Halo Data | ACBC Exam Question #34

      Define "halo data" and give some examples of halo data for depression.

Halo data is observable information gathered nonverbally.  Facial expressions, gestures, volume and tone of voice, use or lack of eye contact, posture, body language, tears, habits of showing up late, willingness to answer questions/avoid them, and so much more can give us cues as to our counselees character, as well as what they are feeling.   There are examples of halo data in Scripture.  Genesis 3:8 says “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”  We can gather from this verse that Adam and Eve knew they were guilty even though they have not yet spoken a word.  Their choice to conceal themselves is halo data which reveals a lot.  We read of Cain in Genesis 4:5, “but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.”  You could read Cain’s facial expression, and perceive his heart response.  There is much to be gleaned by being acutely aware of nonverbal communication expressed.  “Never underestimate the importance of this kind of observation; it can provide as much information as merely concentrating on what the counselee says.”¹ The information we can gather by observing halo data will be useful in helping our counselees change. 

Some examples of typical halo data that can be observed in a counselee who is suffering from depression would include; slumped posture, downcast eyes, lack of a smile, weariness, disheveled physical appearance (unkempt hair, no desire to keep oneself clean or looking presentable), frequent crying, quietness, unwilling to talk, negative reaction to all questions or biblical help (example: “it won’t matter/help”), no enthusiasm or optimism to things that would normally bring them joy (mentioning a loved one, an enjoyed activity, etc.), and overall hopelessness.  Someone dealing with depression may sigh frequently, cross their arms over their chest, and distance themselves from the counselor physically, or turn away to avoid eye contact.  Though these actions are predictable to a person who is depressed we should not assume that depression is a true diagnosis for our counselee based on perceived indicators alone, this type of halo data would also be common for many other issues as well.  Halo data is only one part of data gathering, and a fraction of the whole picture we must be sure to gather all the information carefully to best determine our counselees’ problems and what will help them through.      

¹ “Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically”, John MacArthur, page 145