Summary The article by Tan (2007) discusses proper and ethically acceptable application of prayers as a form of therapy. The author presents the use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from a Scriptural (Biblical) perspective. The key components of scripture-based CBT highlighted in the article are as follows. The first one is the need to underscore the value of God’s love and the establishment of a cordial relationship with the client. Second, conduct a comprehensive recollection and healing of the past events that led to the present problem (s).
What is Christian Counseling? Christian counseling is making practices, models, and techniques that allow for Jesus Christ-centered counseling. This means that the core belief of the Christian counselor is that true and lasting healing comes from God through Jesus Christ. Therefore, the goal of the Christian counselor is to help clients (counselees) develop healthy relationships with God through the knowledge of Jesus Christ, instructing them in the appropriate application of the Word of God (The Holy Bible) to the problems and challenges that are presented in the counseling setting. Who is Considered a Christian Counselor?
Dr. Anderson displays a strong foundation of counseling through truth and having a relationship with Christ. Other web based articles were used to support the theory of Anderson’s book. Although the web based articles other different avenues of Christian counseling all of the sources used share a common root, how to show others how to overcome their problems to become healthy well adjusted individuals by using biblical concepts. Christian Counseling to the Spiritually Oppressed Discipleship is receiving instruction from a religious leader and being a follower who has learned to believe in the truth of the doctrine of his teacher. Discipleship in today’s world can be in the form of a Christian counseling.
Can Your Code of Ethics Be Wrong? Lonna Shelton-Soward Liberty University Abstract In counseling, whether Secular or Christian based it is crucial to understand and practice ethical codes. Similarities and differences in the American Counseling Association (ACA) code of ethics and the American Association of Christian Counseling (AACC) code of ethics, aim to do no harm. In the AACC Code of Ethics it clearly states, “Christian counselors acknowledge that the first rule of professional-ministerial ethical conduct is: do no harm to those served.” (AACC, Section, ES1-100, p.9). 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.
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).
Counseling Theory Spiritual Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Keri L. Sammons Liberty University Abstract A personal theory of counseling incorporates the worldview and professional position of the counselor. A theory should be designed in a way that meets the needs of the client in a gentle and accommodating way. The theory described is fashioned from Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and the beliefs of the Christian counselor. The intent of this theory is to develop counseling process that includes a scientifically based theory that is consistent with biblical values. The personal theory of the counselor is that the integration of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Christian beliefs will lead not only to psychological healing and change but, also to spiritual healing.
I found the practical sections of this book to be extremely helpful. For instance, when Brooks explains the benefit of asking the “so what” question of the good news text, I was motivated to look at a few of my sermons that had already been preached and ask the “so what” question of the text. Brooks is clear that the Bible is the foundation of preaching. This statement as she points out may seem to be one that there is agreement with among preachers, however as is pointed out there are those who believe that good news may come from other sources. It has been my experience in hearing sermons that the Bible is the source of the good news that is proclaimed.
Integration of psychology and theology faces many challenges. McMinn (2011) suggests that competent Christian counselors should not only be well educated in theology and psychology, but also have a firm understanding of Spirituality. In order for a counselor to have competency in all areas required to make an effective counselor they must expand their training to include education that enriches their spiritual side (McMinn, 2011). In counseling the majority of the worldview is mostly secular. McMinn (2011) suggests that Christian counselors should challenge the majority worldview and reinforce the Christian doctrine.
Use of Prayer and Scripture in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Article Review Helen Crudup Liberty University Summary In his 2007 article entitled Use of Prayer and Scripture in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Siang-Yang Tan looks at and discusses applicable ways in which to integrate prayer, including inner healing prayer and Scripture into cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Beginning with a reminder to his readers that “CBT is one of the most empirically supported treatments available for a wide variety of psychological disorders” (p. 101). Tan raises awareness to the components of mindfulness as being self-guidance concentration and implementing a meticulous direction that is distinguished by interest (p.101). The content of the article includes a list of eight key features the author used to describe his particular biblical, Christian approach to CBT. He also discusses implicit, explicit, and intentional integration in therapy.
A critical view of person-centered therapy A counselor is often viewed as a good model of what it means to be wise and the patient’s friend, a person with great capacity to listen and be respectful. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that person-centered therapy has been so warmly embraced within significant portions of the religious community as it appears to give us valuable clues and guidance on how to respond to those in misery and distress, or better said “love the brothers and sisters.” In comparison with other theories of counseling and psychotherapy there is none to embrace the full manifestation of the humanistic spirit in contemporary psychology than the person-centered theory, and perhaps no single individual better embodied its essence than its founder, Carl Rogers. Person-centered therapy asserts that the client, not the therapist, should be at the heart of psychotherapy since only the client has the resources by which to become more aware of and remove his or her obstacles to personal growth. It is significant to know that Carl Rogers grew up in a fundamentalist Christian home and rejected the faith of his parents during college in favor of “Liberalistic Humanism” (Van Belle, 1985b, p. 1016). Person-centered therapy warmly embraces a number of key values (adapted from Korchin, 1976, pp.