...A Review of McMinn’s Text: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Ashley Pasquale Liberty University Online Christian Counseling Summary Written by Mark R. McMinn, Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling (2011) contains a vast amount of information regarding the use of prayer, scripture and spirituality in counseling; beginning with the explanation of interdisciplinary integration versus intradisciplinary integration. Interdisciplinary integration includes the integration of psychology and theology in order to provide better counseling. Intradisciplinary includes both of those as well, but goes further to include spirituality within the scope of Christian counseling (McMinn,...
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...As Christian counselors, it is vital for the long-term validation of our field of work to be respected by professional psychological institutions to provide empirical scientific studies of our treatment programs. Most of us will be lay counselors, some of us will move to become licensed in order to be allowed conduct professional counseling. However, professional psychological institutions base their counseling doctrine based upon empirical scientific research and study. Therefore, as Christian lay, and hopeful licensed Christian counselors it is imperative for us to also evaluate ourselves to the same standard as our professional psychological peers do as-well. To be able to prove that Christian counseling models are effective we must conduct...
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...What is Christian Couples Counseling? Christian couples counseling at Tacoma Christian Counseling offers you and your partner a safe, compassionate place where you can express your relationship needs and concerns. By focusing on the relationship along with the unique perspectives of each partner, we can work to change areas of weakness both on an individual level and as it pertains to how you interact with each other. God created us with a need to connect with others, but sometimes cares and temptations in this world stand in the way of what we could have in Christ. By leaning on faith and drawing wisdom and guidance from the teachings of Jesus, you can build a relationship as God intended — one of love, compassion, and dedication. Calling...
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...Given the fact that as of 2014 approximately 30% of Americans identify as non-Christian (Pew Research Center, 2015) I am unsure why a counselor would limit themselves to solely counseling Christians. Furthermore, even though Christians may need counseling just as much as non-Christians Jesus said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17, NASB). Moreover, “The Christian share of the U.S. population is declining, while the number of U.S. adults who do not identify with any organized religion is growing” (Pew Research Center, 2015). Limiting yourself to only counseling Christians would seem to be not only a waste of a therapist’ talent and skill,...
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...In order for Christian Counseling to be effective, an emphasis must be placed on the utilization of a curative theology, and the promotion of biblical sanctification. There are many instances when temporary relief can be found through secular psychology, but that relief is most often fleeting, and the person is quickly thrust back into a world inundated with “father absence, abuse, violence, marital discord, and emotional problems” (Clinton, Hart, & Ohlschlager, 2005). By emphasizing a curative theology, a healing or cure, rather than symptom relief, Christian Counselors will be more effective in the long-term recovery of their patients. Author Dallas Willard offers a concise viewpoint on the shortcomings of secular psychologists, saying; “Obviously, the problem is a spiritual one. And so must be the cure” (Clinton, Hart, & Ohlschlager, 2005). Until a person comes to the realization that we are all fallen sinners (Rom. 3:23, ESV), and comes to repentance, faith, and love in Christ, the “cure” will always allude them. Once a person is justified by faith alone, they are able to understand that “God will never allow a situation to develop in any believer’s life to which he cannot respond biblically” (Crabb, 2013). Jesus Christ is the cure, but biblical sanctification is not immediate in the way that regeneration is, it is progressive. While we have an eternal cure in Jesus Christ, we will encounter sin, depression, and resentments that continue to occur after one is saved...
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...4-Mat Review 4- MAT Review 2: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Liberty University Diane Jaynes McMinn, Ph.D., Mark R. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (2011) 4- MAT Review 1: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Summary McMinn used psychology, theology and spirituality in the process of supporting individuals with improving distinctive facets of their lives. For a counselor to be effective, McMinn stated throughout the book that it is very imperative that the therapist be fervent and resilient within their personal piety. (McMinn, 2011) McMinn talks about the numerous defenses therapists need to take and he also discussed limitations that counselors face. It can be perplexing for Counselors to articulate their own spirituality when integrating it into their counseling session (McMinn, 2011). Therapist also feel that sharing their spirituality can also be difficult, for the reason that they may possibly feel unsure about their Bible knowledge (McMinn, 2011). And as a solution therapists will just not use anything from the Bible in their counseling sessions since the counselor surely does not want to muddy the waters any more for the individual or elucidate the meaning contrarily (McMinn, 2011). Guidance has been made available by McMinn to any therapist that desire to increase spirituality within their clients therapy sessions, and at the same time, increase their own spirituality (McMinn, 2011). When integrating Christianity...
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...Nadine Mooney December 12, 2014 Christian Counseling The goal of Christian Counseling, according to Dr. Crabb, is to become more like the Lord. Counseling can go down many roads, leaving patients with the “I want to feel good” feeling, or I want to be happy (Crabb, 1977, p. 22). However, in order to fully be happy or to feel good, you must put the Lord first, especially in counseling. The more I abide in Christ, the more I will enjoy the pleasures available in fellowship with God (happiness) (Crabb, 1977, p. 22). Crabb has found that through years of counseling, putting God first, and attempting to be more Christ like, are the only true ways to actually feel good and to feel happy (Crabb, 1977, p. 22). The Lord fills us with unspeakable joy and peace, so much more than anything the world offers (Crabb, 1977, p. 22). Finding happiness for the patients should never be the goal, being more like Christ, should be the goal (Crabb, 1977, p. 22). Counseling, is not only about putting God first, it also about being a trustworthy counselor. As a Christian counselor, what you believe, how you feel and act, what you do and don’t do, matter, a lot. You need to make sure you are building a counseling ministry that is full of caring (Clinton, Archibald, & Ohlschlager, 2005, p. 29). The counselor-client relationship is one of the most important pieces to the Christian Counseling puzzle, and without a client trusting you that puzzle winds up missing a huge amount of pieces...
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...intriguing a very intellectual writer and has a way of convincing the reader with his philosophies. I will discuss the four perspectives: Goal of Christian Counseling, Basic Concepts, Basic Strategy, and Developing a Counseling Program in the local Church as recorded in Effective Biblical Counseling. Then will Compare and Contrast the assigned articles listed in the course. Goal of Christian Counseling Dr. Crabb, stated, “many of us place top priority not on becoming Christ like in the middle of our problems but on finding happiness. People want to be happy but the paradoxical truth is that you will never be happy if you are concerned primarily with becoming happy. Your goal must be in every circumstance to respond biblically, to put the Lord first, to seek to behave, as He would want you to. The wonderful truth is that as we devote all our energies to the task of becoming what Christ wants us to be, He fills us with joy unspeakable and peace far surpassing what the world offers. We must reject the goal of becoming happy and adopt the goal of becoming more like the Lord” (Crabb, 1977, p20). Most people look for happiness in tangible things that you can feel touch or see and still find that they are coming up short and unhappy after the high has settled. As Christians our primary goal should be to trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and lean not into our own understanding acknowledge him and he will direct...
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...A therapeutic crossroads My client is a young woman, white, middle-class and well-educated. She came into therapy because she feels unable to proceed in any direction with her work life, or make meaningful contact with anyone apart from her partner; she has been very unhappy for a long, long time. In sessions, she often lapses into silence, unable to move or speak. Sometimes we can talk around this, and it soon became clear to both of us that this state reflects her inner relationship with her mother. She knows that her parents love her, and she loves them; but she grew up without really questioning that how she thinks, feels and acts must match what her mother expects and can cope with. Otherwise, and particularly if anger is involved, she is overwhelmed with foreboding and terrible guilt. Coming into therapy has brought these dangerous feelings to the fore; but it is as though I am her mother, and so she cannot speak. As I sit with my client in her agony of self-consciousness, I have a choice to make. I could introduce an active mode of therapy. We could take her mother out of me and put her on a cushion where, with my encouragement, she might be able to develop communication back and forth. Alternatively, we might explore the acute bodily tensions that are part of her paralysed state, to help her give voice to what they are mutely saying. I would be taking the choice of standing alongside my client so that we could face her problems together. We would be locating those problems...
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...Christian Counseling attempts to provide encouragement and guidance for those who are facing losses, decisions, or disappointments. Counseling can stimulate personality growth and development, help people cope more effectively with the problems of living, with inner conflict, and with crippling emotions, assist individuals, family members, and married couples to resolve interpersonal tensions or relate effectively to one another and assist persons whose life patterns are self-defeating and causing unhappiness. The Christian counselor seeks to bring people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to help them find forgiveness and relief from the crippling effects of sin and guilt. Therapist Characteristics A Christian counselor has beliefs about the attributes of God, the nature of human beings, the authority of Scripture, the reality of sin, the forgiveness of God and the hope for the future. The counselor seeks to help counselees change behavior, attitudes, values, faulty thinking and/or perceptions. We attempt to teach skills, including social skills, to encourage recognitions and expression of emotion, to give support in times of need, to teach responsibility, to instill insight, to guide as decisions are made, to help counselees mobilize inner and environmental resources in times of crisis, to teach problem-solving skills, and to increase counselee competence. The Christian counselor also seeks to stimulate spiritual growth, encourage confession of sin and...
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...Withers CC 201 Part I: Goal of Christian Counseling Psalm 1:1-2 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” The scripture goes on to say that “he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of the water, that brings forth his fruit in his season.” The scripture speaks of the power of wise counsel. It shows us that wise counsel will cause us to prosper and bear fruit. Also, wise counsel will give the ability to create stability in our lives. In this essay one will be able to understand the difference between worldly or secular counsel verses bible counseling based upon biblical principles. There are many similarities between the two types of counsel, but there are also equal differences. To begin, biblical counsel starts with underlining the importance of having the mind of Christ. (Philippians 2:5) Not only is it important to renew our minds so that we can begin to develop the mind of Christ but as we think Christ-like our lives become Christ-like and we receive the heart of God. The difference between biblical counsel and secular counsel starts with the way that one is trained to think. Joyce Meyers once said that “every battle begins in the mind”. If we can have a renewed mind then we can have a successful life. According to Crabb our goal as Christians should be to respond biblical to...
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...PL 530 CHRISTIAN COUNSELING THAT REALLY WORKS COMPASS THERAPY IN ACTION BY DR. DAN MONTGOMERY PUBLISHED BY COMPASS WORKS, 2006 PAPER WRITTEN BY REV. STEVE BUSE MASTER’S IN CHRISTIAN COUNSELING PAPER PREPARED FOR NEWBURGH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AND COLLEGE OF THE BIBLE SUBMITTED FOR GRADING ON JANUARY 12, 2016 The book Christian Counseling That Really Works was a great book to read. It gives examples of twenty five techniques that one can use in counseling. The book talks about the compass therapy approach, which I thought would be a very helpful tool when working a counseling session. I am looking forward to putting some of these techniques into action in the years to come. The Compass Therapy combines counseling or therapy with Christian beliefs. A counselor must use good counseling techniques with Christ’s healing power. Study cases have shown the there are two polarities that make up a persons personality. These polarities are love/assertion and weakness/strength. These polarities make up what they call the LAWS of personality and relationships. These LAWS can help you choose between healthy and unhealthy personalities. The LAWS break down into four quadrants of a circle. The four quadrants are called love, assertion, weakness and strength. The circle represents boundaries. These boundaries separate people from the world giving each person their own...
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...I am a Christian going on to become a counselor and Psychologist. Here is my philosophy that I began writing. It is not complete but will be soon. Introduction: The Need for Biblical Counseling The need for Biblical counseling has always been a need ever since the beginning of sin. When Adam and Eve chose to disobey God in the garden of Eden, a terrible thing happened. Sin had entered into the world, and through sin, sickness, pain, addiction, and hardships also came with it. and it is growing, because Christian and secular culture have changed. The practice of studying and understanding Gods Word has been neglected as people drift away from books and memorization, to electronics and reminders on their devices. People do not think for themselves anymore because there is always an article or some made-up doctrine that fits ones agenda instead of Gods Holy Word. Defining Biblical Counseling – Biblical counseling is selflessly helping people with using a God centered, Biblically immersed, use of language and fellowship to help a person bring glory to God in and through their life using Gods Words Truths. Contrary to secular counseling where the counselor is focused on fixing the problem at hand and nothing more, Biblical counseling has a relational aspect to it meaning that it involves a relationship between two people. It also involves going to and using Gods Holy Word for answers and applying it to one’s life by taking steps to change. One must believe Scripture is...
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...affects are the results of depression. Things such as weight loss, achiness, and other symptoms that are unexplainable to physicians are often attributed to depression. It is estimated that 6.7 percent of Americans who are over the age of 18 suffer at some point from depression in any given year.[1] Christians are not immune to depression or its affects. Pastors and Christian counselors often meet people who face depression for a variety of reasons, up to and including sin. Inside of the Christian circle there are many different views and methods on handling depression. Some view depression as an illness, and say that it is something that cannot be controlled by the person who is experiencing it. Others say that depression is always the result of some type of sin guilt, and that the person who experiencing depression has a need in one way or another to release this sin and ask for forgiveness. Even as it relates to hardship or things that are out of the counselee’s control, proponents of this view say that the depressed person did or does not trust God and reacted to the problem in a sinful way, and therefore is depressed because of their failure to handle things in a Godly way. Christians who have this view for the most part are not attempting to be harsh, but in most cases are...
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...Christian Clients’ Preferences Regarding Prayer As A Counseling Intervention Angela Whitworth Liberty University Summary Spirituality is becoming an important consideration in counseling for the client and for the mental health practitioners. Spiritual interventions, such as prayer, are being used more in the counseling sessions. With 80% of the United States population believing in God and the power of prayer, it is not surprising that many clients want religion and/or spirituality included in their counseling sessions. Some practitioners believe that it is appropriate to pray with their clients, but most providers believe that it is inappropriate. Currently, research is lacking in client expectations with regards to prayer being included in counseling. This study particularly surveyed Christian clients and their therapists. The therapists were chosen because they advertised themselves as Christian counselors. Two instruments were created, Prayer Survey and the Brief Therapist Prayer Survey. The Prayer Survey was for the client to complete to assist in determining their preference in regards to prayer to in counseling. The Brief Therapist Survey was used to find out about beliefs and prayer practices of the therapists. The therapist survey was also used to help determine if therapist factors are related to their client expectations. The study found that eighty-two percent of clients wished to have audible prayer in their counseling sessions. Those that were less likely...
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