Premium Essay

Mcminn 4-Mat

In: Philosophy and Psychology

Submitted By erin4scott
Words 1571
Pages 7
Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in
Christian counseling: McMinn 4-MAT
Erin
Liberty University

Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in
Christian counseling: McMinn 4-MAT
Summary
Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling (McMinn, 2011) is about ways Christian counselors can integrate practical concept of psychology, theology, and spirituality when faced with real-world problems, challenges, and questions in the counseling office. An emerging approach for Christian counseling is intradisciplinary integration, which incorporates the Christian faith into counseling practices (McMinn, 2011, p.26). McMinn describes six challenges of intradisciplinary integration such as competency of psychology, theology, and spiritual formation. A major theme of this book emphasizes the importance of establishing a therapeutic relationship in counseling, with the key components in the therapeutic relationship being the counselor’s own spiritual life and walk with God. Introspection of Christian counselors’ own spiritual lives will direct counselors to recognize their own weaknesses, while encouraging dependency on God (McMinn, 2011, p12). The desire to obtain a better understanding of Spiritual wisdom and the Spiritual life for the counselor and client can be guided by a map for Spiritual growth.
The map should be scripturally and theologically sound, yet not so simple that it is inadequate for understanding challenges of mental and Spiritual health by leaving out important details. For example, every situation will be different and a simple map of linear progression will not accurately meet the needs of every client (McMinn, 2011, p.39). A more detailed map will include an accurate sense of self which acknowledges accountability to God, awareness of brokenness which keeps people humble, and healing relationships which allows people to

Similar Documents

Free Essay

4-Mat Review-Mcminn

...Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling 4-MAT Review 4-MAT Review: McMinn Summary Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian Counseling written by Mark McMinn (2011) discuss the integration of psychology and spirituality including impacts of such in our daily lives both personally and professionally. According to McMinn (2011) there are three essential categories that must be considered within counseling; psychology, theology, and spirituality. To incorporate the three categories, the book down into further sections including prayer, scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption including “what if” sections with descriptions of circumstances and the corresponding results, what works and what doesn’t within the sessions. By beginning with an active and healthy prayer life personally, the counselor is able to pray for the client both inside of and outside of the counseling sessions. McMinn (2011) discusses the importance of ethical issues of using prayer which is the source of growth in spiritual lives, promoting a relationship with God rather than promoting health. According to McMinn (2011) prayer must only be used after consent given and the potential effects considered as some forms of prayer may be detrimental to the client. Scripture use within counseling can be considered a self-help book enabling personality and behavioral changes. McMinn (2011) discusses the use of Scripture to support many forms...

Words: 1534 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

4- Mat Review 2: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling

...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...

Words: 1416 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Mcminn 4mat Review

...Counseling 506: 4 Mat Review McMinn Liberty University Martha J Meek Summary Dr. Mark McMinn (1996) discusses in his book Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling, the importance of combing the three and creating a way that will help the counselor reach the client. His book is broken apart in several different chapters that explain and reflect on religion in the counseling office, psychological, spiritual health, prayer, Scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption. McMinn gives scenarios throughout his book on various different situations and what the counselor should do in these situations. Religion in the counseling office is important, but McMinn stresses the importance of consent before using prayer. He states that often the client becomes too dependent on the counselor. The counselor can silently pray for the client outside the office. McMinn states “the question is not how we understand the relationship between psychology and theology but how we practically use the Christian faith in our counseling” (McMinn p. 26). Psychological and spiritual health is very important. McMinn designed a detailed map of spiritual and psychological health. The map gives examples of faulty sense of self by being self-absorbed, and having a lack of self-restraint. There is an example of faulty relationships, where a person can become dependent. There is an example of a faulty awareness of the need to play the victim role. McMinn describes Imago...

Words: 1532 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

4-Mat Review

...4- MAT Review 2: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Liberty University Jennifer Hooker McMinn, Ph.D., Mark R. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (2011) 4- MAT Review 1: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Summary McMinn utilized psychology, theology and spirituality in order to assist people in enhancing different aspects of their lives. McMinn made it clear that it is important for the counselor to be strong in their own spirituality, so that they will be able to properly help the client in their process. (McMinn, 2011) McMinn addresses the different precautions counselors should take and also the limitations. Counselors express when it comes to incorporating their own spirituality into their counseling session, it can be challenging, due to the fact that they may not feel that confident about the knowledge they have about the bible. As a result counselors will often omit the use of God’s word in their counseling sessions because they do not want to confuse the client or interpret the message differently. McMinn has provided the guidance for the counselors who wish to strengthen spirituality within the counseling sessions, as well as within themselves. There are many benefits that come with incorporating Christianity into counseling sessions, but some of the main elements that can help to enhance the client’s life are, they can gain a better sense of self, a better understanding of human need and limitations and also...

Words: 1360 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

4-Mat Review: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling

...4-MAT Review: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Liberty University McMinn, Ph.D., Mark R. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (1996) 4 MAT Review: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Abstract Christian counseling is all about integrating psychology, theology and spirituality into counselor and clients lives. Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling gives insight into how these three perspectives can be used to help individuals identify certain aspects of their lives that might be enhanced when the counselor includes spirituality into their counseling sessions. We also see how important it is for the counselor to be in touch with their own spirituality so that they can lead by example. Many counselors have a hard time addressing their own faith, with their clients. They question whether it is acceptable to talk to their clients about their Christian beliefs. Therefore, many times spirituality will fall by the wayside in the counseling session. McMinn (1996) gives us ways in which the counselor can integrate their spirituality into the counseling sessions and promote Christian guidance, into their clients lives. The goal of the Christian counselor is to promote mental and spiritual growth, so that the client can draw from their faith and look to God for guidance. McMinn (1996) allows us to see that we need a healthy sense of self in order to overcome our obstacles (p. 47). One way we develop...

Words: 1512 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

4mat Review

...4-MAT Review-McMinn ABSTRACT McMinn, Mark R. Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality In Christian Counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1996. Dr. Mark McMinn compiles an excellent resource for those who have chosen the path of Christian counseling. It focuses primarily on two important aspects of the Christian counseling field : in counseling sessions and life outside of counseling sessions – namely the counselor’s task and the counselor’s life. He starts his book with a brief section – written with James Wilhoit – that talks about religion in the Counseling office. It informs the counselor of the importance of utilizing the Christian faith in counseling not focusing on the relationship between psychology and theology. It states the challenges that religion brings in counseling sessions and how to handle and address those challenges. In the section, Toward Psychological and Spiritual Health, McMinn directs his focus to the different characteristics of a person’s life. He suggests that Christian counseling strengthens three areas of a person’s life: sense of self, an awareness of human need and limitations, and confiding interpersonal relationships with God and others. Each chapter is outlined in a very teachable format. The chapters have sections to address the challenges the counselor faces, psychological and spiritual health focus points, and also expected results by each foundational element of counseling – psychological, theological, and spiritual...

Words: 1362 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Mat Review

...4 Mat Review 1: Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Roberto C. Piscoya Liberty University Summary The book Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling by Mark R. McMinn is a synopsis of several approaches in counseling sessions and how patients deal with their everyday life after each session, in order to create a more accurate description of how counseling actually affects the life of each patient. One of the main topics of the text deals with how essential it is for counselor to be conscious of their own personal spiritual life and how knowledgeable they are. This reminds me of the quote that says "You must love yourself before you can love others" since you cannot help others unless you yourself are prepared for the task mentally, physically and spiritually. One crucial component McMinn (1996) explains in the text about counselor-patient relationship is trust. Once the patient begins to trust the counselor that is when real progress is made. It makes sense because most people are not willing to talk to strangers about their problems, but they would be able to open up to someone they trust and feel safe with. In order for counselor's to reach this important milestone in patient-counselor relationship they must create a safe haven for the patient in which they do not feel judged or looked down upon. The author explains how important is to confront a client hand to hand with trusting in order to get a successful relation between...

Words: 1339 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

4-Mat Review; Leming and Dickinson

...4-Mat Review; Leming and Dickinson Laura Romine Liberty University Abstract Authors Leming and Dickinson (2011) bring the discussion of death, dying and bereavement into the 21st century. Focusing the reader’s attention with a renewed perspective in thanatology, authors help redefine, perpetuate conversation, and add relevance to the topic harmoniously. Orienting the reader to individualistic theories that reach beyond universal attentions, Leming and Dickinson (2011) guide the discussion into a new era of defining a natural, yet, unavoidable topic. A re-education of sorts, thanatology is revived in accordance to contemporary day and time. Keywords: spirituality, death, dying, bereavement, suicide 4-Mat Review; Leming and Dickinson Leming & Dickinson (2011), pen about the manner of dying, death and bereavement supported by research and contemporary social theories. Emphasizing experiential knowledge which reinforces concepts of death, dying, and bereavement, a social-psychological tactic was employed throughout the four chapters. Life span comparisons expanded the reader’s perspective. Not to leave out other approaches, concepts are advanced through biological, philosophical and anthropological edifications as well. These systems reveal the interactivity of behavior and subjectivity within the subject matter. Summary Chapter one develops death and dying through the lens of human development and educational theories. Approaching death and dying by means of...

Words: 2453 - Pages: 10