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Biblical Integration and Counseling Practices

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Biblical Integration and Counseling Practices
Biblical Integration and Counseling Practices Abstract
The integration of biblical practices and counseling has been discussed for decades. There is an increased interest in spiritual and emotional health, among Christian counselors and with secular therapists as well. Understanding the differences between implicit and explicit integration practices in therapy help a therapist to decide which techniques should be used appropriately in therapy. There are critics who claim there is no way to properly integrate psychotherapy and biblical practices; however there is a growing interest in religion and clinical practice in American today. The use of prayer and Scripture play a role in the mental health field because clergy are not able to keep up with the demand of counseling their congregation. The values, needs and interests of a client, and respect of the clients preferences should be a considered in therapy to determine whether or not to engage in religious or spiritual practices.

Biblical Integration and Counseling Practices
The modern mental health field provides a way to help clients who are facing emotional or spiritual pain, social issues, educational difficulties, and financial, legal, or health-related concerns. The field helps clinicians understand the way people act and how they think, which can affect the overall emotional well being of a client. Over the last 50 years, the concept of biblical integration in the therapeutic process has received significant attention. There has been an increasing amount of interest in receiving spiritual practices within the counseling session. Tann (1996) stated the integration of faith and psychotherapy is occurring in other faith communities such as in Jewish, Muslim and even Buddhist religions (p. 365). Although there is significant interest in spiritual practices within counseling, there is also criticism arguing that psychology and /or counseling and biblical integration are not



References: Alexander, I. (n.d.) Integration in the practice of Christian counselors – behavior, beliefs and being. pp. 1-5. Retrieved from http://www.ccaa.net.au/articles.php Barnett, K. L. (2012). Revisiting the Issue of Influential Sources in the Integration of Psychology and Theology: Are We There Yet?. Journal of Psychology & Theology, 40(2), 93-101. Donald, F. W., Richard, L. G., & Siang-Yang Tan. (2005). Therapists ' use of religious and spiritual interventions in Christian counseling: A preliminary report. Counseling and Values, 49(2), 107-119. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.library.regent.edu/docview/207563320?accountid=13479 Garzon, F. L., & Lewis Hall, M. (2012). Teaching Christian Integration in Psychology and Counseling: Current Status and Future Directions. Journal of Psychology & Theology, 40(2), 155-159. Hathaway, W. L. (2009). Clinical Use of Explicit Religious Approaches: Christian Role Integration Issues. Journal of Psychology & Christianity, 28(2), 105-112. Jones, S., & Butman, R. (2011). Modern psychotherapies: A comprehensive Christian appraisal. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press. McMinn, M.R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Stanton, L. J. (2011). Psychology and Christianity in 3-D-A review essay. Christian Scholar 's Review, 40(3), 267-281. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.library.regent.edu/docview/881647824?accountid=13479 Tann, Siang-Yang (1996). Religion in clinical practice: Implicit and explicit integration. American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, pp.365–387. Worthington Jr., E. L., & Aten, J.D. (2009). Psychotherapy with religious and spiritual clients: an introduction. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(2), 123-130.

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