Neff McMinn Part B Churchwell,Alice

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NEFF AND MICMINN PART B Neff and McMinn Part B Paper Alice Churchwell Liberty University

NEFF AND MICMINN PART B Abstract This paper reflects upon McMinn and Neff's (2020) Embodying Integration: A Fresh Look at Christianity in the Therapy Room. This review covers chapters four through six. Each chapter will be presented with a summary, followed by reflection and spiritual application. The topics in these last three chapters consider atonement, God's mission, and God with us. The father-daughter duo of authors tug at my heartstrings with their journey and the importance of integrating Christianity with psychology. They present beneficial concepts that will help me to better serve clients by diving into each client’s story, asking hard questions, and considering practical implications. Keywords : client, atonement, God, counselor, integration

NEFF AND MICMINN PART B Embodying Integration (Neff & McMinn, 2020) was a great piece of literature written by author Megan Anna Neff and her father, Mark McMinn. Megan Anna Neff graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary and George Fox University. Both experiences have shaped her approach to psychology and allowed her to become a psychotherapist, mentor, and teacher. Her father, Mark McMinn, helped integrate Christianity and psychology at Wheaton College and George Fox University. He is a licensed psychologist in Oregon and a fellow and former president of APA’s Division 36 (Tyndale House Publisher, 2022). This book's overwhelming theme of love reveals patience and faith when faced with complex life questions and how we can learn from one another. Throughout this paper, I will reflect upon the last three chapters, providing my reflection, spiritual applications, and personal growth. I have learned, and I have grown, from this remarkable book. The chapters look at varying perspectives on integrating Christianity into each counseling session and how the counselor’s viewpoint will influence sessions. Sometimes, we may feel we are in a constant cycle trying to figure out God’s plan and what he rescues us from, what His plan is for our lives, and where is He? These last chapters emphasize that sessions will be based on each client’s personal story and the power therein. Summary Chapter four, “Considering Atonement from what we are being saved,” Maria reveals she was in an abusive relationship with a man who did not respect or appreciate her. Her husband, who should have been her most significant support, took advantage of her and their sacred marriage. The events of this abusive cycle occurred repeatedly, leaving Maria feeling isolated, abandoned, traumatized, and hurt. Even when she would leave, the vicious cycle of events continued to play out. The power of her personal story and any story being told by clients or counselors is shaped by their relationship with God the Father. Therefore, it is also equally

NEFF AND MICMINN PART B important that a counselor knows their viewpoint and personal beliefs. Religion and spirituality shape our stories. However, when things go wrong, we often blame ourselves, yet when things go right, we quickly give credit where credit is due, including our praises to God. This chapter refers to the gospel of good news and explains the ties to Christianity, which are stories from thousands of years ago that inspire people then and now (Neff & McMinn, 2020). Atonement within the Bible is what is needed between sinful mankind and holy God. It is an intimate and personal experience that interprets Jesus’ death on the cross as a sacrifice to save us from our sins. Neff and McMinn (2020) look at atonement from the standpoint of how the counselor views atonement and the approach taken with the client. Atonement involves coming to God for forgiveness and creates a feeling of wholeness in us. This pathway of reconciliation allows meaningful conversation of transformation (Neff & McMinn, 2020). Everyone’s story is different, and to understand it, one must first listen to their story (Neff & McMinn, 2020). Skilled counselors must engage in active listening, not immediate feedback with clients. One must practice listening first and then assisting in meeting client needs. This integration comes from our helper, the Holy Spirit. We must be aware that there are not just two, the counselor and the client, but three in each session. We need to offer the love of Christ in a broken world to the client who is currently in brokenness and sorrow (Neff & McMinn,2020). All truth is God’s truth, and the integration of psychology and Christianity is multifaceted to discern the underlying truth and unique vantage points of individuals Entwistle)). According to Neff and McMinn 2020, for the integration to move beyond the limits of current conceptual models to more applied models that can be used within the counseling room, the Christian counselor must better understand spirituality and spiritual formation.

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