Step 1: Welcome and Introduction
Objective: Set the tone by introducing the theme of misplaced trust, both in Judah's history and in today's world.Opening Reflection: “How often do we seek help or solutions in places that don't truly benefit us? Let's explore what the Hebrew scriptures and history teach us about this.”Step 2: Scripture Reading
Primary Focus: Start with Isaiah 30:5-7Read the passage aloud, emphasizing the vain reliance on Egypt described as "Rahab who sits still" (i.e., powerless).Briefly discuss the historical context: Assyria's threat, Judah's alliance with Egypt, and Isaiah's warning. Key Words in Paleo Hebrew: Ashamed" - Symbolizes the emotional state of those" (she'ibhi) relying on unprofitable alliances Rahab" - Represents Egypt as a powerless entity, often" :(bahar) ,"translated as "Rahab who sits still Strength" - Ironically used to highlight Egypt's lack of" (ta'oz) true power Symbolism: The letters in Paleo Hebrew often carry pictographic menanings. For example, u (shin) resembles teeth, symbolizing consumption or destruction, which aligns with the theme of misplaced trust leading to ruin.Activity: Pause to reflect on the language. Ask, "Why do you think Judah turned to Egypt? What modern-day 'Egypts' might people turn to when they feel desperate?"Step 3: Supporting Precepts
Introduce these precepts to deepen understanding:Jeremiah 2:11-13: Compare Judah's reliance on Egypt to abandoning a “fountain of living waters” for “broken cisterns.” Key Words in Paleo Hebrew: Changed" - Indicates the act of forsaking God for idols" : (hemir) nn Fountain" - Represents the source of life and sustenance," : (mekor) forsaken by the people Cisterns" - Broken cisterns symbolize futile efforts and" (borot) misplaced reliance Symbolism: resembles water, emphasizing the imagery of living waters versus (mem) n .broken cisternsPsalms 146:3-4: Contrast trust in mortal power with trust in the Divine. Key Words in Paleo Hebrew: Departs" - Refers to the fleeting nature of human life" : (tetze) and plans Spirit" - Represents breath or life force" :(ruach) innPlans"-Highlights the impermanence of shot human schemesSymbolism: resembles a head, symbolizing leadership or authority, which is (resh) fleeting in mortal manEcclesiastes 4:9-12: Highlight the strength of unity and collaboration. Key Words in Paleo Hebrew: Better" - Indicates the advantage of unity" :(tovim) ' Two" - Represents partnership and collaboration" :(shenayim) Reward" - The benefit of shared labor" :(sachar) Symbolism: resembles a basket, symbolizing containment or reward, aligning (tet) with the theme of shared benefitsDiscussion: Draw parallels to financial and relational struggles today. For example:The exhaustion of working twice as hard individually versus the relief of pooling resources.The fear or mistrust that prevents people from coming together and finding solutions.Step 4: Modern Application
Objective: Connect the ancient lessons to contemporary challenges.Use relatable scenarios: a couple facing financial strain or individuals struggling in isolation.Highlight the principle of unity (e.g., combining resources or fostering mutual trust) as a path to stability and success.When couples engage in collective work, especially around finances, “Twon” can symbolize the harmony and interdependence they strive for. Here's how it ties in:
Financial Stability as a Shared Foundation: In the spirit of “Twon”, couples operate as one unit, combining their strengths to build a stable financial future. Shared budgeting, financial planning, and goal-setting reflect the unified “us” mindset that *Twon* embodies.Collaborative Growth : The interdependence celebrated by “Twon” means recognizing that financial growth for one partner benefits both. Whether one is focusing on career advancement or starting a business (like your credentialing company), the other's support is vital, reinforcing the unity.Resilience Through Challenges: Collective work helps couples navigate financial stress together. By approaching challenges with a “Twon” oriented mindset, they demonstrate adaptability, trust, and shared responsibility, which further strengthens their bond.Freedom to Dream Together: Financial stability achieved through collaboration allows couples to envision and create their dreams, fostering joy and shared purpose.Incorporating “Twon” into both emotional and financial aspects ensures that the relationship thrives as a cohesive, balanced partnership.
Twon, as a concept of unity and collective effort in relationships, beautifully complements a range of therapeutic principles.
Systems Theory: This therapeutic model views relationships as interconnected systems. Twon aligns with this by emphasizing the interdependence and balance within a couple, where the well-being of one impacts the other, and vice versa. Attachment Theory: Insecure attachments can create distance in relationships, but Twon fosters a secure base by promoting collaboration, trust, and mutual support-key elements of secure attachment. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): EFT focuses on creating emotional bonds. By working collectively (as Twon encourages), couples can address negative cycles, foster deeper emotional connection, and build a sense of unity. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Relationships: CBT helps couples reframe thought patterns. Twon mirrors this idea by encouraging a shift from
"'" to "we" thinking, reframing challenges as opportunities for teamwork. Strength-Based Approaches: These focus on leveraging individual and collective strengths. Twon supports this by encouraging each partner to bring their unique skills to the table, enriching the partnership as a whole. Resilience Building: Therapies often aim to enhance a couple's ability to cope with stress and adapt to challenges. Twon embodies resilience, as it encourages joint problem-solving and mutual reliance.Incorporating Twon into therapeutic frameworks can help clients move beyond individual struggles to embrace a more unified, collective perspective.
By applying Twon in my therapy practice I offer couples a powerful framework for building unity and collaboration. Here are some of the actionable ways I integrate Twon into sessions:
Reframe Perspectives: I encourage couples to shift from an "individualistic" mindset to a "collective" mindset. We use exercises that focus on we thinking, such as creating shared goals or discussing decisions in terms of their impact on the partnership. Joint Problem-Solving Activities: I provide activities that require partners to work together toward solutions, such as creating a financial plan, resolving conflicts using structured dialogues, or even tackling small projects as a team. Unity Collaborations: I suggest collaborations that promote togetherness, like shared prayers (perhaps incorporating Hebrew/biblical terms for cultural depth), gratitude exercises, or setting aside time to celebrate collective achievements. Strengths Mapping: I have couples identify their individual strengths and discuss how these can complement each other in achieving their goals. For example, one partner might excel in strategic thinking, while the other brings emotional balance-this harmony reflects Twon in action. Therapeutic Tools: I develop worksheets or visual aids based on Twon principles, helping couples reflect on areas where they can foster collaboration, such as emotional support, decision-making, and shared responsibilities. Educational Focus: I use Twon to teach the importance of interdependence in relationships. Draw parallels with systems theory, attachment theory, or resilience-building practices to deepen their understanding. Customized Strategies: I tailor Twon-based interventions to the couple's specific challenges, such as financial stress or communication barriers. Help them align their efforts by emphasizing shared goals and mutual accountability.As I apply *Twon* in my work, it enriches my concept and expertise on marriage and family therapy, by helping clients embrace unity as a cornerstone of their relationships.
Have participants journal or discuss: What areas in your life could benefit from more collaboration or trust?Invite reflections on cultural or societal "broken cisterns" that drain rather than sustain.Step 5: Closing Reflection
Scripture to End On: Return to Isaiah 31:1 for a poignant reminder of the dangers of misplaced trust.Final Takeaway: Encourage participants to reflect on their own “paths that do not profit” and consider how they can realign their trust and efforts for greater collective benefit.