Preview

Research Paper: Marriage Couple and Family Counseling

Best Essays
Open Document
Open Document
3978 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Research Paper: Marriage Couple and Family Counseling
Research Paper: Marriage Couple and Family Counseling
Michael Roberson
Liberty University

Abstract
The institution of marriage is recognized by the U.S. Constitution as a civil right, and the freedom to marry has been established as one of the individual rights which are a component of each Americans pursuit of happiness. However, in contrast to 1960, when 72 percent of those 18 or older were married, today less than 51 percent of persons in the U.S. are married (Cohn, Passel, Wang, & Livingston, 2011). The Pew Report (2010) defined married persons as married adults ages 18 and older with spouse present or absent excluding separated couples. In light of the fact that most analytical data on married couples determined the divorce rate to be at least 50% for both Christian and secular marriages, the premise of this paper is that family psychotherapy when implemented professionally is a viable means for relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, psychotherapy can provide service to children as products of divorce, diverse family structures, and implement best practice models for relationship disputes. This report will also examine the systems theory which views psychological problems as stemming from internal environmental factors combined with inter-generational family systems. According to Hook and Worthington (2009), 82% of American adults identify themselves as Christian, and most adults are married or in a committed couple relationship. Therefore, the current decline of married couples along with the influx of divorces may be attributed to a lack of knowledge regarding family systems theory, spiritual foundations for marriage, and family therapy benefits.

Research Paper: Marriage Couple and Family Counseling
During the last three decades America has witnessed diverse changes to the definition of marriage, and the family structure has been evolving simultaneously. In the book titled The Popular Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling (Clinton



References: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. (2001). AAMFT Code of Ethics Regular. American Association of Christian Counselors. (1990). American Association of Christian Counselors membership registry. Jackson, Miss.: The Association. American Association of Christian Counselors. (2004). American Association of Christian counselors code of ethics. Forest, VA. Retrieved from http://www.aacc.net/ American Psychological Association Bowen, M. (1978). Family therapy in clinical practice. New York: Jason Aronson. Cade, R. (2010). Covenant marriage. The Family Journal, 18(3), 230-233. doi:10.1177/1066480710372072 Centers for Disease Control Clinton, T., & Hawkins, R. (2011). The popular encyclopedia of Christian counseling: An indispensable tool for helping people with their problems. Eugene Oregon: Harvest House Publishers. Clinton, T., & Ohlschlager, G. (2002). Competent Christian Counseling. Colorado Spring, CO: Waterbrook Press. Clinton, T., Hart, A., & Ohlschlager, G. (2005). Caring for people God 's way. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson. Cohn, D., Passel, J., Wang, W., & Livingston, G. (2011). The decline of marriage and rise of new families. Pew Social & Demographic Trends, 1(1), 1-17. Corey, C., & Callanan. (2011). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Crabb, L. (1977). Effective Biblical counseling: A model for helping caring Christians become capable counselors. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Diller, J. V. (2011). Cultural diversity: A primer for the human services. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. ISBN: 978-0-8400-3225-6. Goldenberg, I., & Goldenberg, H. (1985). Family therapy: An overview 2nd ed. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. Hall, V.M. (1980). The Christian history of the Constitution (pp. 365-366). San Francisco, CA: Foundation for American Christian Education. Heller, K.Y., & Monahan, J. (1977). Psychology and community change. Ontario, Canada: The Dorsey Press. Hook, J.N., & Worthington, E. L. JR. (2009). Christian couple counseling by professional. Pastoral and lay counselors from a protestant prospective: A nationwide survey. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 37(1), 169-183. Horney, K. (2011), Karen Horney, The glaring facts. Feminine Psychology pg International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. (1968). Marriage:. Retrieved from http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3045000773.html Kostenberger, A Margolin, G. (1982). Ethical and legal considerations in marital and family therapy. American Psychotherapy, 37(7), 788-801. Markman, H.J., & Stanley, S. (2010). Fighting for your marriage. 989 Market Street, San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Martinson, F.M. (1960). Marriage and the American ideal. New York: Dodd, Mead. Retrieved from http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3045000773.html Merriam-Webster Mohler, R.A. (2007). God, marriage, and family: Rebuilding the biblical foundation. Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 50(1), 167-171. Morgan, O.J. (2007). Counseling and spirituality: Views from the profession. Boston, MA: Lahaska Press. Pew Research Center. (2010). The decline of marriage and rise of new families. Pew Research Center: A Social & Demographic Trends Report, 1(1), 1-122. Renick, M. J., Blumberg, S. L., Markman, & Howard, J. (1992). The prevention and relationship enhancement program (PREP): An empirically based preventive intervention program for couples. Family Relations, 41(2), 141-147. Satir, V., Gomori, M., Banmen, J., & Gerber, J.S. (1991). The Satir model: Family therapy and beyond. Palo Alto, CA: Science and Behavior Books. ISBN 0-8314-0078-1. Scott, E.S. (2007, Fall). A world without marriage. Family Law Quarterly, 41(3), 537-567. Sedlacek, D. (2011, December). Biblical diagnosis: a tool for Christian counselors. Christian Counseling Connection, 16(1), 3-16. Stewart, M.N. (2008). Marriage facts. Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy, 31(1), 313-345. The American Heritage Medical Dictionary. (2007). Family therapy. Retrieved from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Family+Therapy Worthington, E.L., Jr., Hight, T.L., Ripley, J Worthington, Jr., ELK., TAM., M.E., & Sandage, S.J. (1996). Empirical research on religion and psychotherapeutic processes and outcomes: A 10-year review and. Psychological Bulletin, 119, 448-487.

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Powerful Essays

    In “Effective Biblical Counseling,” Dr. Larry Crabb attempts to provide a concrete biblically based view of counseling and how it can best be applied. Dr. Crabb gives his interpretation on the different styles of integration in regards to Christianity and psychology. He also discussed his goal of biblical counseling which “is to promote Christian maturity to help people enter into a richer experience of worship and a more effective life of service.” (1977) he attempts…

    • 1489 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Better Essays

    The opening of the book that was written by Dr. Mark McMinn takes the reader on a journey from start to finish. McMinn gives a description of how Christianity is related to psychology. The author teaches about the different translations that the Bible has and how one can relate it to their everyday life ( McMinn, 2011). The translations from the Bible includes Logos words, Rema, and personal living word for each person (McMinn, 2011). Due to the translations that McMinn discussed it is important for a counselor who is willing to utilize Scripture in their counseling sessions to be able to understand the translations and be able to adhere to the word of God.…

    • 1535 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Better Essays

    McMinn 4MAT review

    • 1815 Words
    • 6 Pages

    1 Summary: After listing the name of the book and author, summarize the book concisely in 500 “tight” words (no more than 2 pages). Prove that you comprehend the reading by writing a no-nonsense summary. The summary is not a commentary or listing of topics, but rather a heartfelt, condensed, insightful synopsis of the longer, more elaborate book. Cite the book in text at least once per paragraph, and include page numbers for direct quotations.…

    • 1815 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Powerful Essays

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

    • 1370 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    The purpose of this paper is to formulate the margins of responsibility for a counselor in the area of identity and ethics. So the counselor is able to provide the proper care within the realm of the responsibilities given. Professional guidance is given and will provide the proper licensing and or certification for the overall growth of the student. In addition significant ethical considerations are in place for the counselor as well as a pre counseling packet for the counselee outlining the ethical guidelines to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone involved. The overall goal is the healing process for those who need and desire change in their lives.…

    • 3669 Words
    • 13 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    James Petersen’s book Why Don’t We Listen Better, is a true guide in making relationships better with better communication. This book does not just help people communicate better in a work environment such as ministry or a counseling setting, but in everyday interactions with people and relationships. Petersen discusses the Flat Brain Theory and Flat Brain Tango, which shows why people have problems/ issues concerning listening to each other. Also the book teaches on how to be a more effective listener with thrity different listening techniques. Petersen is not just a writer, but has over forty years of actual experience in counseling and pastoral ministry. The author lays out many techniques and teaches skills about communicating not for to sake of an individual getting ahead, but rather that people gain a deeper connection with one another on all levels, from all different struggles and walks of life.…

    • 1159 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    A Comparison of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors Code of Ethics…

    • 1669 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Mcminn Chapter Summary

    • 1251 Words
    • 6 Pages

    The book begins with at brief selection as it addresses the importance of the counselor utilizing the Christian faith in counseling in addition to focusing on the relationship between psychology and theology. It addresses the issues and concerns that religion may bring into counseling sessions and how the counselor should address and handle these challenges. McMinn addresses the facts that spiritual development must take place with the client as well as the counselor. The counselor must personally address the regulation of prayer, scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption these formulations are a necessity for smooth sessions for the client and counselor. The objective of the sessions is to create a healthy sense of self for the client. Once this objective is achieved, the client can move from being broken, and begin a self-motivated and fulfilling relationship with God and others.…

    • 1251 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    M Cat Review

    • 1389 Words
    • 6 Pages

    As McMinn works through the concepts of integrating these three distinct disciplines, Christian counseling becomes more complex and multifaceted. Christian counselors set their eyes upon God with an individual’s spiritual growth and mental health in their mind. In addition to placing the pieces of a battered mental health condition focus to the forefront, their client’s eternity of life and knowledge of God is an important piece of the puzzle. A more detailed perspective of psychological and spiritual health, allows every individual to recognize their responsibility to God, to their family and…

    • 1389 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Better Essays

    4MAT Review

    • 1277 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Christian counseling integrates the fundamental specialties of psychology, theology, and spirituality into the counseling relationship. McMinn (1996) delivers this insightful guide into the profuse approaches of integration through the means of Scripture, prayer, confession, and redemption. This resource provides further insight into how these aspects may be applied and enriched through the incorporation of spirituality into sessions. McMinn (1996)…

    • 1277 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Better Essays

    Compare and Contrast Paper

    • 1899 Words
    • 5 Pages

    As is the case with secular counseling, Christian Counseling has many different methods that can be used. While some of these methods are preferred by more counselors than others, they all have some similarities and some differences, including in their goals, concepts, strategies, and how to develop a counseling program within a church community. This paper will attempt to explain those similarities and differences, with the methods being compared to Lawrence Crabb, Jr.’s method that he wrote about in his 1977 book entitled Effective Christian Counseling.…

    • 1899 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling (Rev. ed.). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House. ISBN: 9780842352529.…

    • 1224 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Better Essays

    Psychology and Counselor

    • 1131 Words
    • 5 Pages

    In the book entitled Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling written by Mark R. McMinn, PHD., (1995) the author focused on how various techniques that can be used to help the clients during counseling session by using integration of psychology, theology and spirituality.…

    • 1131 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    1950's Marriage Decline

    • 388 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The average number of marriages has declined since the 1950’s for various reasons that scholars have tried to explain through their research (Vanorman & Scommegna, 2016). Even with the legalization of same sex marriage, there has been a decline in the number of married adults in the United States. In 1960, about three-quarters of all American adults were married, compared to 2014 where the number had decreased to about half of all American adults being married (Vanorman & Scommegna, 2016). The United States’s marriage trend has been influenced by factors such as cohabitation, delayed marriage, an increase in divorce with a decrease in remarriage, and the increase of having children out of wedlock (Vanorman & Scommegna, 2016).…

    • 388 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Ethical questions regarding family therapy can become unique and complicated when dealing with more than one individual person. What may serve in the best interest of one person, may conflict with the interests of another. To help guide family therapists with these ethical dilemmas, The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) has developed a code of ethical standards. The AAMFT code of ethics is divided into eight principle sections: responsibility to clients, confidentiality, professional competence and integrity, responsibility to students and supervisees, responsibility to research participants, responsibility to the profession, financial arrangements, and advertising (Cory, Corey, & Callanan,…

    • 3407 Words
    • 14 Pages
    Powerful Essays

Related Topics