Theory Critique: Crabb and Hawkins
Liberty University
David Paul Young
Counseling 507
Dr. Diane Powell

Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Crabb offer counseling theory models with the purpose of pursuing Christlikeness. Before and above all else this foundational linchpin flows into their models of comprehensive counseling theory. Dr. Hawkins emphasizes several critical elements that must be established at a minimum. There first must be a “delineation of personality structure”, (Hawkins, n.d.) answering questions regarding individual personality such as the motivation for certain behaviors and choices. What and how much influence is derived from the conscious and preconscious mind? What else is influencing behavioral choices? Further, the question of human development needs to be addressed. There are many differences in how individuals develop which begs the questions; does personality change.-if so how and why? This leads into examination of health and illness. What is a healthy individual, what do they look like, act like, speak like, how do they feel inside? Conversely, what constitutes illness and how can it be cured? And what good is a comprehensive counseling theory if it is cannot demonstrate its effectiveness and stand up to scrutiny? Is there research to back it up? Or, is the entire concept based on antidotal evidence, conjecture and innuendo. Phycology and secular science can claim as such and perhaps it is true. But when the theory is derived and practiced from a Christian worldview, the TRUTH is unquestioned. This is where Dr. Hawkins emphasizes the ability to multi task. This includes the integration of theology, spirituality and phycology addressing: body, cognition, feelings, and volition, Spirit/image of God, Sin/flesh, temporal systems and supernatural systems. Putting his precepts into action, Dr. Hawkins references a “Spirit Filled Life”, Eph. 5:17–18 and Principle of Provisioning, Principle of Humiliation (Phil. 2:5–11). The former pictures the likeness of a person in a canoe to make the point that “to live wisely in evil days, you must live continually under the control of the Holy Spirit.” (Cole, 2008). The ladder illustrates a road broken in half. “Christ Humbled, Christ Exalted” Philippians 2:5-11. Hawkins categorizes forces shaping human personality with concentric circles representing the core. This device helps conceptualize the “sourcing” (Hawkins, n.d.) of human problems and how the elements within affect personality, behavior and motivation. The inner circle of the core contains the Image of God; Sin, Flesh (Sin has been transferred to all of us due to the fall) the Breadth of life, and Human Spirit. The next encompassing (concentric) circle contains the Soul: a regenerated Soul displays within it the Holy Ghost which transforms the human Heart and Spirit, which impacts all relationships and systems. An unregenerate Soul does not. The third circle includes thinking, volition, feeling, emotion conscience. The next contains the body, followed by the temporal systems; education, family, friend’s, government. People come out of systems which shape them within the core which can affect the way they think about God. The last piece contains supernatural systems, Satan, God, good and fallen angles. For utility in tracking client progress, Hawkins introduces a four phase model: 1. Counselor listening, 2. counselor setting direction and proposing a plan of action, 3.counselor and client formulating plans of action collaboratively where both take ownership of such plan. 4. Client commits to a community requiring accountability, drawn from the authority derived from Christ- with the goal of pursuing Christlikeness. Effective Biblical Counseling, a book by Dr. Crabb, examines four counseling approaches that address integration of Christian and secular counseling. 1. Separate but Equal, where theology and psychology are equally valued, but they are never used to compliment on another, 2. Tossed Salad, combines both when applied to different problems, the soundness of either is never questioned. 3. Nothing Buttery rejects psychology altogether depending only on Scripture. 4. Crabb’s best and favored approach is Spoiling the Egyptians, a Biblically grounded model that welcomes careful inclusion of psychology and how it can be beneficial. Dr. Crabb asserts that God reveals himself to us through Special and General Revelation. Special Revelation includes the work of the Holy Spirit within us, Scripture, Truth. General Revelation can occur through discovery by scientists, writers, physiologists, researchers. God will find ways for the Truth to be revealed to all, and the wise will heed the revelation. “For His invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20) However, discovery through General Revelation is not equal to Special Revelation (word of God). Further, the discoveries must be verified in the community of people who are accountable to God. Crabb also states that a counselor must establish the goal of counseling asking “What are we trying to do?” (Crabb, 1977 p.19). Is it the counselor’s responsibility to make people happy? Like Hawkins, Crabb asserts that the goal is to promote Christlikeness. That will please God and ultimately lead to happiness for both client and counselor. This is achieved through worship and service. At times these objectives may be in conflict with personal happiness, but it will lead to maturity. Maturity, is achieved though obedience to the word of God which promotes spiritual health and develops character. Justification is the foundation of maturity and that justification is embedded in the realization that God has created a way to accept and approve us through the Cross of Jesus Christ. And because Jesus washed away our Sins, we are destined for Glorification. Therefore, we need to move over from our old life, and move UP into the Glory of God. We cannot be glorified on our own. As a multi-taker, Dr. Crabb borrows from psychology the concept that all people have two basic needs, significance and security. He examines the impact of the Fall on these needs asking how Adam and Eve reorganized their needs after they disobeyed God: What direction did their pursuit for significance go? And how did they find security after being driven from the Garden? If needs are not met, problems such as feelings of threat, and developing false beliefs and symptoms will develop. These problems may require therapy that ushers in changes in thinking and thoughts about how one derives security and significance. Returning to God offers both. Because emotions are indicators and motivators in counseling, it is important to know what people are FEELING because that may indicate what their behavioral motivations might be. Crabb explores this by providing a picture of what makes a person tick. (Crabb, 1977 p. 86). This includes the role of the conscious and unconscious mind, basic direction (Heart) and Will. (Crabb, 1997 p. 96). To implement this process, it is suggested that a counselor identify any problem feelings. This is important because feelings are the most accessible thing available. This should precede identification of problem behaviors and determining the goal of those behaviors allowing an assessment of assumptions or cognitions that may be directing such behavior. Then the counselor may identify problem thinking; where was the problem thinking learned? Perhaps then, a troubled Soul may be able to verbalize his or hers feelings about such thinking. If successful, the client will be receptive to changing non-truth based thoughts.

References
Crabb, L.J. (1977). Effective Biblical Counseling, Grand Rapids Michigan: Zondervan
Cole, S.J. (2008, June). Ephesians 5:18. Retrieved from http://www.fcfonline.org/sermons
Hawkins, R. (n.d.) A. Constructing a Comprehensive Counseling Theory, Liberty University Blackboard: http://bb7.liberty.edu.

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[ 1 ]. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,