Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling

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A-4 MAT Review System: Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Christine Mayers Liberty University A 4-MAT Review System: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian counseling (Rev. ed.). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House. ISBN: 9780842352529 Summary Mark McMinn’s book Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling introduces to his audience a revised edition of his 1996 book for those counselors who are considering the ministry of Christian counseling. Dr. McMinn’s main focus is the counselor’s daily life, and the counselor’s therapy sessions. McMinn (2011) looks at how the counselor can integrate the Christian faith into their counseling practices. In order to have religious interventions, the counselor is required to understand spiritual formation, prioritize personal spiritual training, challenge prevailing methods of mental health, be sensitive to ethical issues and strive to have a strong scientific base. McMinn (2011 p. 60) points out that there are three roles that counselors hold simultaneously. First, we as counselors are full participants in the interpersonal interactions that occur during sessions. Second, counselors serve as observers, we carefully watch and evaluate what is and is not going on well in a relationship. Third, we as counselors engineer the counseling relationship by being compassionate and understanding of our clients feelings. We must understand as counselors, the healthy boundaries when it comes to client-counselor relationships. When a client is over reliant with their counselor, and overconfident, it is dangerous for the relationship. The counselor must find balance so that appropriate limitations will be all around to avoid hurt and confusion. Dr. McMinn (2011) gives us an excellent

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