Christian Inventions: The Golden Rule In Counseling

No doubt that in the book written by David N. Entwistle Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, the author leaves the truths embodied in his book. Truths that for many to this day are still trying to accommodate in their vast knowledge they have concerning the psychological science. Many still fail to understand that both psychology and theology when they go hand in hand they can become allies in treating those who for one reason or another have external and internal conflicts.

Psychological studies are mainly based on the direct observation of human behavior, rather than reasoning or speculation. Psychology is like any other subject- the majority of people have a very shallow and basic understanding of what the study involves, and yet they lack a crucial knowledge of the major struggles and disagreements among those who study it. It does not surprise me that psychology is one of the more popular majors available. By nature, it sparks human curiosity, especially as to what contributes to the system of our thoughts and the pattern in our behaviors. For the first eighteen

At the beginning of the semester, the framework for professional clinical counseling was presented during the class session. The objective was to study what the world calls “counseling” and how it is designed to provide the correct treatment to these people. The professional clinical model calls for a trained professional to handle the catharsis of the client in a controlled environment on the basis of a fiduciary relationship. Deliberate and guided questions are asked from the therapist to encourage catharsis. Once the professional compiles sufficient evidence via resources and intuitivism, a treatment plan would be prescribed. The client has a choice of accepting the treatment or

It is my job as a professional to put all those differences aside and view my client as just that. A client of mine that has enlisted my help with an issue they are facing and my focus should remain on helping my client and not judging them for their lifestyle. Lastly, clients have the right to quality care. The NAADAC (2011) states, “The addiction professional espouses objectivity and integrity and maintains the highest standards in the services provided.” As a professional counselor I will be an advocate for my clients. I will stay up to date with the latest research and counseling techniques. In an article by Eberstein (1977) he states “ Don’t use new styles or fads for treatment when they have not yet been accepted or approved by your professional body.” Although we may use these new techniques we should be properly trained on how to use them properly first. Clients deserve to be provided with the best we have to offer which means updated assessments and quick results. I will keep my personal opinions to myself and will not attempt to force them onto my clients. I will remain professional at all times.

Professional counseling leaves room for the client to return to their original state of problems. The fact of the matter is, there are many people who are dealing with issues, however, it is a heart condition of dealing with a sinful state. Therefore, this heart condition should be dealt with from a biblical prospective. The Bible declares, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can understand it” (Jeremiah 17:9). Although, some of the above approaches are effective, however, it leaves the counselor and the client short of the goal of total healing. It is imperative for a Christian counselor to stand firm on the central goal of assisting someone. With some of the secular approaches they do not get to the root cause of a problem that is plaguing an individual. Moreover, the living word of God is the difference maker in counseling session. “All scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17). There are many issues that people are dealing with that a secular counseling approaches may not assist with. For instance, if someone is dealing with un-forgiveness, a secular counselor may not be able to help them. In addition, it would be hard for them to help a client that is struggling with guilt, to accept the grace of God’s forgiveness. There

Allowing for our ethical codes of conduct, if the client is someone we feel we can proceed with, then as always, the first stage would be to develop a good rapport and gain the clients trust to develop an honest and open relationship with them. The client centred approach as always is the best method for this – to put the client at ease in a non-judgemental space where they can express their emotions and explore what it is they want to achieve with therapy. In giving the therapist an

After reading McMinn’s (2007) book, Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling, and reflecting and evaluating the information on McMinn’s discussions on the correlation between psychology, spirituality, theology, and counseling, and pondering on picking out which concepts that I found unique, I have narrowed it down to the following three concepts: The redemptive funnel, forgiveness, and Scripture. The first concept that was unique for me was McMinn’s (2007) redemptive funnel. This is unique because the way that McMinn depicts redemption by breaking down the scripture into a visual and layman terms brought about a better understanding of the absolute truth of God’s redemption. Before reading McMinn’s (2007) redemptive funnel I only thought about redemption as God giving his only son to die on the cross so we can be redeemed and receive his salvation. McMinn’s (2007) description and message on the importance of not only recognized Christ’s redemption as an essential for Christian faith, but that it is also equally imperative for one to recall both ends of the redemptive funnel, meaning that both general acts of redemption

The new Christian Counsellor: A fresh Biblical and Transformational Approach is a book that aims to teach people and empower them to take possession of their souls in the contemporary life of a multi-faceted approach design. The authors are seasoned Christian counsellors who have a vast experience in dealing with people’s psycho-spiritual issues from a Christian point of view (Hawkins & Clinton, 2015 p.6). Through their noble ideas, the professors seek to guide their reads through the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives, under the influence of God’s word and in a manner that is supportive of the accountability ideas of the entire community.

In the book, “Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling”, author Mark McMinn gives the reader information on how these three entities can work together in Christian counseling. McMinn offers several ways in which this can be done including the use of prayer, Scripture, confession, forgiveness, the effects of sin, and redemption in counseling sessions. Through narration of counseling vignettes displaying different results, from different approaches demonstrates for the reader integration. There are very many counselors in different walks in their faith and McMinn helps to explore this area for future and practicing clinicians.

There are many values this writer wishes to incorporate into a counseling relationship. The fundamental values this writer wishes to incorporate are: flexibility, self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy. The ability to be flexible and alter what one does in order to fit the client’s needs is crucial to establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship. Flexibility can be demonstrated in many different ways, such as the way the therapist interacts with the client, the tone of voice that is utilized, down to the way the therapist provides material to the client. In being flexible, treatment is able to remain focused on the client and his or her needs (Egan, 2014).

It is evident in the world today that there is a need for guidance and counseling. There are many statistics of issues the world faces that prove the need treatment. For example, 35% of persons who marry end up divorced. 40% of children live in a home where a father is not present. By age 18, 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by someone they love and/or trust. Approximately every 20 minutes a person commits suicide within the United States (Clinton, 2005). This list goes on and is even found within the church. Professional counseling and lay Christian counseling have found a way to help individuals overcome these issues though certain techniques and methods. These techniques and methods are often adopted from secular psychologists such as Carl Rogers who founded Client-Centered Therapy. While both counseling groups have a goal to help individuals overcome their issues, should Christian counselors, specifically, accept secular professional counseling techniques?

In today’s society many disorders may arise. Some of these issues include eating disorders, anxiety, gender-identity disorders, depression, addictions, and many others. However, there is another issue that brings individuals in the counseling setting, and that is the issue of sex and sexuality. Issues stemming from sex and sexuality can arise from same-sex attraction, pornography, infidelity, hormonal issues, and/or negative, inadequate beliefs and perceptions concerning sexuality. Licensed professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, etc…, are trained and usually prepared for these types of disorders, however, certain types of counselors, licensed or not, are not trained in this area. There are various distorted views on sexuality, and these distorted views are across the board. So it begs the question are Christian counselors equipped to handle these types of disorders and many others. If so, what models do they follow in order to help an individual struggling with these issues? This critique will interview a Christian counselor/Addition specialist concerning her viewpoint on human sexuality and her personal model for decision-making in dealing with individuals who struggle in the area of sexuality and/or in any of the other aforementioned areas.

It needs to be recognised that every client is individual and there is no guarantee how they will go about the therapeutic process. These stages should only be looked as a guide to some of the steps the client may take.

In order to go forth with any counseling session; one needs to study the Bible passage carefully to discover biblical principles applicable to each person and what they are going through, then one will need to utilize said Godly principles. Consequently, one will need to be creative in how the Bible is used in each counseling session. One will need to ensure that they get to know the person that they are counseling, the issues that they face, and what their spiritual belief is.

As everybody is different and comes from different backgrounds, therefore give us all different values and beliefs, it is important to have an effective client-counsellor relationship based on four main areas of duty of care 1. Helper competence, 2. Client autonomy, 3. Confidentiality, 4. Client protection (Nelson-Jones, 2008). There will be times throughout the sessions with clients that your own values and belief creep in, and you do make judgement, therefore you as a counsellor have to know and acknowledge this happen and understand why it is happening.