Support for Professional Counseling
The difference between lay Christian counseling and Secular professional counseling. “Christian counselors understand that the Bible has a lot of practical wisdom about human nature,
Abstract This paper on integration of religion and spirituality in therapy will address the integrity, relevance and competence issues in professionals who practice integrating spiritual and religious dimensions of treatment and care for patients. The following literature review will explore why it is essential for the wellbeing of clients to explore their religious and/or spiritual beliefs as a treatment option. There is other literature that is incorporated within this paper that discusses the connection between mental health and spirituality. A clients’ religious and spiritual views would be valuable to the therapeutic process because the client’s religious and spiritual beliefs may be sources of strength and support to achieve treatment…
In the book “The New Christian Counselor: A Fresh Biblical and Transformational Approach” the authors Hawkins & Clinton discuss counseling, religion, and the corruption in today’s society. The book provides case studies that targets day-to-day decision making. Our decisions are not ours to make, it is God’s. If a professional counselor wants to integrate religion into their practice this is the perfect book to read. Hawkins & Clinton encourages their readers to take control over their soul so that they will be cleanse of sin and follow down a path of righteousness.…
Compare and Contrast Larry Crabb's Christian Counseling Methods with Albert Ellis and Carl Rogers Secular Methods Daniel Coffman Liberty University Part I: Goal of Christian Counseling As I am writing this I am reminded of a conversation I had with someone in my Church that is involved with our Addiction Ministry. He started to tell me of an attendee in one of the Friday night group counseling sessions that was more discouraged when they left the meeting than when they came in. I was curious at the approach the group took and wanted to know what the facilitator does to foster an environment where people can and will talk about their issues.…
The article emphasizes the importance for Christian counselors to eliminate the the imposition of their Christian values and to assist the client in obtaining an identity as a valued social being.…
Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling written by Mark R. McMinn teaches Christian counselors the importance of Spirituality in the counseling office. Throughout the book McMinn provides deep insight on the integration of the three concepts; the author provides concrete cases that allow the reader to grasp the information by applying the scenarios to the text. To better equip Christian Counselors he uses cognitive therapy from a Christian perspective as foundation for his work. He stresses the importance of building an effective therapeutic relationship between the counselor and the client in order for therapy to be successful. McMinn uses a variety of religious interventions to establish psychological and spiritual health.…
Jones and Butman (2012) argue that Christian counselors should stand on the fundamentals of the Christian faith. Even as counselors seek to understand the view of persons from other perspectives, their view of persons, identity, health, happiness, brokenness and psychopathology should be based on our Christian worldview. Jones and Butman contend that as Christian we need psychological theories to help broaden our understanding of persons, healing and growth. Thus, Christian counselors need to embrace an eclectic or pluralistic approach in understanding personality development, since no one approach offers a definitive understanding on persons. As noted in previous chapters, the different theories had their strengths, weaknesses, and compatibility and incompatibility with the Christian faith.…
As I was reading this article I was angry and felt as if i would not agree with anything said, however, once I regarded the time period and allowed myself to be open to the opinions of others, I began to see some similarities. They were few, but similarities nonetheless. I agree with Macarthur in the aspect of some psychologists disregarding the ability to be assisted by prayer, reading the Bible and meditation with God. I believe that those things are important and vital to finding peace and well as strength through mental and emotional difficulties. Practicing “Christian” Psychologists should never advise against them or promote activity that go against Biblical teaching.…
The two chapters for this week’s readings explored two of the five major views on the integration of Christianity and psychology. The Levels-of-Explanation approach is presented by Thomas G. Plante, and the Integration approach is explained by Mark R. McMinn. It seems that the two authors have quite distinct approaches when it comes to reconciling the relationship between psychology and theology in clinical practice. Plante (2012) appears to see theology as a supportive supplement to psychology. In that sense, he appears to prioritize psychology over theology when it comes to his clinical work, evident in his frequent reference to the importance evidenced-based practice interventions.…
I agree with you 100 percent. Christian counselors should not impose their beliefs on their clients. Personally, I feel that clients who are active in their religion have fewer psychological problems than clients who have no religious background. However, as I said above, I do agree with you that Christian counselors should not impose their beliefs or their religious agenda on clients. Although my goal is to become a Christian counselor, I will only integrate religion, spirituality, and Christian faith into the client's treatment if that is the client's desire.…
I believe the divide between a Christian counselor and a counselor who is a Christian happens as the two consider the purpose of their worldview in therapy. A Christian counselor seems to see their Christian worldview as the source for direction, intervention, and follow up. It has a very direct impact on what they do in session. However, a Christian who is a counselor seems to see their worldview as a backdrop to help offer meaning and context to their therapy, instead.…
Therefore, The calling of the new Christian counselor is our high privilege, and our compelling responsibility, to be distinctively Christian and thoroughly professional(Hawkins & Clinton, 2015,p.6). The lecture has addressed consideration and urged me to seek approaches to utilize both psychology and theology or Christian spirituality in my human services counseling for the holistic well-being of the client. It is so right that "The ultimate task of Christian…
The new Christian Counselor approach ties together God 's word, the church, and psychology. The approach is holistic which ensures that Christian counselor 's are able to easily adapt to treat clients with many different issues they face in life. The bible tells many stories about struggles and challenges people faced throughout biblical times, and the bible provided solutions to those struggles, God. The approach used by Hawkins and Clinton points to God as the author of all things and therefore, God is the solution to ones…
Spiritual counseling offers comfort and support to help gain a better understanding of issues and develop a problem-solving relationship (Centers for…
“Christian counseling is a dynamic, collaborative process involving at least three persons – the counselor, the client, and the triune God of the Bible – aimed at transformational change for the purpose of producing higher levels of…
Book Review of the New Christian Counselor Summary In order to introduce a new methodology of the Christian counselor Hawkins and Clinton (2015) presented the reader with a blueprint of what is expected for new Christian counselors. In order for a Christian counselor to provide their clients with biblical based counseling it is necessary for them to understand the needs of the client. The counselor has to have a firm biblical foundation, have a relationship with God and recognize their role in providing services to the client. Clients seek counseling for many different reasons and have various concerns that require addressing.…