Psychology and Theology in Christian Counseling Essay (Book Review)

Christian beliefs have been advanced by Mark McMinn (1996). In that case, Christian counselors should not only focus on the current theological concepts knowledge and psychological methods, but also be in possession of spiritual maturity. Counselors in possession of the above three perspectives are well equipped in handling various aspects such as redemption, forgiveness, confession, sin, scripture and prayer. According to McMinn (1996), healing can only be triggered when a client has a healthy sense of self.

With a health sense of self, an individual can identify his or her need which ends with him or her developing a meaningful relationship with God and people surrounding him or her. It is highly recommended for prayers to be performed outside counseling sessions or otherwise as it does not expose the client to any risk. On the contrary, prayer can be both beneficial and harmful. On the benefit side, the clients will have an idea on how to pray for themselves and be in touch with God. This can be achieved by the client worshiping God or petitioning in prayer. On the negative side is that prayers might enhance the relationship between the client and the counselor to the level of the patient thinking the counseling prayers are enough to sustain him.

Christian counseling is significant because it integrates spirituality, theology and psychology into the live of the clients and the counselor. All the three aspects combined in Christian counseling gives an overview of how spirituality, theology and psychology can be utilized in order to help an individual in the identification of various aspects of their lives. In most cases, these aspects are often promoted when the counselor incorporates spirituality in their counseling sessions. For purposes of leading by example, counselors are always advised to be very mindful of their own spirituality. As a result, it has become a great challenge for counselors when it comes to handling their own spirituality (faith) with those of their client.

They keep asking themselves various questions. For instance, is it right to talk with our clients about our Christian beliefs? As a result, spirituality will only be used when necessary in the client’s counseling session. McMinn (1996) provides counselors with ways in which they can incorporate their spirituality in their numerous counseling sessions. In addition to that, counselors are encouraged to incorporate Christian guidance into the lives of the clients. The Christian counselor main objective is to promote both spiritual and mental growth. These are done with an aim of making their clients get encouragements from their faith and base their trust in God for guidance.

McMinn (1996, p.47) allows individuals to have a clue on what they really need. According to her, what people require is a health sense of self for purposes of overcoming their obstacles. People can develop their sense of self through praying. Prayers give us the opportunity to get in touch with God. McMinn(1996, p.6) points out that” those who pray often tend to experience more purpose in life, greater marital satisfaction, religious satisfaction and a general sense of well being.” Nevertheless, if the counselor wants the prayers to be effective, he or she must develop a trusting relationship between himself and the client. However, if there is no establishment of a relationship that is trustworthy, then the counseling session will not yield any results.

Concrete Responses

Before my family grew in love and unity my father used to pound my mum every night before we go to sleep. He always came home dead drank. We were used to chaos every night before we retired to bed. This made me lose concentration in school. My grades dropped drastically and my teachers were very concerned. They decided to take me to counselor in order to get some help. Through spiritual counseling, I was able to come back to my normal sense. It was only through prayers and the power of forgiveness that made me forget how my dad used to mistreat us.

Through forgiveness, I was able to free myself from the memories, pains and the grudge I held against my dad. The Christian councilor encouraged me to forgive those who had trespassed against me as it is my duty as a Christian to do so. Even though it was difficult at first, I tried so much as I got some inspiration from the bible. God directs us to forgive, and then who am I not to do so. Throughout the sessions, I learned one thing” true forgiveness results when individuals are aware of their own weakness and through compassion and weakness we forgive our perpetrators.”

Reflection

What bothers me about the book is the significance of prayer in counseling. Does prayer really give us “more purpose in life, greater marital satisfaction, religious satisfaction and a general sense of well being” as McMinn (1996) claims? To some extent it might be true or not. For instance, there are those individual who go to church and pray every day, but they are often faced with numerous challenges each day. In real life example, there are those parents who are heads of the church, but they face the same challenges as those who do not go to church. Can we then say that these couples have a “general sense of well being or religious satisfaction?”

In addition to that, there are couples who pray every day, but their marriage is in chaos and that is why many couples are divorcing. However, the book has positive things. For instance, the role of spirituality in counseling. In counseling sessions, various issues such as anger, guilt, and anxiety are brought up. These issues have been discussed in religious materials as well as in the Bible. Therefore, it is only through prayers that counselors can heal a wounded heart. This seconded by St. Francis of Assdisi where he says” where there is hatred, let me sow love, where there is injury, pardon, where there is doubt, faith, where there is despair, hope, where there is sadness, joy”. Prayer gives us an insight to move on with life, despite the challenges we experience in life.

Action

This is what I can email a counselor or a friend after reading the book. The significant aspects in many lives including mine are the roles of religion and spirituality and all issues comprised in them such as prayer and forgiveness. The field of counseling cannot rubbish the existence of religion and spirituality. Alternatively, mental health expertise should acknowledge the beliefs of their clients and incorporate in their treatment sessions anything constructive. Treatments react differently to various individuals. As such, individuals respond differently to the treatment methods used. One treatment can be useful to one group but ineffective to the other.

Therefore, before using any treatment method, counselors should assess their limitations. For example, some claim that the use of prayer might make individuals irresponsible as they conceive that the counselor prayer is suffice. Hence, when religious practices are incorporated into counseling, counselors and psychologists should understand the ethical guidelines revolving around these practices. Finally, clients should always be included while selecting the best method of treatment during their therapy sessions.

Reference

McMinn, M.R. (1996). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.