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. For example, in working with Jake, the hypothetical client, Plante states: “The levels-of-explanation approach suggests that we take the very best that science and practice has to offer and apply that knowledge to this particular individual and the unique challenges that he faces” (pp. 63-64). In Levels-of-Explanation, the spiritual component makes up one of the levels for explaining the whole individual, with biological and psychological levels being equally strong components.
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In counseling, he seems to primarily discuss psychological interventions and discusses only theological practices that are supported by research. Generally speaking, it seems that his goal is to provide empirical support for the importance of spirituality and does not mention any tensions or contradictions between psychological research and theological inquiry. It appears that Plante focuses on the areas of spirituality that are empirically supported. On page 74, he explains the research data regarding the benefits of meditation and prayer (Plante, 2012); however, he seems to be quiet about areas that might be contradictory. Mark R. McMinn views both psychology and theology equally important in clinical practice, explaining that his approach to counseling is influenced by psychological research as well as theological matters. He adds spirituality as a third important component but he appears to make this aspect most relevant only with clients who are Christian. However, he does make a distinction when it comes to the authority, explaining that he prioritizes the Biblical viewpoint when it comes to “understanding the deep cries of human existence (McMinn, 2012, p. 85). He appears to operate from a Christian Worldview of understanding the human condition, and turns to psychological interventions that he knows to be effective with particular psychological challenges, such as CBT for symptoms of panic disorder Although McMinn also does not address tensions between the two disciplines directly, it appears that he alluded to them on a few occasions, such as when he mentions that the DSM “should not be mistaken for an authoritative guide to human struggle or flourishing.” It appears that when a tension does exist, McMinn chooses to go to Scripture for …show more content…
In addition, I found that McMinn addresses integration as it relates to the counselor and not just the interventions used with the clients. While Plante (2012) mentions saying a quick prayer in response to seeing the amount of symptoms the client seems to experience, he did not elaborate significantly on the clinician’s faith while Mark R. McMinn discussed that when he sits with a client who is experiencing significant pain, he yearn for redemption along with the client while he internally moans with the client. In addition, I found McMinn to be more strengths-based as he spoke of some of the things the client seems to do well, while Plante (2012) explained in regards to his symptoms: “To say that Jake has a lot of problems is an understatement” (p.
In counseling, he seems to primarily discuss psychological interventions and discusses only theological practices that are supported by research. Generally speaking, it seems that his goal is to provide empirical support for the importance of spirituality and does not mention any tensions or contradictions between psychological research and theological inquiry. It appears that Plante focuses on the areas of spirituality that are empirically supported. On page 74, he explains the research data regarding the benefits of meditation and prayer (Plante, 2012); however, he seems to be quiet about areas that might be contradictory. Mark R. McMinn views both psychology and theology equally important in clinical practice, explaining that his approach to counseling is influenced by psychological research as well as theological matters. He adds spirituality as a third important component but he appears to make this aspect most relevant only with clients who are Christian. However, he does make a distinction when it comes to the authority, explaining that he prioritizes the Biblical viewpoint when it comes to “understanding the deep cries of human existence (McMinn, 2012, p. 85). He appears to operate from a Christian Worldview of understanding the human condition, and turns to psychological interventions that he knows to be effective with particular psychological challenges, such as CBT for symptoms of panic disorder Although McMinn also does not address tensions between the two disciplines directly, it appears that he alluded to them on a few occasions, such as when he mentions that the DSM “should not be mistaken for an authoritative guide to human struggle or flourishing.” It appears that when a tension does exist, McMinn chooses to go to Scripture for …show more content…
In addition, I found that McMinn addresses integration as it relates to the counselor and not just the interventions used with the clients. While Plante (2012) mentions saying a quick prayer in response to seeing the amount of symptoms the client seems to experience, he did not elaborate significantly on the clinician’s faith while Mark R. McMinn discussed that when he sits with a client who is experiencing significant pain, he yearn for redemption along with the client while he internally moans with the client. In addition, I found McMinn to be more strengths-based as he spoke of some of the things the client seems to do well, while Plante (2012) explained in regards to his symptoms: “To say that Jake has a lot of problems is an understatement” (p.