Psychology Theology And Spirituality In Christian Counseling Analysis

Hawkins and Clinton (2015), stated that using the knowledge of counseling and incorporating it in the theology and spirituality, delivers a deeper counseling session with clients seeking a closer connection to God and a sense of hope (p. 8). Psychological issues apart from spiritual issues are presented in the text. Hawkins and Clinton (2015) argue the “overcoming the faith gap” as an issue, and state that the most challenging part for clients seeking services is doubting the fact that, incorporating theology/spirituality counseling may not fulfill their needs (p.

Within the psychology field and in society, there is a common belief that theological principles, scripture, Christianity, and psychological principles are not compatible. Instead they believe that modern psychology is secular, scientific, and sacrilegious. However, many Christian psychologists and counselors, organizations and associations such as the Society for Christian Psychology, are striving to unite, integrate and incorporate Christian values, principles and knowledge into modern psychological counseling, research, and practice. Two of the main perspectives that tries to merge the two principles and theories is the Integration perspective and the Christian Psychology perspective.

Ron Hawkins and Tim Clinton (2015), The New Christian Counselor: A Fresh Biblical & Transformational Approach book, is a resourceful guide for Christian counselors. Hawkins and Clinton (2015) state, “that the discipline of Christian Counseling is growing into a solid and substantiated multifaceted scriptural discipline of wide-reaching distinction” (p. 5). Furthermore, the definition of what Christian counseling is has changed over time.

Bob Kelleman, in his book Gospel-Centered Counseling, suggests that a study of human mind is not a product of modern psychology. However, men’s attempt to know and understand human suffering and problems began even far back from Greek philosophy. Thus, Paul rightly says in Colossians 2:8, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ (KJV).” However, it is certainly true that rise of psychology in modern era restricted the use of counseling to a secular world, while breaking a tie between counseling and religion in its usage. Secular society claimed counseling has no place in religion, its usage and methodology can be utilized and systemized only by pure science. This is how Christian ministry began to lose a counseling in its domain.

Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling by McMinn was published in 1996. This book was written to help Christian counselors gain knowledge on the latest information and new techniques of Christian counseling. McMinn captures the spiritual and mental side of psychotherapy, he teaches his readers that spiritual discipline is needed to ensure successful counseling sessions. Biblical quotations and scriptures are used throughout the book to show how McMinn integrates spiritual into counseling. Throughout the book he also incorporates many concepts and theories relating to Christian counseling.

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,

Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling by Mark R. McMinn (McMinn, 1996) covers a Christian counselor's life in and out of counseling sessions. McMinn's book is dedicated to recognizing and developing the relationship between counseling and Christian faith rather than a dry Theology. This resource work divides the discussion into 8 chapters, each addressing a vital aspect of Christian psychological counseling and each having a section outlining challenges, methods and anticipated outcomes. The first chapter is co-written with James C. Wilhoit and stresses the importance of the counseling/faith relationship while presenting various challenges confronting the counselor and possible approaches to facing those challenges. The second chapter enumerates the Christian faith's major

Prayer and scripture are very important in Christian counseling. The counselor needs to know the proper time and purpose to incorporate them into sessions with clients or whether to use them or not. The goals of Christian counseling have many parts. Unlike other counselors, Christian counselors not only focus on mental health but on spiritual growth. In order for spiritual growth to happen prayer and scripture at some point need to be brought into the session with clients. McMinn (2011) expresses, “At the heart of Christian spirituality is a healing relationship with God” (p. 41). When a person is broken

Mark R. McMinn’s (2011) Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling establish a way to bring Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality to Christian Counselors. He introduces a replica of how to integrate the three disciplines in the counseling office. The purpose of the book is to instruct counselors how to integrate categories of Psychology, Theology and Spirituality into Christian Counseling. McMinn (2011) contends that many challenges both professional and personal face Christian Counselors on the frontier of intradisciplinary integration. (Intradisciplinary integration is the new emerging frontier for Christian Counselors).

Garzon (2005) seeks to describe ways in which a therapist may use Scripture within psychotherapy interventions and to increase the awareness of therapists in these techniques. He bases this description by utilizing a case study by the name of George. Garzon contemplates issues surrounding scripture interventions. The article proceeds to relate interventions that use implicit scripture, psycho educational, theo educational, behavioral, cognitive, and affective experiential approaches.

Clinton, T. & Ohlschlager, G. (2002). Competent Christian counseling: Foundations & practice of compassionate soul care. Colorado Springs, CO: WaterBrook Press.

McMinn, M. (1996). Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. ISBN: 0-8423-5252-X).

Many Christians believe that once they have accepted Christ and developed a relationship with him that their problems will vanish. But that could be further from the truth. According to Crabb (1977) when Christians begin to experience that acceptance and fellowship with the Lord, that is most likely when problems that have been hidden will arise (p. 15). It is for this reason that the need for Christian counseling has become essential to helping people cope with the strife of life. There are steps that can be taken that allows people to have a closer walk with Christ while fixing the problems that arise from daily living. Counseling requires caring and understanding and nothing is a more effective way of counseling than modeling the love of Christ. Some professional counselors feel threatened or dismiss the thought of Christian counseling. But they need to become aware that to face the struggles in particular the ones that are happening in society today, a biblical approach with the Lord considered the true head counselor is the most effective way to help people life this life on earth so that they can someday live life eternally with the Father. Crabb believes that biblical counseling is effective and lays out a guideline as to how Christian counselors should counsel. But the three articles on counseling have opposing and sometimes similar views.

Psychologists’ perspectives play an important role in how they approach research and the treatment of their clients. Today Christian psychologists are trying to figure where their faith fits in with their psychological practices. God has supplied Christians with Biblical answers regarding how one is to live one’s life that can be found in His word, but the question remains “How does one integrate God’s word with psychological perspectives or should integration between Christian faith and secular psychology even take place”? Christians debate whether an Integrated Perspective or a Christian Psychology Perspective is the proper way to conduct psychological endeavors.

Psychologists are professionals with a responsibility to provide the best care possible to the individuals that need their assistance. This is why it is mandatory to continue training and education, to remain current in the knowledge of treatment methods to ensure the optimal quality of services provided (Fisher, 2013). With that said, psychologists ponder whether religion and spirituality should be integrated into methods of therapy and if so, what types of effects it can have on recovery for a patient. Before that can be done, there needs to be a definition of religion and spirituality to distinguish if there is a notable difference. According to Hodge (2011), spirituality can be understood as one’s personal relationship with the Transcendent (Universe) whereas religion can be described as the institution or community of a collective of people that share common beliefs and practices. There have been arguments in favor and in opposition in regards to the incorporation of religion, mostly the concern is to make certain that all treatments are constructed to protect and enhance one’s quality of life. Therefore, the obligation of the psychologist is to avoid harm in any manner possible, and to guarantee such prevention, the psychologist must discern if the inclusion of religion/spirituality will be considered an ethical violation (Fisher, 2013).