these qualities make up your unique identity.

Man is a triapartite being: spiritual, mental/emotional and physical creation with basic needs. When seeking to meet these needs, he/she is driven in his/her attempts to the things of the world for satisfaction.  Through Temperament Counseling/Therapy, the individual is taught how to have their needs met in godly ways that are conducive to the Word of God.   

Temperament Counseling/Therapy is a means by which mankind is given the ability to understand his or her temperament by finding balance between body, soul and spirit thereby allowing them to be the best that God created them to be.

Some Benefits of Temperament Counseling/Therapy

• Discover how to live in your temperament strengths when your temperament needs are met in ways that honor God.
• Understand temperament weaknesses and what opportunities they provide for you.
• Find wisdom for making changes based on your temperament.
• Overcome challenges, solve problems, reduce stress and find balance.
• Experience healing, deliverance, joy and victory.
• Learn about the temperament of others (family members, staff, etc.).
• Improve your appreciation of different temperaments.
• Discover effective techniques for communicating with different temperaments.

What to Expect (Counseling Format) 

Temperament Counseling/Therapy sessions are typically 45 to 6o minutes each.  Counseling is available by appointment only and can be provided in person in the Metro Atlanta Area or by phone anywhere in the US.  Fees and contributions to support the ministry’s general and administrative expenses are requested in advance of each session.  For those who are unable to remit the standard fee, a sliding-scale based on annual household income may be provided subject to completion, review and approval of our financial assistance application.  We try to serve everyone who needs our services, however, financial assistance is subject to availability of funds and resources.

Half day Temperament Counseling intensives are offered (subject to availability) for those who may prefer to take some time out for a more focused counseling experience.  These sessions are typically only offered at the counselor’s standard rate and include the Arno Profile System no additional charge.  Some of our counselors offer Temperament Counseling, Coaching and Consulting using the Arno Profile system to out of town clients.  Out of town sessions are offered at the counselor’s standard rate plus travel and expenses if outside the Metro Atlanta area.  If you are in the Metro Atlanta area, we are receptive to offering the service in your office as schedules permit.  You may contact your counselor for more information on these options.  

Prerequisite Intake/Enrollment 

Purpose:  Remit the required counseling enrollment forms and fill out an Arno Profile Response Form (A.P.S.), etc if not previously completed.  Meet your counselor or the counselor’s enrollment assistant.

Note:  Unless you have previously completed the counseling enrollment forms and Arno Profile Response Form, there is typically no time left to begin the formal counseling process.  The cost of the Intake/Enrollment Session is $85 ($55 if you complete and remit the necessary enrollment forms and A.P.S., to your counselor, prior to scheduling your first appointment.   The required Intake/Enrollment forms can be found here.  Enrollment includes a Clinical A.P.S. Report for your counselor’s use.  If you would like an Adult Special Personal Profile, we ask that you make a $25 donation for that report.  Your counselor can make a plan, with you, for providing him/her with the completed enrollment forms via scan/email, fax, and/or postal mail.

Example of a 5- Session Format

Note that the five session format, described below, follows the pre-requisite enrollment session noted above.  Please note that, in temperament counseling, we focus on healing, restoration and encouragement relative to the reason that brought you to counseling.  Temperament Therapy, on the other hand, is longer term.  Therefore, Temperament Therapy will not only focus on healing, restoration and encouragement; but can be extended to include a closer look at your overall temperament needs, tendencies, strengths and weaknesses.  This is strictly an example based on the effectiveness we have witnessed and experienced with the initial 5-Session format.   It is important to understand that this information is provides as an example of what you might expect.  Most important is that we are used of the Lord because He is the ‘Counselor’ and the ultimate formation will be as the Spirit of the Lord leads. 

Session #1: Discovery Session and Temperament Counseling/Therapy Overview

Session #2:  A.P.S. Temperament Analysis Profile Review

Session #3: Examining your temperament needs and struggles

Session #4: Exploring how to meet your temperament needs in God-honoring ways

Session #5: Examine your challenges/obstacles and develop action plans to foster continued healing

Don’t Wait Another Day.  Enroll Now.

We are here to come alongside you, minister wise counsel and also offer you professional Temperament Life Skills Coaching services when you are ready for the next level.  The Temperament Counseling/Therapy model will bless you and yours.  All services are held in strict confidence.  Use our appointment scheduler, or contact us, to request an initial, no-fee phone consultation or to schedule appointments.