as an inner state than as a temptation or net that snares people from outside. Deadly thoughts and behaviors attack us, luring us away from our original nature as the image of God. Emphasize people’s existing strengths and resources. Brief pastoral counselors working from collaborative models assume that all people, no matter how problematic their lives, have strengths and abilities that can contribute to improving things. Much time in counseling is devoted to identifying and building on these strengths.