McMinn 4-MAT Review: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality Toya V Mitchell Liberty University Review The text Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling written by Dr. Mark McMinn brings psychology, theology and spirituality together within the counseling office. Throughout the book McMinn presents several challenges that counselors face within their profession, spiritual relationship and personal self (McMinn, 2011). These challenges include areas of competence, blurred personal-professional distinctions, training difficulties, dominant views of mental health, lack of scientific foundations and ethical standards.
McMinn Book Review Summary In order to improve the distinctive facets of how therapists support individuals, McMinn used psychology, theology and spiritually. McMinn (2011, p. 351) believed that it is very vital for therapists to be fervent and flexible much more with their personal piety and practices because these may affect the process and outcome of counseling. In Chapter 1, McMinn (2011, p. 293) emphasized about how Christian counselors face professional and personal challenges in the interdisciplinary integration. Chapter 2 talks about the complexity of Christian counseling because its goals are multifaceted.
Summary Mark McMinn (2011) is a clinical psychologist, who wrote the book Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling, that was published by Tyndale House. In the new addition of this wonderful read McMinn (2001) brought alongside of him some of his pass students that added a different outlook. It is evident, that McMinn (2011) aim was to teach Christian counselors the importance of incorporating psychology, theology, and spirituality in the counseling office.
In the article Interventions that Apply Scripture in Psychotherapy, the author Fernando Garzon addresses how to apply scriptures into therapy sessions. Garzon (2005) argues that the Bible is a tool that can be used to deliver messages of healing to those who believe. He goes on to explain that while the Bible is useful, therapists must understand how and when its use is beneficial for the client (Garzon, 2005). A few notable questions that therapists should consider before implementing the Bible into sessions are as follows: (1) Are you imposing your values on the client? (2) Have you addressed informed consent issues?
An individual can become emotionally disturbed due to their own sin or due to the sin of someone else. Psychological and Spiritual Growth This segment of the chapter discuss whether or not a counselor should confront the client about sin. Will the confrontation increase their spiritual and mental health, or will it cause them to turn away from the counselor and the help the counselor has to offer? McMinn says that there are four appropriate ways to confront the client’s sin in counseling.
Because of the division of science in religion discussed in chapters 1 and 2, there is very little room for interaction among psychology and religion, especially in the earlier years of psychology. Going into chapter 4, the author gives a comprehensive overview of different worldviews while discussing what they are and the importance of a Christian entering into the counseling profession to have a Christian worldview. Worldviews are learned through various influences and shape our understanding of the world, which gives both insight and distorted thinking. It is vital for counselors to have the proper worldview that is aligned both with empirical scientific evidence and sound theological doctrine to properly guide and direct others into truth, insight, awareness, healing, and
Summary Authors Hawkins and Clinton (2015) began the dynamic of the book sharing that the calling of the new Christian counselor, as our highest privilege and compelling responsibility, is to be distinctively Christian and thoroughly professional. In addition to keep up with advances in research and in the treatment fields of counseling, psychotherapy and pastoral care. (Hawkins & Clinton, 2015, p. 6). Hawkins and Clinton, (2015) shared the dynamic of the new Christian counselor in having a spiritual foundation with the integration of terminology of the counseling field and psychotherapy to target every aspect of an individual’s life in which they may be lacking. Within the book The New Christian Counselor: A Fresh Biblical and Transformational
She states that “Prayer can be a positive part of counseling”. She also has faith in the use of scriptures she believes that it can inspire development within the session. She also incorporates assignments in her sessions and has her clients look for particular scriptural topics, which help clients examine the bible for topics that relates to their issue which also boosts growth. The integration of spirituality and religious beliefs within any counselor’s theoretical frame has an impact on clients overall a therapeutic
Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling was first authored by Mark McMinn in 1990 (McMinn, 2011). This is a review of his most recent publication in which he left mostly the same and added reflections and additions of gained knowledge from the bast 20 years at the end of each chapter. McMinn (2011) opens the book buy explaining that integration is very complex because everyone has different views of Christianity, spirituality, and psychology. It is key to understand that all theories, even tested psychological interventions operate using a worldview that may not align well with Christianity. Integration asks each person to consider what they believe and strive to become trained in all areas so that integration can be
As a Christian counselor, I would find that my own Christian beliefs on therapy would be similar to the methods used in CBT. Some may argue that CBT and Christianity are very different but both deal with how we view thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT's main focus is that how we feel and think affects the way we behave in society or in the world. Christian scripture also holds the idea that how we think and act in turn affects us emotionally. Even our “spirit” or “soul” can be affected by negative schemas.
Foci, Prioritization: What priorities drove your ability to facilitate care this week? This week I was only in the PACU for one day and that day I was assigned the team lead role. My priorities while in that role included floating around where I was needed, providing care for not only the patient assigned to myself and my coassign, but also giving a helping hand to my fellow classmates when it was appropriate.
Clients like her who come to counseling for help with their problems could become offended if biblical scriptures and prayer used during counseling. McMinn(2011) has stated clear guidelines in his textbook such as "praying for the client outside the session or silently in session, providing Scripture supported principles, avoiding overuse of spiritual practices, and avoiding becoming preachy, or overbearing, with the client. " We all Christian counselor must be very cautious in implementing or utilizing the prayer and scripture in a counseling session with a client like Daniella. Before counseling a client like Daniella, a Christian counselor must carefully follow guidelines after acquiring extensive knowledge of the client’s situation before introducing the use of prayer into counseling. "Based on survey data, prayer appears to be a frequent but not routine part of Christian counseling and psychotherapy.
Religion is an easy way for counselors to learn about an individual and understand why they behave certain ways, view things in certain ways. Counselors do not have to accept the individual’s religion but must have an understanding of them (Gerig, 2014). However, even though religion in a group therapy environment should be respected and understood. It should not be applied to the treatments themselves when in a group which may have different religions.
As I learn more about counseling theories, I realize that it is important for a counselor to not act as an expert on a client’s life, rather, this role is solely
It is based on biblical truth and we believe this truth has the power to transform lives. This transformation is relevant to all, not just the counselee, but also the counselor. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes. We must be patient as we trust God to reveal Himself through the scripture and by loving each person we counsel, always pointing to the cross and giving God the glory for each victory.
