Biblical Counseling Essay
Biblical Counseling vs. Secular Counseling
CCOU 201-D11 LOU: Introduction to Christian Counseling
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Liberty University
24 April 2013
There is a need for effective biblical counseling now more than ever. As the world progresses to the stages prophesized anarchy God’s people as well as lost souls need the appropriate direction in life. Crabb clearly states in his introduction that the purpose his book, Effective Biblical Counseling, is to incorporate the principles and aspects of Christian counseling into the local churches (Crabb, 1977, p. 13). The tenets outlined in the text apply sound Biblical doctrine in conjunction with advanced psychological techniques. The intent of this paper is to enable the reader to understand that “true healing” can only be experienced through a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, but also to parallel Biblical teaching with scientifically proven methods to counsel troubled individuals effectively.
Individuals seek counseling for many reasons; they may be depressed, generally not happy with their status in life, or simply need to talk to with someone. One widely practiced form of psychotherapy that focuses in the humanistic approach of treatment is Roger’s Client-Centered Therapy (RCCT) is common among clients with the above listed issues. According to psychotherapists practicing RCCT, the desired end state or goal of every client is different so in addition to displaying a concern for that person, counselors must also have an understanding of how the human mind works as well as conveying the belief that individual has the capacity to change (Kensit, 2000). Christian counselors also use the RCCT approach with the exception of the overall goal. Instead of varying goals as the outcome of treatment, Christian counselors’ one goal for their clients is a progressed maturity in their Christian walk (spiritual maturity). For non-believer clients it may bring a clearer understanding of God’s intent
CCOU 201-D11 LOU: Introduction to Christian Counseling
Xxxxx X. XXXXXXX
L33333333
Liberty University
24 April 2013
There is a need for effective biblical counseling now more than ever. As the world progresses to the stages prophesized anarchy God’s people as well as lost souls need the appropriate direction in life. Crabb clearly states in his introduction that the purpose his book, Effective Biblical Counseling, is to incorporate the principles and aspects of Christian counseling into the local churches (Crabb, 1977, p. 13). The tenets outlined in the text apply sound Biblical doctrine in conjunction with advanced psychological techniques. The intent of this paper is to enable the reader to understand that “true healing” can only be experienced through a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, but also to parallel Biblical teaching with scientifically proven methods to counsel troubled individuals effectively.
Individuals seek counseling for many reasons; they may be depressed, generally not happy with their status in life, or simply need to talk to with someone. One widely practiced form of psychotherapy that focuses in the humanistic approach of treatment is Roger’s Client-Centered Therapy (RCCT) is common among clients with the above listed issues. According to psychotherapists practicing RCCT, the desired end state or goal of every client is different so in addition to displaying a concern for that person, counselors must also have an understanding of how the human mind works as well as conveying the belief that individual has the capacity to change (Kensit, 2000). Christian counselors also use the RCCT approach with the exception of the overall goal. Instead of varying goals as the outcome of treatment, Christian counselors’ one goal for their clients is a progressed maturity in their Christian walk (spiritual maturity). For non-believer clients it may bring a clearer understanding of God’s intent
References: Andrews, L. W. (2010). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. In Encyclopedia of Depression (Vol. 1, pp. 112 - 113). Santa Barbara, CA, USA: Greenwood Press. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CCX1762700076&v=2.1&u=vic_liberty&it=r&p=GVRL&sw=w Anonymous. (2006). ACA Code of Ethics. Journal of Counseling and Development, 84(2), 235 - 254. Retrieved from http://p2048-www.liberty.edu.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/218970374?accountid=12085 Crabb, L. (1977). Effective Biblical Counseling. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA: Zondervan Publishing House. Kensit, D. A. (2000). Rogerian theory: a critique of the effectiveness of pure client-centered therapy. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 13(4), 345 - 351. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/ehost/detail?sid=8babba03-d2ca-4192-b3cf-172774c7de7c%40sessionmgr104&vid=1&hid=118&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=rzh&AN=2009434729