What are the most important therapeutic uses of Scripture in counseling?

Scripture is the Word of God and is a fountain of wisdom. In the book of Hebrew says “the word of God is alive and active.” The most important therapeutic uses of scripture are: when personal problems arise, for example when there are feelings of guilt, anxiety, when there is suffering, trauma, stress and depression. Another therapeutic use of scriptures is in interpersonal conflicts, for example resentment family issues, marriage issues. Another important therapeutic use of the scriptures are when unfortunate events occur, for example the loss of a love one, financial problems, crisis caused by catastrophes. According to McMinn (1996) some counselors advocate using Scripture as a Therapeutic intervention for recovery groups with codependence problems, to help couples recover from sexual affairs, in child therapy using Narrative therapy and cognitive therapy using Scripture memory and meditation. In the book of Timothy, Paul says: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”. In the book of Philippians 4:8 say “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praise worthy think about such things.”
What are some cautions or possible negative impacts regarding the use of prayer in counseling? Prayer is the weapon of Christians, is the divine resource to reach the unreachable, but in counseling we must be careful when praying during sessions with the clients. According to the lecture in this week counselor have to be caution so that we do not violate the empowerment of the client’s ability to self-direct, or so that we do not attempt to draw people into praying in ways that are not appropriate to their level of spiritual development, Another careful point is to avoid violating the ethical code while using prayer during sessions. When dealing with a non-believer client we must be careful to impose our values. Praying for our clients is always good even outside of the sessions, if I was unable to pray during sessions. According to McMinn (1996) refer he say that always try to avoid situations that could harm his clients. A counselor without training in prayer therapy can approach inadequately.

Reference

http://learn.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/courseMain?course_id=_84518_1

McMinn, M. R. (1996). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House