Leynes_J_Neff&McMinn_PartA

.docx

School

Liberty University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

506

Subject

Philosophy

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by PrivateResolveWhale34

Neff and McMinn Review Part A 1 Neff and McMinn Review Part A Jennifer Leynes Liberty University

Neff and McMinn Review Part A 2 Abstract This paper discusses the main ideas from chapters 1, 2, and 3 of Embodying Integration: A Fresh Look at Christianity in the Therapy Room by Megan Anna Neff, and Mark R. McMinn. By including a critique of the chapters, I highlight areas that I agree and disagree with which help to raise questions about how I can effectively work as a counselor and provide the best care for my clients. I incorporate theological implications into the information covered in the readings and discuss how they relate to my future work in counseling. The information in these chapters impacted me spiritually and this paper closes with a glimpse into how they have impacted my spiritual formation. By focusing on how things impact, inspire, and frustrate me theologically, I can put into words how the information contained in these chapters helped me to become more like Jesus.

Neff and McMinn Review Part A 3 Summary This paper will discuss the first three chapters of the book Embodying Integration: A Fresh Look at Christianity in the Therapy Room by Megan Anna Neff, and Mark R. McMinn. Chapter One is titled Lament - How do we make sense of the deep ashes in life? Chapter Two, Uncertainty, Meaning, and Enjoyment - Does anything make sense when the world is such a mess? and chapter three, Imaging God – What does my view of God have to do with my work as a counselor or psychotherapist? Chapter One delves into the intricate independence of grief, exploring its nuances, challenges, and therapeutic implications. It begins with poignant personal accounts like Pamela’s experience of traumatic loss and the insensitive handling of grief stages by a social worker. It reflects on the discomfort and distancing often associated with death and grief in society, underscored by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’s groundbreaking work on grief stages. However, it critiques the potential objectification and oversimplification of grief stages, highlighting the need for genuine, person-centered support in times of loss. The importance of formal grieving is emphasized, acknowledging Kubler-Ross’s contribution while advocating for a relational approach that honors the fluidity of emotions (Neff & McMinn, 2020). This chapter draws parallels between the cultural attitudes toward complaint and victimhood and the disembodied nature of grief and healing. It challenges the notion of synthetic hope as a defense mechanism against the painful realities of loss, advocating instead for fearless grieving that allows for deeper engagement with life. This chapter underscores the significance of authentic, embodied grieving, as exemplified by individuals like Beth, who courageously choose lament over avoidance. It raises questions about the costs of not grieving and the cultural factors contributing to disembodied living, urging Christian psychotherapists to address these issues in their practice.

Neff and McMinn Review Part A 4 The integration conversation starters invite reflection on personal and professional attitudes toward grief and offer a framework for fostering embodied, wholehearted living in therapeutic settings (Neff & McMinn, 2020). Overall, this chapter provides a rich tapestry of insights into the multifaceted nature of grief and the profound impact of relational support and spiritual integration in the healing journey. Chapter two explores the intricate process of human meaning-making, drawing attention to the distinctions between global meaning-making systems like religion and situational meaning-making systems. Its primary focus is on Christianity as a global meaning-making system, and highlights its core tenets like the triune God, Scripture, sin, atonement, and hope in heaven. However, it acknowledges the vulnerabilities within these beliefs, particularly the debates around the inerrancy of Scripture and interpretations of key doctrines (Neff & McMinn, 2020). Chapter two provides strategies for cultivating mindfulness and presence in daily life, including practices like centering prayer and mindful eating. It shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the challenges individuals face in reconciling faith with doubt, emphasizing the importance of presence and acceptance rather than attempting to impost doctrinal certainty. Furthermore, chapter two explores the biblical concept of “hebel”, and the invitation to find joy and gratitude in life despite its uncertainties. It discusses the burgeoning interest in gratitude within psychology and theology, linking it to the Christian concept of grace and the acknowledgment of life’s gifts as expressions of divine love. This chapter discusses gratitude uncertainty, practicing gratitude, and being fully present to experience the richness of life and God’s provision, even amidst its fleeting nature and inherent challenges (Neff & McMinn, 2020). Chapter three revolves around the themes of self-offering, relationality, burnout among helping professionals, the concept of buffered selves and porous selves, and the importance of

Neff and McMinn Review Part A 5 rest and Sabbath in combating burnout and prompting spiritual well-being. Chapter three explores theological, psychological, and practical dimensions of self-offering, relationality, burnout, and rest, offering insights and strategies for fostering a more integrated approach to personal and professional well-being. Drawing from Christian creation narratives, the concept of the image Dei is explored emphasizing humanity’s creation out of God’s abundance rather than need. This self-offering nature of God invites humans into non-coercive, generous relationships with one another and with the divine, reflecting God’s delight in humanity (Neff & McMinn, 2020). The discussion extends to burnout among helping professionals, identified through emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. This chapter discusses the importance of rest and Sabbath in combating burnout and promoting spiritual well- being. Sabbath is presented as a deliberate resistance to the culture of grasping and productivity, inviting individuals to embrace embodied rest and connection with God, others, and nature. Neff and McMinn (2020) share personal reflections and practical suggestions for integrating rest and Sabbath into daily life, acknowledging the challenges of balancing professional demands with self-care. They invite readers to reflect on their views of God, rest, and the pursuit of balance in promoting overall well-being. The contrast between buffered selves and porous selves is discussed here, highlighting the shift from a modernist, self-contained view of the individual to a more relational understanding influenced by contemporary neuroscience. Porous selves emphasize interconnectedness and mutual influence, challenging the notion of self-contained autonomy (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014). Reflection The information in Chapter One provided a comprehensive exploration of grief from multiple perspectives, providing valuable insights and practical implications for counselors and

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help