People are not separate parts, but are complex integrated beings. For Christian counseling this approach does not hold a Biblical basis to develop one’s theory of counseling. As stated by Crabb (1977) “to create a wall between Scripture and psychology and to assume that the two disciplines are Separate but Equal, must be rejected firmly as an inaccurate reflection of biblical
Counselors advocate change at all levels to improve the quality of life for individuals or groups, while eliminating obstacles that make it difficult to receive proper services. Christian counselors promote the same quality as secular counselors but incorporate the messages of Jesus Christ. Three specific areas competence, conflict of Interest and termination are valuable in the counseling profession. Understanding these areas in the code of ethics of counseling is an important responsibility in order to be a professional and suitable counselor. Can Your Code of Ethics Be Wrong?
Some have criticized James in that they thought he was teaching that salvation was by works alone, but in reality he is complementing Paul’s teaching of salvation by faith. The two go hand in hand. Salvation by faith results in holy living (Harper, 1967). The book is included to help believers put their faith into action. It is not enough to talk the talk but to also live it (James 2:14, New Living Translation).
Who is Considered a Christian Counselor? Psychiatrists, psychologist, professionally trained counselors, social workers, mental health workers, pastors, church leaders, lay counselors, and those designated by their particular church denomination or organization of involvement, as counselors to others. They have received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives and live accordingly. What is Lay Counseling? Lay counseling, broadly defined, refers to people-helping or care giving by nonprofessional or paraprofessional helpers with limited training or no training in counseling skills.
However, when using this approach little value is given to the fact that some of the psychology tends to contradict with theology beliefs. This seems to cause problems since Christian therapists usually look for guidance with the scriptures and are using two contradictory doctrines to create one intervention plan to assist their clients. The “Nothing Buttery” approach, states that scripture is the only doctrine needed to assist clients. In this approach psychology techniques are not needed because God’s word will provide everything needed to have a healthy
Being nonjudgmental and accepting are important attributes in any of the helping professions. Three attributes that are conducive to the counseling process is empathy, trust-worthiness, and self-awareness. Counselors help people through some of the most difficult and stressful times of their lives. They must be able to display empathy that is the ability to feel what another person is feeling. Displaying empathy means that you are truly able to imagine what it's like to stand in someone else's shoes.
It is only through the justification of Jesus and His perfection that a person can experience true happiness (Crabb, 1977, p.24-25). There are distinct differences in the approach non-Christian counselors take to treat people in need of guidance. One major indication of differences in counseling programs can be found in the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics. There is no faith based, or biblical foundations in this code (Anonymous, 2006). In the preamble of the ACA Code it states “Association members recognize diversity and embrace a cross-cultural approach in support of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of people within their social and cultural
Abstract In the book Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling by Mark R. McMinn, PhD published by Tyndale House Publishers shows how psychologists use theology and spirituality in their counseling. McMinn show the importance of Christianity in counseling of clients. He gives various examples of the best tactics for psychologist to use in Christian counseling. He also shows the importance of building a trusting relationship with clients and uses the cognitive therapy background as a theoretical foundation. In the book he discusses that many counselors as well as Christian counselors hardly ever use the Bible while they are in their counseling session.
God’s attributes are typically broken down into two categories: Incommunicable (not shared) and Communicable (shared). Some of God’s incommunicable attributes are (taken from Doctrine: What every Christian should believe by Mark Driscoll and Gary Breshears): 1. Independence – God does not need us, or the rest of creation, for anything yet we, and the rest of creation, need him and can glorify him and bring him joy. 2. Unchangeableness – God is unchanging in his being, perfections, purposes, and promises, yet God does act and feel emotions, and he acts and feels differently in response to different situations.
Shedding the stigma of their problems, the client is able to step back and examine themself as a whole person and become aware of not only who they are, but who they have the capacity to become as well. Rogers believed this was achievable in a few specific ways: 1) by displaying congruency, or being genuine with clients and allowing the client to experience the counselor as who they really are, not as someone hiding behind a stoic façade, 2) by demonstrating unconditional positive regard, or caring deeply and genuinely for the client and their well being, regardless of their choices and actions and 3) by being empathetic and understanding towards the client (Prochaska & Norcross, 2014). In a recent 2011 study of twenty people who reported psychotic processes (I.e- hearing voices, hallucinating, paranoia and unusual and sometimes harmful processes of thinking or behavior), researchers found that a specific method used in the person centered approach, namely unconditional positive regard, was the main component that was able to bring about positive change in these particular people. By the therapist not labeling their illness and