Deep Idols
Toolkit Series
As people share their stories, how do you make sense of what you have heard? Sometimes, as caregivers, we are not sure how to organize the amount of details they have shared about their lives and their struggles. Similar to doctors working with someone sharing a lot of information, it is imperative that we are able to organize what people are telling us in a cohesive way. This helps us effectively provide care that is specifically suited for that person. In this toolkit series, we provide an overview of the System of Self Redemption, which is the conceptual lens for making sense of the question, “What is the problem?” in our unique counseling approach called the Gospel-Centered Integrative Framework for Therapy or GIFT.
We also look at the four deep idols: Power, Control, Comfort, and Approval.
References:
Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller
Who You Are by Judy Cha
October 2025 Toolkit
Video Series: System of Self-Redemption, Part 1
How do you effectively connect the Gospel and best practices in counseling? Over several years, Redeemer Counseling developed our GIFT Approach, which stands for Gospel-centered Integrative Framework for Therapy.
The GIFT answers three fundamental questions:
Who are we?
What is our problem?
What is the solution?
In the GIFT, we make sense of the question, What is our problem? through the System of Self-Redemption. As a caregiver, you can use the System of Self-Redemption to help organize the information people share with you, as well as guide the people you are serving to make sense of their stories. This month, we are launching a Toolkit video series to provide a deeper understanding of how to integrate the System of Self-Redemption into your caregiving practice.
Read Director Judy’s Book, Who You Are, for more information on our unique GIFT approach to counseling
The desire to answer this question—whether it manifests in self-enhancement strategies or self-serving biases—is part of being human. Yet, through a Biblical lens, we know something has gone terribly wrong with our human nature. Brokenness happened when sin separated us from our Creator God, and the answers we seek are only obtainable when we reconnect with him.
Using the Gospel-Centered Integrative Framework for Therapy developed at Redeemer Counseling, Director Judy Cha explains:
The human desire for an identity
The role of shame and hurt in shaping who we think we are
Self-redemption, and why it doesn't work
The Gospel as God's rescue plan for a lost humanity
How to ardently know your story, truly live in your community, and deeply connect with God