Grad
Running head: MCMINN REVIEW
McMinn 4-MAT Review: Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling
Meghan Cavas
Liberty University: Coun-506 Integration of Psychology and Theology
December 9, 2012
McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Carol
Stream, IL: Tyndale House.
Summary
Dr. Mark McMinn has written a wonderful book for those who are considering the path of Christian counseling. His main focus is on two aspects of the counselor’s life and his therapy sessions. The focus on the first chapter of this book is how we as counselors can integrate the Christian faith into counseling practices. McMinn (2011) explains that in order to have religious interventions we are required to understand spiritual formation, challenge prevailing methods of mental health, prioritize personal spiritual training, be sensitive to ethical issues, and strive to have a strong scientific base (p. 26).
An important aspect of McMinn’s writing is that he points out the three roles that counselors hold simultaneously. First as counselors we become full participants in interpersonal interactions that happen during sessions. Second, counselor’s serve as observers that are carefully watching and evaluating what is going on in a relationship. And third, we engineer by becoming understanding and compassionate to the clients feelings (p. 60). McMinn says “The relationship we establish with clients is an important part of the healing process (p. 60)”. It is very important that as counselors we understand healthy boundaries when it comes to client-counselor relationships. There is danger when a client is over-reliant on their counselor as well as over-confidence. It is important to find a balance so that there are appropriate limitations all around which will avoid hurt and confusion.
A value that we can take away from McMinn’s work is the fact that there are certain
McMinn 4-MAT Review: Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling
Meghan Cavas
Liberty University: Coun-506 Integration of Psychology and Theology
December 9, 2012
McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Carol
Stream, IL: Tyndale House.
Summary
Dr. Mark McMinn has written a wonderful book for those who are considering the path of Christian counseling. His main focus is on two aspects of the counselor’s life and his therapy sessions. The focus on the first chapter of this book is how we as counselors can integrate the Christian faith into counseling practices. McMinn (2011) explains that in order to have religious interventions we are required to understand spiritual formation, challenge prevailing methods of mental health, prioritize personal spiritual training, be sensitive to ethical issues, and strive to have a strong scientific base (p. 26).
An important aspect of McMinn’s writing is that he points out the three roles that counselors hold simultaneously. First as counselors we become full participants in interpersonal interactions that happen during sessions. Second, counselor’s serve as observers that are carefully watching and evaluating what is going on in a relationship. And third, we engineer by becoming understanding and compassionate to the clients feelings (p. 60). McMinn says “The relationship we establish with clients is an important part of the healing process (p. 60)”. It is very important that as counselors we understand healthy boundaries when it comes to client-counselor relationships. There is danger when a client is over-reliant on their counselor as well as over-confidence. It is important to find a balance so that there are appropriate limitations all around which will avoid hurt and confusion.
A value that we can take away from McMinn’s work is the fact that there are certain