Garzon's Hypothetical Case Study

Summary

In his exposé published in the Journal of Psychology and Theology, clinical psychologist and pastor Dr. Fernando Garzon (2005) utilizes a hypothetical case to examine a number of issues concerning a Christian counselor’s awareness of various interventions and ethical considerations regarding the application of Scripture in psychotherapy. Dr. Garzon (2005) states the challenges facing many Christian counselors are in developing treatment strategies that integrate the biblical principles of Bible reading and prayer (p. 113) into therapy. Dr. Garzon primarily focuses his writing on psychodynamic, psychoeducational, theoeducational, cognitive, behavioral, and affective directed analysis, as well as discerning how and when said ideologies

Fernando Garzon (2005) emphasizes the importance of counselors having an “incarnational perspective on spiritual interventions.” (p. 115) Such a viewpoint dictates that a counselor reflect the character of Christ by taking more of an empathic, “quiet and non-overt” approach (p. 115) when making use of biblical principle techniques in therapy. Dr. Garzon develops the aforementioned hypothetical case study to illustrate several therapeutic approaches: psychodynamic, psychoeducational, theoeducational, cognitive, behavioral, and affective. Psychoeducational interventions involve educating clients about Biblical truths in order to counter a client’s failure to discern his or her emotions, assertiveness, and limits (p. 116). Theoeducational intervention comprises helping a client come to an accurate understanding of the nature of God as opposed to the inaccurate view held by so much of humanity as a result of humankind’s fallen nature and false teachings. (p. 116) Garzon stipulates that by combining Scripture with behavioral interventions, such as having a client participate in a breathing exercise while meditating on or reciting Scripture, may prove helpful in reducing debilitating symptoms of anxiety and stress. (p. 216) Cognitive approaches, on the other hand, tend to lean towards either the utilization of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) or cognitive therapy. REBT relies on reason, logic, and the use of Scriptural

He is physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive, and an alcoholic whose second wife recently divorced him and has full custody of his two young daughters. Bob's only companion is a child from his first marriage; a son that neither Bob nor his first wife wanted; a child thought of as nothing more than a burden. Bob does not accept that he has a drinking problem and maintains that his two marriages failed because his wives were unfaithful, and he divorced them.

Bob works for United Parcel Service as a delivery driver, and his bosses do not know that he keeps alcohol in a thermos from which he drinks while driving his route. Every day after work Bob frequents one of the many bars he passes on his way homeward. After leaving a lounge one evening, Bob was involved in an automobile accident and is facing jail time; Bob's blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit.

Bob, who comes to me for treatment and evaluation, complains of worrying about starting over at his age and feeling worthless though demanding love through abuse. When asked if he would be willing to include prayer and Bible reading Bob states he does not know whether he believes in God or not, but he is not ready to rule anything