With the launch of this website, one of my hopes is to provide more information about what kind of counseling services I offer. One of the tools I have been using for years now is something called the “Arno Profile System”, which is a particular kind of “Temperament Testing”. Here’s a short rundown on this optional, but valuable part of counseling that I do…
What is a “temperament”?
An easy way to view “temperament” is to envision it as describing a person’s needs, traits, strengths, and weaknesses. One cool thing about knowing your temperament is it will never change. We were born with a certain temperament, by God’s design, so no temperament is a “bad temperament”. Although temperament is not learned and never changes, life experiences can cause one to act out differently than someone with the same temperament. And, of course, the output of our temperament is vastly different when we are acting in sin versus walking by faith. The assessment is only one way of trying to identify and understand the intricacies of God’s workmanship in us, but I have found it very particularly accurate and enlightening for those I have shared it with.
Where did I get this “temperament” stuff and why do I use it?
A large part of my Ph.D. studies revolved around the “Arno Profile System” and being licensed to administer it. Dr. Richard Arno and Dr. Phyllis Arno developed this assessment to help Christian Counselors help others. I am skeptical when I run across any counseling tool, and this assessment was no different. However, after administering it to a large number of family, friends, and clients, I have found it to be exceptionally helpful. I believe strongly in helping people identify “heart issues” and dealing with those, rather than simply teaching people how to work harder to behave better. The results of temperament assessment helps me and those I work with move towards that goal.
What have my past clients had to say about this?
Here are a few examples of the repeated feedback I have received from those who have completed the assessment and reviewed the results with me:
1) Better understanding of self, along with increased awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses
2) Better understanding of others (wife, child, parent, etc.)
3) Realization of the true cause of the issue with which the person has been struggling
4) Spurring of real, deep conversations between couples planning to marry or having been married for years
5) The realization that some personal tendencies, previously identified as flaws, are actually just misuses of wonderful gifts (traits) God has created in us
6) Learned about the true source of their tendencies, and found themselves learning how to turn “weaknesses” into a “strengths”
How much does this assessment cost?
At present, there is a charge for temperament testing. Please contact me for pricing, as it varies, depending on the situation. For group testing, I will make adjustments based on the number being tested. I do require at least one counseling session to present and explain the results. From my experience, most people want more than one session for discussion.
How do I sign up for temperament testing?
Please click here if you think you may be interested in temperament testing for yourself, you and your spouse, pre-marital counseling, your small group at church, your family, or some other setting you might have in mind.