CHRISTIAN COUNSELING

Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling

Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling

Abstract

Religion in the Counseling Process

In the book “Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling”, McMinn has critically analyzed the Christian Counseling methods. He says that, Christian counselors should not only be knowledgeable about the Christian theology, but, they also need an understanding of the psychological methods and spiritual maturity, so that counseling becomes effective (McMinn, 1996). The author says that with the help of spiritual maturity, psychological methods and Christian Theology, the Christian counselors will become more influential while addressing prayers, scriptures, sins, redemption and forgiveness (Adams, 2010).

Towards Psychological and Spiritual Health

According to the author the following concepts of praying, sin, scripture, forgiveness and redemption help to increase the self-esteem of the clients. Due to the burden of sorrows, guilt and sins, client feels an emotional breakdown and ultimately develops a strong and continuous relationship with God (Adams, 2010).

Prayer

According to the Author, praying is very effective to provide relief to the client during counseling sessions. Quiet prayers for the clients during and after the counseling sessions are very effective and does not cause any harm. However, open-praying has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that the client learns how to pray and builds a strong connection with God. However, one possible disadvantage of open-praying is that the client becomes so dependent on the counselor that he cannot pray on their own (McMinn, 1996). Moreover, the counselor should pray alone as well so that his connection with the Lord becomes stronger (Collins, 2000).

Scripture

In this chapter, the author further criticizes the counselor by saying that the counselors do not use scriptures for spiritual healing. They look to God for healing and scripture to find the truth. People who are struggling within themselves to find the truth feel an ecstasy, transcendence and peace after reading the scriptures (Collins, 2000).

Sin

In order to explain sin, the author says that some clients blame themselves for their sins. These clients should be given hope by saying that doing sins is part of human nature (McMinn, 2008). On the other hand, those clients who blame others for their sins should be given advice to play their role to get away from sins.

Confession

Confession is very important to rebuild connection with the God after committing sins. Confession is easy for some clients while, for others, it is very difficult because of the discomfort it brings (McMinn, 1996). However, confession can be used as a psychological tool of getting comfort during Christian counseling so that the clients see their religion in the right light.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is the most important psychological tool takes the client out the emotional trauma and painful memories. Client feels lighter and energetic to start a new beginning, which is free of errors. God tells the humanity to be kind with each other and forgive each other's mistakes. God is merciful, so his people should also be forgiving and kind (McMinn, 1996).

Redemption

According to the author, the ultimate redemption of the client rests in the hands of ...