...Journal Article Review: Use of prayer and scripture in therapy Liberty University Use of prayer and scripture in therapy Summary Effectively integrating psychology and theology has been an ongoing endeavor for many Christian therapists who wish to be ethically sound in their therapeutic practices and yet honor the use of the Holy Spirit as the ultimate Counselor and Comforter. Use of prayer and scripture in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is a study that focuses specifically on the efficacy of the use of prayer and scripture within the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model. While CBT is more than 30 years old (Tan, 2007, pg. 101), it has been “expanded to include mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies” (Tan, 2007, pg. 101). The author bases his article on the findings that there are a minimum of 10 outcome studies providing empirical support regarding the efficacy of “religiously-oriented or spiritually-oriented CBT with religious clients” (Tan, 2007, pg. 102). The article describes the author’s development and use of an ethical and appropriate approach to utilizing prayer and scripture within a Christian modality of CBT. The author has used this approach in a variety of settings including hospital, college, and private practice. The key points to his Christian approach to CBT very briefly include the emphasis of agape love, dealing adequately with past issues, the possibility of demonic involvement, use of alignment with God’s word, focusing on problems with...
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...The Use of Prayer and Scripture in CBT Article Review Liberty University Summary The article entitled “Use of Prayer and Scripture in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy” discusses the use of prayer and scripture in a Christian view of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Tan, S. 2007). The article also discusses the expansion of cognitive Behavior Therapy to include Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (Tan, S. 2007). The article also discusses implicit and explicit integration in therapy (Tan, S. 2007). The article begins by discussing the research behind Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Tan, S. 2007) . The article states that it is the most empirically supported therapy treatments(Tan, S. 2007) . Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to treat many psychological illnesses (Tan, S. 2007). The author points out that that empirically supported therapy relationships and empirically supported principles of therapeutic change have also played an important role in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy research (Tan, S. 2007). The article goes on to discuss the history of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Tan, S. 2007). The history can be divided into three generations (Tan, S. 2007). The first generation included traditional behavioral therapy (Tan, S. 2007). The second generation included Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Tan, S. 2007). The third generation includes relatively contextual approaches (Tan, S. 2007). These approaches...
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...psychology, theology, and spirituality. To incorporate the three categories, the book down into further sections including prayer, scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption including “what if” sections with descriptions of circumstances and the corresponding results, what works and what doesn’t within the sessions. By beginning with an active and healthy prayer life personally, the counselor is able to pray for the client both inside of and outside of the counseling sessions. McMinn (2011) discusses the importance of ethical issues of using prayer which is the source of growth in spiritual lives, promoting a relationship with God rather than promoting health. According to McMinn (2011) prayer must only be used after consent given and the potential effects considered as some forms of prayer may be detrimental to the client. Scripture use within counseling can be considered a self-help book enabling personality and behavioral changes. McMinn (2011) discusses the use of Scripture to support many forms of cognitive therapy including rational-emotive therapy (RET). These theories are based on what one thinks which is then supported by Bible Scripture and stories. Respect for the interpretation of others must be remembered with the use of Scripture within counseling. McMinn (2011) describes the “chicken or the egg” within Scripture as knowing God through reason thus understanding...
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...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...
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...different precautions counselors should take and also the limitations. Counselors express when it comes to incorporating their own spirituality into their counseling session, it can be challenging, due to the fact that they may not feel that confident about the knowledge they have about the bible. As a result counselors will often omit the use of God’s word in their counseling sessions because they do not want to confuse the client or interpret the message differently. McMinn has provided the guidance for the counselors who wish to strengthen spirituality within the counseling sessions, as well as within themselves. There are many benefits that come with incorporating Christianity into counseling sessions, but some of the main elements that can help to enhance the client’s life are, they can gain a better sense of self, a better understanding of human need and limitations and also get the opportunity to confide interpersonal relationships with God and others. (McMinn, 2011) McMinn uses the book as a teaching tool where he separates different subjects into chapters where he guides you through the challenges and the key elements the counselor should use in order to enhance the clients psychological and spiritual health. McMinn wanted to highlight on some of the main...
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...Psychology, Theology and Spirituality: Interdisciplinary Approach to Christian Counseling Morenike Oye Liberty University Psychology, Theology and Spirituality: Interdisciplinary Approach to Christian Counseling Summary McMinn (2011) uses this book to bring out the importance of the use of spirituality (as related to Christian faith) in psychological counseling. He describes the Christian Counselors as people who are highly trained in counseling theory and techniques, in theology, and are personally disciplined to mirror Christian attributes during and after counseling. (pg. 139) According to McMinn (2011), Christian Counselors face the challenges of knowing the techniques of spiritual formation, inability to learn spiritual passion, and devotion so as not be handicapped in bringing religious issues to counseling and therapeutic session (p.39). This is because training and competency in the field of psychology and theology can be evidenced, but understanding spirituality cannot be evidenced. This will continue to be a challenge because we can never be spiritually competent. Another challenge is the link between the counselors personal and professional life and worldview as it affects the clients’ level of spirituality, believes and worldview. He states that Christian counselors are faced with the problem of expanded training. They must go beyond the level of professional training to personal training because other factors such...
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... Bibliographical Entry Fay, William and Shepherd, Linda E. Share Jesus Without Fear (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 1999). Abstract Share Jesus Without Fear is a comprehension guide to boldly sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, with practical guidelines and scriptures to aid the apologist in defending their hope in Christ. Additionally, a practical guide to personal preparation, planning, and professing Christ to the unsaved. First and foremost comprehending the evangelist is the vessel being used and the Holy Spirit will do the work. “God has called each of us to share our faith, in obedience. He has called each of us to evangelize.” As the body of Christ all have been silent and avoided the command to share Jesus with all we meet. Silence is a sin as it is disobedience to God. “We should be excited about sharing our faith. We are living in a time when biblical prophesies are being fulfilled right and left. Yet most of us remain silent.” Throughout this book, Fay presents practical and friendly questions to share in an effort to offer Christ and His redemptive love. The Share Jesus plan is implemented through spiritual discernment, a series of questions, scripture, prayer, and discipleship. As the work of evangelism is completed through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and led by God the kingdom will experience great and sustained growth. Further, in sharing Jesus there will be some oppositions, personally and in those being served but Fay provides...
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...trying to blend the two. According to Entwistle, “psychology utilizes reason and observation of nature as its primary source,” whereas “theology utilizes Scripture as its primary source” (p. 135). Psychology and Christianity are discussed under five models of integration within the text. These models are Enemies, Spies, Colonists, Neutral Parties, and Allies. The Enemies model pits psychology and theology against one another. One either chooses the scientific path of psychology or goes the spiritual route with theology to solve a problem. There is no room to integrate the two. People who follow this model are either spiritual or scientific. They do not believe the two are intertwined. Entwistle further divides the Enemies into Secular Combatants, who embrace psychology without any religious authority, and the Christian Combatants, who embrace religious authority and work to protect it from human interference (Entwistle, p. 138). The Spies model recognizes the benefits of religion and Scripture but does not seek to integrate the religious aspect into psychology. If religion does try to play a part, it is reduced to the most minimalist form. Therefore, the therapist may recognize his or her client attends Church and even encourages such attendance. However, the therapist will not seek to discuss Scripture or use prayer as a counseling tool (Entiwistle, p. 142). Those following a Colonist model are more inclined to introduce Theology into Psychology, but with restrictions...
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...spirituality in the process of supporting individuals with improving distinctive facets of their lives. For a counselor to be effective, McMinn stated throughout the book that it is very imperative that the therapist be fervent and resilient within their personal piety. (McMinn, 2011) McMinn talks about the numerous defenses therapists need to take and he also discussed limitations that counselors face. It can be perplexing for Counselors to articulate their own spirituality when integrating it into their counseling session (McMinn, 2011). Therapist also feel that sharing their spirituality can also be difficult, for the reason that they may possibly feel unsure about their Bible knowledge (McMinn, 2011). And as a solution therapists will just not use anything from the Bible in their counseling sessions since the counselor surely does not want to muddy the waters any more for the individual or elucidate the meaning contrarily (McMinn, 2011). Guidance has been made available by McMinn to any therapist that desire to increase spirituality within their clients therapy sessions, and at the same time, increase their own spirituality (McMinn, 2011). When integrating Christianity into therapy sessions there are countless benefits that will help the individual to enhance the their quality of life that will also help them acquire an enhanced essence of themselves and gain a competent value of individual needs and boundaries and also procure the possibility of a personal connection with God and...
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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...
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...Critique of Westerhoff’s Spiritual Life: The Foundation for Preaching and Teaching[1] The Preface to Westerhoff’s book presents the problem which he seeks to address in the six chapters that follow. “Burn-out”, “drain-out” and “rust-out” are all terms used to describe a condition among preachers and teachers whereby they come to realize that their faithfulness to their vocation has become flawed and empty. The reader is informed that it is a spiritual disease that needs spiritual healing so that these individuals can acquire a message to preach/teach that is fresh and relevant (p ix-xi). Westerhoff proceeds to explain that this healing is to be found in “deepening love relationships with God, self, all people and the whole of creation” (p 1). A love must be experienced for what is good, true and beautiful (p 6) and relationships must be infused with the fruit of the Holy Spirit (p 8-9) for ministry to be revitalized. There must be a rejection of hypocrisy to where relationships become more authentic. A concurrent problem also exists which Westerhoff considers of equal importance – the post modern climate of our culture. He writes that the message presented by preachers and teachers must be tailored so as to accommodate the disdain for information, logical analysis and skill training development (p 17). He contends that for a message to be relevant a minister must increasingly become intuitive (p 21), experiential and imaginative (p 25) in his/her approach and recognize...
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...to the different characteristics of a person’s life. He suggests that Christian counseling strengthens three areas of a person’s life: sense of self, an awareness of human need and limitations, and confiding interpersonal relationships with God and others. Each chapter is outlined in a very teachable format. The chapters have sections to address the challenges the counselor faces, psychological and spiritual health focus points, and also expected results by each foundational element of counseling – psychological, theological, and spiritual. The majority of McMinn’s book is devoted to the most important elements of a Christian’s life – prayer, scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption - that are the foundational constructs of the Christian counselor’s method of treating his client’s. The third chapter focuses on prayer. Prayer is common to every person’s experience. It, in itself, is more than a method used in...
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...His book is broken apart in several different chapters that explain and reflect on religion in the counseling office, psychological, spiritual health, prayer, Scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption. McMinn gives scenarios throughout his book on various different situations and what the counselor should do in these situations. Religion in the counseling office is important, but McMinn stresses the importance of consent before using prayer. He states that often the client becomes too dependent on the counselor. The counselor can silently pray for the client outside the office. McMinn states “the question is not how we understand the relationship between psychology and theology but how we practically use the Christian faith in our counseling” (McMinn p. 26). Psychological and spiritual health is very important. McMinn designed a detailed map of spiritual and psychological health. The map gives examples of faulty sense of self by being self-absorbed, and having a lack of self-restraint. There is an example of faulty relationships, where a person can become dependent. There is an example of a faulty awareness of the need to play the victim role. McMinn describes Imago Dei and how that if humans are to love God then humans must love other humans that God has created. McMinn stresses the importance of prayer, both for the counselor and the client. The counselor can pray with the client in counseling sessions, or chose to pray in private for the client. The...
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...In Shaped by the Word, by Robert Mulholland Jr., one finds a way to read scripture in order to provide a deeper understanding of God and allow His Word to shape one’s spiritual life. In the Introduction, in chapter 1, the reader is introduced to the idea that there is a movement in the church that seeks to become deeper and stricter in spiritual formation. He claims there are many books written for this purpose, and his intending purpose for this book is for God to use however he may want in the reader’s spiritual life. Mulholland provides the reader with a prayer to pray in preparation of reading this book and states there may be points where God is knocking and calling the reader’s attention to something new. In chapter 2, Mulholland explains how the reader is a “victim” because of one’s education and allows for the reader to control what is read, rather than letting the text control the reader. The reader is told to listen with the heart and spirit rather than with the mind, thinking and rationalizing the text. His argument for this is that God may be meeting the reader in this place where the mind thinks and the heart reads, and in saying we believe something isn’t for one’s self, there may be a point missed by God who is trying to instill this new idea. In the last chapter of the first section, Mulholland explains the meaning of spiritual formation, more explicitly, Christian spiritual formation. This definition is called “to be the image of Christ for the sake...
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