Wright also, narrates confrontation to articulating empathy for an individual in assisting them to make healthier choices. On the other hand, the volume misses the mark to mention the awareness of biblical rebuke and the right the right time to use this kind of confrontation. If confrontation is used too quick in the relationship it can cause damage to the counselor’s relationship with the counselee, but then again the type of confrontation necessary is also a significant concern that ought to be
4-MAT Review of Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling By Mark McMinn Gary Howell # 919 429-2067 Liberty University March 29 2013 4-MAT Review of Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Summary In Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling (McMinn, 1996), the author discusses both the spiritual lives of Christian counselors as well as what happens behind closed doors in counseling. One of the best descriptions of what Christian counseling should look like is explained by McMinn. McMinn (1996, pp. 5-6) in the first chapter: This book focuses on the integration of Christian theology, psychological and spirituality, teaching how to apply spiritual techniques that can be used in a therapeutic setting in order to help the client spiritual health, whereby the clients can be helped to grow both spiritually and emotionally. This book is centered on the truth of Christ and deliberately focuses the counselor maintaining their Christian belief as they implement their counseling methods.
The counselor’s goal should be to help the person find their significance by helping them understand who they are in Christ (Crabb, 71). A person also needs assistance finding security, which is the demand that they be unconditionally loved, accepted and cared for, now and forever [by God] (Crabb, 72). The counselor should seek to help meet these needs through biblical teaching and counseling techniques. 2. Development of problems and personal need (How do the issues come about?)
The book comprehensively discusses the concept of mental health and how biblical counseling addresses the whole person, body, mind, soul, and spirit. Health Promotion Practice, 9(1), 68-75.Salladay, S. Until then, it is perhaps best if his methods and steps are restricted to those who are not suffering from serious disorders with life-threatening consequences. Therapy with God. Theme #1 - Integration of Theology and Psychology One of the basic themes in Anderson's (23) book is the idea that one’s identity in Christ can be fostered by counseling derived from a model based on Anderson's integration of both theology and psychology. The problem with this claim is that, like many of Anderson's claims, it is untested.
For healing to take place confrontation of sin must occur (McMinn, 2011). Before a counselor can confront a client about his sin they must feel comfortable enough in their relationship to open up and ask what is really going on. To get the client to feel comfortable enough to confront their sins McMinn (2011) suggest the counselor try and gain a rapport or mutual respect for each other. If a counselor jumps directly into confrontation of sin with the client, he may feel alienated and as if he were under attack. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles
There are a number of general dispositions to the idea of scripturally based interventions such as whether or not it is appropriate to push ones beliefs on their clientele. It also brings into question the existence of developing multiple relationships with one’s clients such as the pastoral and the therapeutic. One thing that Garzon (2005) highlights is that a benefit to developing a strong therapeutic alliance with ones clients is should develop an understanding for a client’s religious beliefs through assessment and also making sure that appropriate consents are obtained before proceeding with scriptural based therapeutic techniques. After Garzon (2005) sets the stage by helping the reader develop a strong sense of ethics being the primary focus of a practitioner, he then develops an overview of various scripture based interventions that would aid in the case study outlined in the article. The therapeutic elements of scripture based interventions rely heavily on incorporating themes, values, and truths espoused in the Bible, and the counselor’s goal is to help the client to identify these and internalize them.
The human race is a slave to sin and under the power of it. Yet even in our fallen state, there remains a measure of rationality and an innate awareness of morality. This inner consciousness is not sufficient to save, nor is it adequate to produce faith apart from the introduction of grace. Human intellect should not be trusted as “an impartial arbiter capable of standing outside the influence of the ego and returning a perfectly objective judgment.” Nevertheless, it is an indication of the creative handiwork of God. Paul describes the problem of sin as pervasive in Romans; indeed, he indicates it is universal.
At this time, I do not see myself ever utilizing the concept of direct censure. I feel that this would place me in a position of authority with my clients; it would create a potential feeling of hierarchy between the client and me. I understand the need to challenge a person to discover for themselves where they are not thinking or behaving in ways that are congruent with their faith, however, I don’t think it is up to the therapist to be the one to point out sin. I hope that if I am wrong, the Holy Spirit will convict me and guide me into a clearer understanding of how I can incorporate this without creating potential difficulties in the therapeutic
These models serves to assist readers in understanding their standpoints, whether for integrating both disciplines, against integrating them, or having a neutral opinion as to being able to integrate theology and psychology. Entwistle clearly shows how the two disciplines; theology and psychology can be integrated and work together towards the
Conversely, Adams has “tunnel vision” when it comes to the Christian Counseling approach. As long as Scriptural revelation is the basis of the process, psychological concepts can be integrated to build a more sound and effective approach that is substantiated by biblical truths. Adams clearly points out that we are separate from the world, we are to be wise Christians in all capacities. What is Dr. Adams approach in counseling a child who has learning issues in school with behavior problems and in the foster care system living in a negative environment? Kozulin et.