...Crabb and Secular Counseling: A Comparison/Contrast Paper Gerald Williamson Liberty University Crabb and Secular Counseling: A Comparison/Contrast Paper Dr. Larry Crabb is an award winning biblical counselor who happens to author a book entitled Effective Biblical Counseling. In this book, Dr. Crabb presents important points and guidelines that other counselors like him can do in order to provide advice and aide to persons who need them the most. The books contains model of counseling, which is also integrated to the church. Placing the importance of God in his model, Dr. Crabb is a firm believer that God has granted the church to be its instrument in providing support to people who are experiencing pain and tribulations. In this paper, we particularly compare and contrast Dr. Crabb’s ideas with that of scientific studies assigned for the class. More specifically, we point intersecting points there are in the areas of Christian Counseling and developing a counseling program that could be aligned with the church and religious experience. This paper also includes discussion on the similarities and differences there are on the basic concepts and strategies of Dr. Crabb and other authors from the secular counseling community. In conclusion, we note how Dr. Crabb’s Effective Biblical Counseling contains important points that are similar to the scientific studies relative to the importance of religious elements in mental health therapy as well as training counselors in order...
Words: 1819 - Pages: 8
...Crabb PACO 507 Theology and Spirituality Counseling Susie N. McCoy Liberty University Dr. Max Mills Spring 2014 Comparison of Larry Crabb’s Book Effective Biblical Counseling This comparison paper will briefly evaluate Larry Crabb’s (1977) reflection, responses, and summary given in his book Effective Biblical Counseling: A Model for Helping Caring Christians Become Capable Counselors, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. This comparison will reflect on Crabb’s (1977) four approaches to integrating the Bible and counseling, and his three levels of counseling models that can be integrated into the functioning of a local church. This study will explore that one must be a caring Christian in order to become a capable counselor and that any approach to counseling that is Biblical base will be successful among a body of believers in a local church setting. Crabb (1977) stated that since effective counseling requires both a caring attitude and an understanding heart of Christian love of human functioning, than the mature believers in the local churches need to be train in counseling insights and skills (p. 14). Summary: Crabb’s Theory/Methodology In his book Crabb (1977) offered three levels of counseling to be used in the local church. The first one that should be implemented is educating the believers of the local church with the strategies and method of biblical counseling. His second level is exhortation in counseling. He defined exhortation as the requirement...
Words: 1665 - Pages: 7
...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...
Words: 3209 - Pages: 13
...problems in life are simply the way we interpret our experiences. People who can have positive feelings towards situations are able to cope with their problems in a healthy way. And people who negatively view their experiences are more likely to fight guilt, resentment and anxiety. This is where counselors come in, for simple problems the counselor can just be a friend they do not need to be a professional simply someone who can listen and help sort out life experiences and offer simple advice. However, for the larger problems a professional counselor is needed. Dr. Crabb wrote Effective Biblical Counseling in an attempt to bridge the gap between psychology and religion, to use the principles and theories of psychology to enhance the practice of Biblical counseling (Crabb, 1977). Christian counseling is seen separately from secular counseling because Christian counseling relies upon Biblical concepts that are not recognized or used by secular counselors. These concepts are redemption and sanctification in Christ and the role of the Holy...
Words: 1797 - Pages: 8
...A Study Comparison of Biblical Counseling with Secular Counseling Theories Demetrius E. Hurt Liberty University CCOU 201 A Study Comparison of Biblical Counseling with Secular Counseling Theories In the world today issues surrounding mental illness are in the forefront of our healthcare systems, legal systems, social circles and yes, even in our churches. Though each of the aforementioned systems takes a different approach on how to tackle the problem of mental illness, one thing is for sure-the need for more qualified counselors is on the rise. Luckily, the counseling profession has grown and employs theories from the secular world as well as the religious world. Though the strategies and treatment goals may be different, both groups of counseling professionals work diligently to support those suffering from mental illness and bring them into a sense of well-being. To that end, the author of this paper will examine the theories and ideologies of both groups of counseling professionals, examine therapeutic remedies that are alike between the two and how they differ in the way they interact with clients and mental illness. The Goal of Christian Counseling The goal of any counseling professional is to assist the client with identifying skills and tools that will help them to achieve mental well-being. Each counselor no doubt uses a multifaceted approach with a wide menu of therapeutic options to achieve this goal. However, the Christian Counselor not only seeks...
Words: 2449 - Pages: 10
...Comparing Adams with Backus and Chapian Summary How to Help People Change, by Jay Adams, focuses on a counseling theory which emphasizes the vertical relationship between man and God. According to Adams, effective changes cannot occur if the client does not seek to improve his prayer life and seek to become more like Christ in order to gain perspective on their situations which surround them. Adams shares his belief that God must be central to the Christian counseling relationship and that, without room for God, the counseling will be ineffective and useless. To Adams, it is as simple as a matter of the heart involving four steps enforced by the counselor: teaching, conviction, correction, and disciplined training and righteousness. When one seeks knowledge and wisdom from biblical truths, true change can occur. Through each of the steps, a client can learn to recognize what the Bible says and grow in their daily convictions, causing them to desire to live a more Christ centered life, reaching step four which allows for discernment to come into play through discipleship with the counselor. Telling Yourself the Truth provides strategies for someone to accept their current situation, learn their responsibility in it, and redefine the way they think and believe (Backus & Chapian, 2000). The book includes a study guide in order for a person to truly change the way they think while practicing these new concepts/ truths as they read the book. After defining misbeliefs for...
Words: 692 - Pages: 3
...Running head: Biblical & Secular Views Biblical & Secular Views on Counseling John Smith Liberty University Abstract Whether a counselor comes from a strong Christian background, or a secular one, the goals of the professional should remain in the best interests of the client. Still, it remains important where the views of that counselor originated from and where the source of their motivation and ethical standards are derived. This paper attempts to compare and contrast the viewpoints of secular and biblical worldviews, as it relates to the counseling profession. Biblical & Secular Views on Counseling No matter what philosophical background counselors come from, the theme of their work should remain the same: It is all about the client. Whether a counselor uses the Code of Ethics adopted by the American Counseling Association, (2005) or the code adopted by the American Association of Christian Counselors, (2004) the goal of the professional still need to keep the client’s best interests at heart. Still, with this thought in mind, Christian and secular groups differ in the ways in which they go about not only helping clients, but how they define their perspective roles in the exchanges between the therapist and the client. In order to accurately evaluate the ways in which Christians view the role of the counselor, it is first important to go to the source of their opinions of the matter;...
Words: 4259 - Pages: 18
...Abstract Discipleship counseling means to help people with broken souls to walk freely with Jesus Christ. To understand the whole person the counselor must consider the body, soul, mind and spirit. Dr. Neil T. Anderson discusses three different themes throughout his book to help the counselee bring people back to God. The integration of Theology, the study of God and Psychology, the study of the soul, can cause concern in the Christian community. Wondering who is responsible for integrating God into the secular counseling can be easily answered. Defining mental health to alleviate some of the suffering related to the natural and spiritual realm. Keywords: discipleship counseling, integration, theology, psychology, secular, mental health Discipleship Counseling Caring to the desires and problems of hurting people today is difficult and can be overwhelming at times. As today’s generations search for purpose, meaning, and significance, many are experiencing a pervasive sense of emptiness and loneliness. Obviously, from a Christian approach the problem is a spiritual one and so must be the cure. Anderson explains that one of his basic themes is the idea that one’s identity in Jesus Christ can be nurtured by the counselor derived from a model based on integration of both Theology and Psychology. Methods are given to help counselee to overcome traumatic experiences in their lives. Traumatic experiences are deeply etched in people’s minds. They shape their beliefs about...
Words: 1066 - Pages: 5
...as a pastoral counselor. She will seek to identify ethical boundaries, Paradigm for Identity and Ethical Boundaries, future partnerships, and pre-counseling paperwork. Paradigm for Identity and Ethical Boundaries Paramount in any ministry is the need to adhere to a biblical code of ethics and the standards set forth; that is, a minimal standard that identifies oneself as a competent and trustworthy Christian worker. These standards are largely found within the context and framework of the Bible. As a biblical counselor or pastoral counselor it is important that one adheres to the word of God and recognizes the importance to maintain ethics and boundaries. This is to ensure that the worker is not operating according to their own flesh, but by the will and purpose of God. However, this is not a goal one can obtain on their own. In order to successfully do this one has to be connected to the Vine, in good fellowship with God, and listening for His voice when working with counselees. Trull and Carter (1993/2004) present the following items as essential boundaries for the establishment of this student-counselor’s biblical professional paradigm: 1. Education – The pastor will prepare for service by obtaining an education in liberal arts while specializing in theology and ministry. This will reflect a lifelong devotion to study and growth for continuing service. (Inspiration: 2 Timothy 2:15) 2. Competency – The pastor will continually develop his pastoral gifts and vocational...
Words: 3245 - Pages: 13
...Pastoral Counseling Pastoral Counseling began as an academic discipline in the 1940s. In the 1950s family therapy begin making this decade one of the most profound to date in regards to counseling. It was then that it began to be realized that more specialized treatment was needed especially for those who suffered from serious emotional as well as mental illnesses. Although most counseling is virtually the same, professional counseling is a process which you take people through. Pastoral Counselors have many hours of training clinically and are viewed as some of the most educated in the counseling community. Pastoral counselors work within a variety of different issues to include mental illnesses, grief, marriage therapy, family therapy, individual therapy and addiction. According to the American Association of Pastoral Counseling (AAPC), pastoral counseling is a form of psychotherapy that uses spiritual resources as well as psychological understanding for healing and growth. Pastoral Counseling is different than Christian Counseling, Biblical Counseling and Spiritual Counseling and Nouthetic Counseling. A Biblical Counselor primarily uses the Bible with usually no outside training. Many ministers who have completed Biblical degrees (both old and new) feel confident that can use the Bible to adequately counsel without any education in the area of counseling. Many of these ministers ascribe to the counseling theories proposed by Jay Adams called Nouthetic Counseling wherein...
Words: 2377 - Pages: 10
...Running head: COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Abstract Counseling has been in existence from the beginning of time. From Jethro to Freud, therapists and philosophers have been seeking insight into the core of human nature and cognitions. Cognitive-Behavioral therapy (CBT) recognizes that faulty cognitions and beliefs affect the behaviors of individuals. One method of cognitive-behavior therapy, reality therapy, incorporates the concepts of free choice and personal responsibility that are taught both in Scripture and Dr. William Glasser’s choice theory. Other aspects of CBT, such as cognitive restructuring and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), also work towards eliminating negativistic attitudes of clients in exchange for more effective and realistic methods for interpreting the situations experienced in daily life. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy It is suggested that an individual’s personality is a complex system of cognition, emotion, will, physiology, and spirituality. Hawkins proposes nine aspects of the human self to be active influences on one’s personality: “body, cognition, feelings, volition, human spirit, Holy Spirit, sin/flesh/SAS, temporal systems, and spiritual systems (Hawkins COUN507_BO1_200920). Each therapist individually determines what factors they believe to make up a person’s being. Larry Crabb views humans as involving both the physical and spiritual aspects of man...
Words: 4897 - Pages: 20
...SOLUTION-FOCUSED PASTORAL COUNSELING FINAL PROJECT By Marlinda M. House Rhodes Student ID #: 25149472 Presented to Dr. Max Grayson Mills In partial fulfillment of the requirements of Introduction to Pastoral Counseling PACO 500 Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Lynchburg, VA August 18, 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………………………..3 PART 1: THE COUNSELING SETTING Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling Preference…………………………………....4 PART 2: THE COUNSELING STYLE Rational of Style and Assessments……………………………………………………….5 Overview Check and Balance………………………………………………………....6 PART 3: The Counseling Structure Strategy Phase 1 The Event…………………………………………………………………....7 Phase 2 Preferred Solutions………………………………………………………….….8 Phase 3 The Path to Change……………………………………………………….…9 Phase 4 Covenants for Success …………………………………………………………9 PART 4: Counseling Summation Supportive Approach ……………………………………………………………..10 ...
Words: 13945 - Pages: 56
...Running head: A Biblical Approach to Crisis Intervention A Biblical Approach to Crisis Intervention and Brief Therapy Brandon Carpenter Liberty Theological Seminary Abstract The paper discusses the brief counseling approach to crisis intervention as utilized by the author. After a crisis is defined and determined, the author uses a short-term counseling methodology adapted from the ABC model as introduced in Kristi Kanal’s text. The counseling pedagogy blends the elements of the ABC model with biblical principles which may be used by the Christian counselor for the purpose of short-term crisis management. A Biblical Approach to Crisis Intervention and Brief Counseling Every believer in Jesus Christ is called to a ministry of encouraging and helping others, especially to other brothers and sisters in the faith whose lives have been encroached upon by a crisis. Many times the abundant life that was promised by Jesus is disrupted when a crisis presents itself. Although every believer can experience the joy of their salvation through the ministry of the Holy Spirit which inwardly resides in them, Christians are not exempt from the distress and vulnerability that crises are capable of producing. Counseling, which is bathed in prayer and which appropriately uses and applies the Word of God, is an essential responsibility of Christian life and fellowship. Moreover, various intervention models and presuppositions are available...
Words: 4126 - Pages: 17
...Larry Crabb’s Theory of Biblical Counseling Dr. Larry Crabb has a unique approach to counseling. His system of counseling, called Biblical counseling, will be explained in great detail. Dr. Crabb’s first book, Basic Principles of Biblical Counseling, was published in 1975. The basic parts and theories of his system, along many changes in theology and emphasis’ will be also explained in detail. Crabb (1975) believes that ". . . the most basic problem of every human being is his separation from God, a gulf made necessary by the fact that God is holy and we are not" (p. 17). Crabb, like most other Christian counselors, claims that his system is biblically based. The foundation of Crabb’s counseling style is the Bible. God has revealed truth to us in two ways, general and special revelation. Crabb (1987) believes that,". . . many Christian counselors have adopted a method of study that treats the bible as helpful, informative, and insightful- but neither authoritative nor sufficient" (p. 37). The bible is to be allowed the final word. The questions that are answered by the Bible are authoritative. Dr. Crabb divides problems into two categories, the first category are those resulting from natural or physical causes. This would include such things as a chemical imbalance, and learning disabilities brought on by common, perceptual disfunctions. The second category is composed mostly of problem that are essentially moral. Crabb believes the Bible is sufficient for providing a framework...
Words: 8025 - Pages: 33
...Pastoral Counseling Reflection Paper Joyce Gerald Liberty University Table of Contents Abstract 3 Rationale for Class Enrollment 4 Handling Anger with Online Clients 5 Is it Easier to Label than Support? 6 The Hardest Thing to Counsel an Individual about is Forgiveness 7 Conclusion 9 References 11 Abstract The author presents a reflection on the class content presented during the first week of PACO 500:BO1. The author has limited pastoral counseling experiences that stem from an online ministry. The majority of the counseling experiences are conducted online view confidential instant messaging and or a closed prayer group. The construct of pastoral care through the medium of counseling is an area of interest that warrants further study and research. The support materials presented through class lectures have afforded the author a clinical and biblical viewpoint of pastoral counseling. The processes and methodologies presented in the readings infer that all person who are in need of counseling benefit from the materials presented in this class. The lecture notes and online resources provided for pastoral care fledglings under pines the foundation that is being laid for effective pastoral counseling. The readings for week one are the main focus of this reflection. Rationale for Class Enrollment Being the leader of an online ministry is a daunting task at best. However, providing the type of care, counseling, and communication within this venue...
Words: 2434 - Pages: 10
