Biblical Integration and Counseling Practices free essay sample

Abstract The integration of biblical practices and counseling has been discussed for decades. There is an increased interest in spiritual and emotional health, among Christian counselors and with secular therapists as well. Understanding the differences between implicit and explicit integration practices in therapy help a therapist to decide which techniques should be used appropriately in therapy. There are critics who claim there is no way to properly integrate psychotherapy and biblical practices; however there is a growing interest in religion and clinical practice in American today. The use of prayer and Scripture play a role in the mental health field because clergy are not able to keep up with the demand of counseling their congregation. The values, needs and interests of a client, and respect of the clients preferences should be a considered in therapy to determine whether or not to engage in religious or spiritual practices. Biblical Integration and Counseling Practices The modern mental health field provides a way to help clients who are facing emotional or spiritual pain, social issues, educational difficulties, and financial, legal, or health-related concerns. The field helps clinicians understand the way people act and how they think, which can affect the overall emotional well being of a client. Over the last 50 years, the concept of biblical integration in the therapeutic process has received significant attention. There has been an increasing amount of interest in receiving spiritual practices within the counseling session. Tann (1996) stated the integration of faith and psychotherapy is occurring in other faith communities such as in Jewish, Muslim and even Buddhist religions (p. 365). Although there is significant interest in spiritual practices within counseling, there is also criticism arguing that psychology and /or counseling and biblical integration are not compatible. Some Christians focus only on theology, the study of God and the Bible, as the means to solve problems of mankind and is all man needs. There are strong critics  posing against the mental health field and religion; however, there are many others â€Å"who have arrived at more favorable conclusions about religion and mental health† (Tann, 1996, p. 367). Christian counselors look toward the integration of psychology and theology because it focuses on mental health as well as spiritual growth. More than thirty years ago, most of the religious counseling that occurred was primarily done by the clergy. From a theological perspective, this worked well, but it posed practical concerns. These problems were because many clergy were not trained in psychology, and they were not able to keep up with the amount of clients within the congregation or â€Å"able to meet with clients as often as clients would like† (Worthington, 2009, p. 125). In the 1980s, the area of psychology and Christianity had begun to spark much conversation leading to an approach of a â€Å"Christian psychology† movement. McMinn (2011) stated over the past few decades Christian counselors made progress in reuniting theology and psychology (p. xxi). In the 1990s, the attitudes began to change about religion and psychology. Jones Butman (2011) stated the American Psychological Association (APA) had ignored the topic of religion prior to an article Jones had written to consider religion as a partner in psychology (p. 17). Many clients do not talk about religion during therapy; however there are some clients who do seek out religious concepts. In the late 1980s, theologically conservative clients began to seek out therapists who provided counseling based on specific religious practices. The best approach to counseling is the integration of religion, spirituality, and theories in psychotherapy. Many Christians have a desire to seek to alleviate mental and spiritual suffering and have a healthy relationship with others and God. Concepts of Biblical Integration: Implicit and Explicit It is imperative that therapists not assume feelings experienced by the client or to assume the perceptions of the client. Even if clients indicate they are Christian, it does not mean they will share the same values and beliefs of the therapists. Counselors can become confused about the best way to integrate religious values with psychological techniques to help â€Å"clients with both spiritual and emotional growth† (McMinn, 2011, p. 5). Even though many critics oppose integration of theology and psychology, several practices can be responsibly applied in the counseling process to show respect for Christian values, understand emotional pain, and lead to healing. There are two approaches, implicit and explicit integration, in a clinical practice with counseling and religion. Implicit integration refers to a practice when the therapist does not discuss religion or use spiritual resources like prayer or scripture. Explicit integration works with a person’s spiritual or religious issues in therapy and will use prayer and Scripture as effective techniques in therapy. Even though some therapists are eager to implement Christian counseling and psychotherapy techniques, they should consider their own worldview, assumptions, and views of healing. This attempt begins with the therapist understanding their own attitudes and beliefs and how to bring religion in to a therapy session. Attitudes and Beliefs A properly trained therapist wishing to integrate biblical concepts and psychology should have proper knowledge on how to combine both training and faith. Having an understanding of â€Å"underlying philosophical beliefs, an investigation of theoretical understanding, a careful exploration of scripture, and a thorough reflection on practices to clarify a conceptual position† is necessary for believers and non-believers to relate to the therapist (Alexander, p. 1). It is essential for the therapist to recognize their religious beliefs and values in order to avoid imposing their own values and beliefs on the client. A therapist, who may not be able to tolerate a religious view from a client, may not be able to work effectively with the client and will need to provide a referral. A counselor needs to be aware of how they understand and relate to their own theological and theoretical beliefs, beliefs about the person, and the healing process. Counselors should have competence in theology and psychology when properly integrating both. McMinn (2011) stated when psychologists without theological training attempt to do integration; they often minimize the importance of doctrine, psychologize Christian beliefs, and overlook the historical and sociological context of today’s psychology† (p. 9). Some clients take comfort in knowing the therapist shares the same values or beliefs. Even if values are not shared between the client and therapist,  the session can still â€Å"be done in a highly secular manner without any use of explicit religious interventions† (Hathaway, 2009, p. 108). Prayer Praying can be done with clients, but it does not always have to be out loud. A therapist can still be a religious person in therapy, and still respect the client’s religious values. A therapist could pray silently for the client before, during, or after the session. If a client discloses a desire not to pray or discuss religious practices in therapy, a therapist can still be â€Å"consistent with the therapist’s own religious convictions and beliefs† (Tann, 1996, p. 368) by praying silently for the client. This practice is useful for therapists that do not feel comfortable praying out lout for a client or who may feel they do not have enough knowledge of scripture to help a client. For clients who want to deal with more spiritual or religious issues in therapy, counselors can integrate the use of active â€Å"prayer, scripture, referrals to church, and other religious practices† (Tann, 1996, p. 368). If a therapist is comfortable praying out loud and with the client when appropriate, the therapist should make sure they are comfortable discussing the religious issues with the client. Scripture For Christians, Scripture is a source of authority to help clients during therapy. McMinn (2011) stated Scripture can be used in counseling to help client’s dispute unhealthy self-talk (p. 139). A Christian counselor can filter psychological theories through Scripture. Secular theories that are not in line with the teachings of the Bible can be eliminated for religious clients. Tann (1996) stated religious clients prefer the use of Scripture in therapy (p. 369). Counselors should use caution so not to impose their own interpretation of Scripture on a client. Scripture can be misused in therapy if a therapist uses the Bible in an authoritarian way to convince or even force a client to repent their behaviors as a â€Å"simplistic way to deal with complex problems† (Tann, 1996, p. 375). Therapists can assign homework to clients which consist of Bible studies, and then can be discussed with the therapist during their sessions. Scripture can be helpful for clients who need b iblical truth and be particularly helpful for clients who suffer from Scrupulosity which is a form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder involving  religious and moral obsessions. The use of Scripture can help the healing process with clients needing reassurance through the word of God. Conclusion The use of prayer and Scripture are great tools for biblical integration in psychology. In order for these to be effective, a therapist should discuss these at the first intake session. There should be an agreement between the client and therapist on whether or not the therapist can use these techniques in therapy. Simply asking clients how important religion is to them can help a therapist understand how valuable the client’s religious beliefs are to a client. A therapist should decide when biblical integration techniques of prayer and Scripture should be appropriately used in therapy. Some of the best counselors will be able to integrate biblical concepts and counseling effectively by â€Å"carefully considering the psychological implications and the effect on the therapeutic relationship† (McMinn, 2011, p. 138). The careful use of psychology and theology can benefit client’s who suffer and when therapists have the proper knowledge between implicit and explicit integration. Tann (1996) stated there are some therapists who believe that the grace of God can work in the therapeutic relationship in a way that the client can grow beyond where the therapist is (p. 378). Psychotherapy or biblical integration used by therapists should always practice in a manner of self-awareness, respect for client values, and be religiously accommodating to deal with religion and spirituality during treatment.