Mcminn Uses Of Prayer In Counseling

Concerning prayer, McMinn proposes the question counselors should consider is “…Which forms of prayer should we use with which clients and under which circumstances?’” (p.79). McMinn notes that Christian counselors often consider using prayer as a counseling technique, however, prayer is greater than a technique: it is a means of worship and communion with God. Ultimately, prayer is a humble posture before God as a confession of need. There are several options for integrating prayer in counseling, from praying with the client in session, assigning prayer homework, and praying for the client outside of the session, etc. McMinn warns that these carry different levels of risk. For example, a client may feel pressured to pray in session and instead

Around the age of 20, I started working with a Christian counselor for my depression and generalized anxiety disorder. I was optimistic that counseling would help, but I did not know what to expect. I had recently switched my major from nutrition to psychology, so I had no academic foresight concerning counseling.

While we did pray at the beginning of each session, we spent much time simply talking and exploring my thoughts and feelings. It was a space where I could bring my hopes and my fears, spiritual and emotional. Something that I was greatly struggling with was how my personal faith related to my mental health. I did not know many Christians at that time, and I was confused both spiritually and emotionally. Although the counselor did not give me direct answers most of the time, she did provide a space for me to be open and honest about my struggles. I appreciated not only having someone who understood my struggle, but who understood and could relate at a faith level. It was also greatly encouraging to have spiritual disciplines such as Scripture and prayer used in counseling to strengthen my faith and psychological/spiritual well-being, and not as therapy

What I have learned most from my personal experience is as Christian counselors, we have a unique opportunity to create a grace space for our clients. Some may be experiencing shame, believing they would not be sick if they, "just had more faith," or are afraid to open up about deep spiritual questions because they believe the counselors will dismiss their faith. My counselors used the spiritual disciplines in the context of the therapeutic relationship, and I believe this was most effective because God has wired us for