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Mcminn 4-Mat

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Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in
Christian counseling: McMinn 4-MAT
Erin
Liberty University

Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in
Christian counseling: McMinn 4-MAT
Summary
Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling (McMinn, 2011) is about ways Christian counselors can integrate practical concept of psychology, theology, and spirituality when faced with real-world problems, challenges, and questions in the counseling office. An emerging approach for Christian counseling is intradisciplinary integration, which incorporates the Christian faith into counseling practices (McMinn, 2011, p.26). McMinn describes six challenges of intradisciplinary integration such as competency of psychology, theology, and spiritual formation. A major theme of this book emphasizes the importance of establishing a therapeutic relationship in counseling, with the key components in the therapeutic relationship being the counselor’s own spiritual life and walk with God. Introspection of Christian counselors’ own spiritual lives will direct counselors to recognize their own weaknesses, while encouraging dependency on God (McMinn, 2011, p12). The desire to obtain a better understanding of Spiritual wisdom and the Spiritual life for the counselor and client can be guided by a map for Spiritual growth.
The map should be scripturally and theologically sound, yet not so simple that it is inadequate for understanding challenges of mental and Spiritual health by leaving out important details. For example, every situation will be different and a simple map of linear progression will not accurately meet the needs of every client (McMinn, 2011, p.39). A more detailed map will include an accurate sense of self which acknowledges accountability to God, awareness of brokenness which keeps people humble, and healing relationships which allows people to

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