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 a healthy sense of self is to pray. Praying allows us to be in touch with God. McMinn (1996) states that “those who pray often tend to experience more purpose in life, greater marital satisfaction, religious satisfaction, and a general sense of well-being” (p. 66). However, the counselor must first establish a trusting relationship with the client before they can effectively use prayer within the counseling sessions. If a trusting relationship is not established, the counselor runs the
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 a healthy sense of self is to pray. Praying allows us to be in touch with God. McMinn (1996) states that “those who pray often tend to experience more purpose in life, greater marital satisfaction, religious satisfaction, and a general sense of well-being” (p. 66). However, the counselor must first establish a trusting relationship with the client before they can effectively use prayer within the counseling sessions. If a trusting relationship is not established, the counselor runs the
References: McMinn, M.R. (1996). Psychology, Theology & Spirituality in Christian Counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers