By Denton Josey, Features Editor
Chapel changes abound this semester and another option, one that offers healing, is available to male students.
Licensed Professional Counselor Kurt Boyland, will facilitate a group called Healing from the Struggle with Pornography and Lust.
“Foremost, I perceive a need for it,” Boyland said. “Pornography is a serious issue. Lust is a struggle for men and women, but I just want to help men. For many young men, lust is a struggle.”
Boyland recognizes lust is not limited to men but is only facilitating a men’s group because he said a woman should be in charge of a women’s group.
The group meets at 11 a.m. on Thursdays, and Chapel credit is awarded. The location is only disclosed to students interested, but Boyland said it is a safe environment off campus. Boyland said those interested can call him at extension 2878 or e-mail him at boylandk@acu. edu for details. The location is not publicized in order to ensure confidentiality.
“Confidentiality is important for such a meeting, and I want to respect that,” Boyland said. Uncertain of how many people may attend, Boyland said he is willing to help however many attend.
“I would like some to show up,” Boyland said. “It could be two or it could be 20.”
So far, Boyland plans for the group to last at least a semester.
“I’m prepared to go as long as people want it to go,” he said. “My intent is either this semester or this year.”
The format for the group will cater to the group’s needs, Boyland said, and will not follow a curriculum. There’s no workbook, Boyland said, because he wants the group to be able to talk about what they want instead of having to skip around to different topics.
“That can get the focus away from people’s needs,” he said. The goal of the group is transformation. “People can be healed from pornography struggle and lust,” Boyland said. “Those are just symptoms. Behind it is shame, guilt, fear, hurt and possibly abuse. There’s pain in struggle, in sin.”
There are benefits to groups, Boyland said.
“One thing that makes groups work is universiality; basically, I’m not alone; people understand what I’m going through, and I’m not weird.'”
Confidentiality will be key. What is said in the room stays in the room, Boyland said, to ensure a safe environment.
Steve Rowlands, director of the university Counseling Center, said the group is a supportive, safe and healthy place to come talk about this struggle without fear of judgment. Rowlands said students can find strength, encouragement and victory.
Rowlands said groups can be difficult but sees the benefits they provide for students.
“If they’re willing to risk, I think they’ll find the group can be a really constructive place in their life,” he said.
“Kurt provides safety and is a great resource for finding ways to overcome any struggle – He’s real,” Rowlands said. “He doesn’t try to hide behind preconceived ideas, and [he] meets people where they are.”
“There’s only one thing that transforms, and that is love – God’s love,” Boyland said. “This will hopefully help young men be released from the cycle of shame and find healing and love.
