A Review of Therapists' Integration of Religion and Spirituality in Counseling

The study of psychology and Christianity has been known to be at odds over the past several decades. Many believe that Christianity and Psychology cannot mix or intertwine. They believe a person can only believe in one but not both. In this essay I will discuss what the integration view entails in reference to psychology and Christianity. I will then discuss the major objectives that can arise from this view and follow by the counter objectives and core strengths of this view. I then will give an example of how this view can be used practically in a counseling situation.

The integration of psychology and theology is so intertwined that it has caused ill-well between the two disciplines. The over-arching concern for a counselor is to understand the why of a person disorder. In trying to understand the why, there are issues concerning the mind of the person, the thought process, their body, their soul, their temporal and the supernatural systems that can be manipulated if they are not living with a healthy lifestyle. So what a counselor is trying to discover is the physical function of individuals as well as trying to uncover the spiritual components of their lives, which can be worked through within the intake process, however it does not need to be left out during the counseling process. This is best said in the words of McMinn (1996) who declares “the best interdisciplinary integration work usually comes from those who have formal or informal preparation in both psychology and theology” (p. 9). Scripture states in, II Chronicles 1:10, says “give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours” (New International Version)? This research article will endeavor to search through varies theories to aid counselors in the integration process of psychology and theology. Because the ultimate goal for any counselor especially the Christian counselor is to be used as an instrument for God to bring about healthy living, corrective thoughts, and eradicate persistent sins.

Christian counselors have a responsibility to their clients to integrate psychology and theology in their therapeutic approaches. Incorporating multiple components however is not as straight forward as one might think. In Psychology Theology, and Spirituality (McMinn, 2011) McMinn discusses the benefits of an integrated counseling approach that strives to promote “both spiritual and emotional growth” (McMinn, 2011, p. 5) by including a third element; spirituality, or more specifically, spiritual formation. Finding the proper blend of elements can be challenging even for a seasoned therapist.

A therapist can help construct a reality that incorporates the values and morals of religions and the idea of a less than perfect life. By embracing the narrative, the individual can reconcile the guilt felt by not completing the tenets perfectly and create a world view that highlights the goodness and strength of the person. The idea of perfectionism in religion and the constructs of guilt and shame hinder the individual and can create depression, anxiety and conflict in relationships. Ziola and Jose were clients that experienced internal conflict due to religious ideals they were unable to obtain. Enclosed is the story of their brief experience of therapy to address their

In this paper, I discussed my personal theory regarding the integration of Christianity and psychology, as it relates to my beliefs, and how the summation of these two components will be reflected in my future counseling practice. I considered several factors that were critical to my personal counseling theory. First, I considered the human personality, such as, individual differences, motivations, and human development. Each person is unique; however, both Christianity and psychology have discovered common threads that are woven throughout the human race, and I believe that information is imperative to the counseling process. Next,

There are several key concepts in this study. Religion and spirituality are discussed and compared to the knowledge and skills one learns when dealing with multicultural counseling. Walker, Gorsuch, and Tan (2004), there are three approaches to integrating religious and spirituality in counseling, explicit integration, implicit integration, and intrapersonal integration. Explicit integration “is a more overt approach that directly and systematically deals with spiritual or religious issues in therapy and uses spiritual resources” (Tan, 1996a; as cited in Walker et al., 2004, p. 70). The implicit integration is described as “a more covert approach that does not initiate the discussion of religious or spiritual issues and does not openly, directly, or systematically use spiritual resources” (Tan, 1996a; as cited in Walker et al., 2004, p. 70). Finally the authors discuss intrapersonal integration which “refers to the manner in which a therapist uses his or her personal religious or spiritual experiences in counseling” (Tan, 1996a; as cited in Walker et al., 2004, p. 70)

Some may say that spirituality and religion are like two peas in a pond. They definitely are in the same area of study, but they are different in many aspects. Spirituality can be defined as a personal relationship with God or a higher being. Depending upon someone’s spirituality it can be described as a quality, journey, relationship or capacity (Janse van Rensburg, Poggenpoel, Myburgh, & Szabo, 2015). Whereas religion can be defined as an organized group that all members worship a higher being. Religion usually identifies in a group setting, whereas spirituality is more intimate and singular. Spirituality and religion is used as a coping mechanism in a wide variety of people’s homes (Elkonin, Brown, & Naicker, 2014). At the end of the day no matter what one believes or practices they are on a common ground of spirituality and religion.

According to Clinton & Sibcy (2012), “spirituality and the importance of faith-based counseling has become the fifth force in mental health care” (p.142). When seeking mental health service, many require assistance from their respective spiritual figure such as a priest or pastor first. This counseling method is use to form a connection to a higher source in order to see the larger picture; however, this form is not conducive to everyone as many victim are not religious and spiritual making it difficult to connect. Often, the victim may become mad their higher source as they believe this respective religious figure allowed this traumatic event to occur forming a disconnection delaying

Summary Opinion counts, different psychologists have the different scope on viewing certain scenarios in life. In the book Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling, Mark McMinn (1996) draws a different conclusion in the field of counseling for the help of religion. It is obvious that religion plays a significant role in a human being's life and including it in different therapy sessions. Religion ties an individual to believe, principals and also commitment, and through it there is a chance of healing for various individuals. The combination of the science study of therapy and religion is a remarkable cure for various psychological problems. It also helps in the treatment of both the counselor and the patient. The primary ideology

Dwyer, M. (2010). Religion, Spirituality, and Social Work: A Quantitative and Qualitative Study on the Behaviors of Social Workers in Conducting Individual Therapy, Smith College Studies in Social Work., 80:2-3, 139-158. Retrieved 12/03/2016 from Wilkinson, Courtney, "Spirituality and Religion in Social Work: Respondent Definitions" (2012). Master of Social Work Clinical

This study also provided insight from the DCE/ACCE on how spirituality training should be incorporated in education, and the authors provided their own suggestions as well. It is suggested that this area should be incorporated into the core curriculum and inserted in courses such as professionalism, ethics or wellness and then reinforced during the clinical education (Lavinder, Patel, Campo & Lichtman, 2012). It is also suggested to be offered as a seminar (Lavinder, Patel, Campo & Lichtman,

Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling, by Mark R. McMinn “is a book for those wanting to explore the frontier of intra-disciplinary integration” (McMinn, 2011, p.9). Once the strong foundation of intradisciplinary integration is established McMinn goes on to list six challenges that arise when exploring the new frontier within the counselor setting. He then discusses the pattern of healing and finally list six spiritual tools. Bottom line McMinn hopes that Christian counselors “will be those who seek deep wisdom through study, meaningful relationships in Christian community, and spiritual humility” (McMinn, 2011, p. 32).

In conclusion the model of historical integration question: is science enemies or allies? Christianity and psychology are needed and can be engrafted together to provide doctrinal truth as well as worldly truth. There are several types of counseling with several challenges and risks. Integrating psychology and theology were said to be a slow process but there is a need for it. Medication may be needed by a client for mental health issues as well as other health issues and counseling, rather secular or Christian counseling the concern should be for the client’s well-being and restoration.

Integrating religion in counseling has proven to be a slow process, and possibly a forgotten topic within the psychotherapy field. Undeniably, spiritual and secular counseling both focus on offering effective methods that will help a client/patient learn how to address positive reinforcers that can create body, mind, and spirit wellness. Conversely, Christian counseling moved beyond simple lay work, it still is missing from becoming a focal point in the professional counseling field. Many religious counselors believe that spirituality and psychotherapy are best when they work hand in hand, blended to create the upmost human life spiritual centered and psychological wellbeing (Oakes & Raphel, 2008, p. 240). According to McCullough (1999) Christian

Integration of psychology, theology, and spirituality provides students an overview of integration models as a theoretical and practical foundation for faith-based counseling. In order to practice Christian counseling, professional counselors must be able to articulate a Christian worldview and understand the way in