Psychology theology and spirituality in christian counseling summary

Running Head: REVIEW OF MCMINN

7

REVIEW OF MCMINN

Review of McMinn,

Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality

In Christian Counseling

Tracey Reichard

Liberty University

Summary

In his book Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling by Mark R. McMinn, Ph.D. (2011) one finds practical and relevant tools for integrating the three disciplines that Dr. McMinn addresses within the counseling field. Dr. McMinn (2011) discloses, “This book is about two secret places in counselors’ lives. First, it is a book about what happens behind closed doors of counseling offices. Second, this is a book about the secret spiritual life of Christian counselors” (p. xxi). In the book Dr. McMinn provides answers to some of the most common questions that Christian counselors face in both their personal and professional lives. This knowledge is gained and shared using personal experience, and theories to help confront and explain some of the basic areas that all Christian counselors face and are challenged with. These areas include, religion in the counseling office, psychological and spiritual health, prayer, scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption. Dr. McMinn (2011) stated, “My goal is to provide a practical resource within the fields of counseling and psychology that is theologically and spiritually responsible. Faith-praxis integration is primarily ethical. Faith should affect the way we live, including the types of clients we see, the fees we charge, the ways we relate to friends and family members, and so on” (p. 29).

The resource of this book then becomes a training aid to help the counselor apply the principles discussed within the sections of the text, first to themselves and then to their clients as appropriate. The core concepts of integration to counseling are explored within the text. These foundations according to Dr. McMinn, must be firm in the life of the counselor before they can be successfully utilized within a counseling session.

Dr. McMinn discusses how religion is a frequent topic among many counselors and that the counselors themselves are confused over how to apply religion in practice. It is explained that it is of utmost importance to hold to the truths of scripture and to integrate those within the counselor’s life before attempting to apply them with the client.

Dr. McMinn then moves into the subject of psychological and spiritual health. Dr. McMinn instructs on the importance of ongoing assessment of the client, the counselor and the goals of treatment. In this section Dr. McMinn focuses on differentiating between the accurate and the faulty views of health issues that affect treatment. Dr. McMinn concludes this section by reviewing how his previous concepts all fit within the three perspectives of the image of God.

Prayer is the next topic addressed in the book. Dr. McMinn instructs on the challenges faced with utilizing prayer. Many of the how, why, when, and where questions of integrating prayer are answered in this section of the text. Dr. McMinn (2011) summarizes this by stating, “Prayer is more than a counseling technique. It is the primary vehicle of growth in the spiritual life” (p. 105). Dr. McMinn emphasizes the importance of the work of Holy Spirit in integrating prayer into both the counselor’s personal life, and therefore establishing a strong relationship with the Lord, and also in the professional arena.

The scripture portion of the text provides many references for the counselor to evaluate to determine the most productive use of scripture within the counseling session. While this section has less information than the previous it is filled with critical information that should be recognized and applied. Dr. McMinn (2011) states, “Scripture is critically important in shaping our understanding of God, self, one another, and the world around us, but this does not mean that using Scripture more often or more explicitly in counseling is always a good idea” (pp. 147-148).

The section on sin poses the question, “Are we sinners, or are we sick” (p.159)? Dr. McMinn provides many scenarios and offers several approach methods to evaluate both sides of this question. The theory here is to determine how your client views the good and bad events in their lives and the lives of others and then apply that view within the establishment of goals for treatment and for the counseling sessions. Dr. McMinn (2011) makes the observation that, “Sin ruptures relationship, causing us to wander away-sometimes far away- from God’s sustaining will for our lives...Christian counseling like good biblical counseling, helps people find their way back to that great commandment that Jesus taught – to love God, and our neighbors as ourselves” (pp 198-199).

The section on confession is said by Dr. McMinn to be one of the most important in the book. He discusses the act of confession as offering relief, thankfulness, a renewed sense of self, giving the ability to forgive others, and being able to accept grace from God. The act of confession is also described as freeing as the confessor no longer feels bound to the sin or actions of past transgressions. Dr. McMinn (2011) uses this information to relay to the Christian counselor the responsibility to help their clients see their true selves within the context of sin, forgiveness, and redemption, and to realize that they are a precious child of God.

Forgiveness is defined and explained by Dr. McMinn in this section. Dr. McMinn (2011) tells us, “First, forgiving is sometimes confused with excusing. Second, forgiveness is sometimes confused with denial or passive acceptance. Third, forgiveness is not self-blame. Fourth, forgiveness is not always associated with remorse and repentance on the part of the offending party. Fifth, forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same” (pp. 250-251). Dr. McMinn relies on the example that God sent through Jesus when he explains that forgiveness takes a decision and sustained effort to accomplish.

Finally, Dr. McMinn concludes his book with the chapter on redemption. Dr. McMinn sums everything up by saying, “The problem with sin is that it separates us from God; the wonder of redemption is that we are brought back into relationship with God”

Concrete Response

This week is Mother’s Day and Dr. McMinn’s book brought out many points that make me wonder if I used prayer and Scripture correctly, and in the best interest of my most important clients, my children. Looking back over their childhood years, I can see that probably the most important thing that I have done, which follows the advice of Dr. McMinn, is to model the importance of a relationship with Christ. I have allowed my children to see me stay true to my quiet time, to pray without embarrassment, to confess when I have wronged someone and have had to ask for forgiveness, and to love my God. Unfortunately, they have also seen the sin side of their Mom and I believe that in my disobedience that I probably have caused my children to stumble. I have acted in anger and not exemplified Christ. I have disciplined with Scripture instead of teaching and instructing the truth. I have withheld forgiveness and been bitter over injustices. The scenarios and the teachings of Dr. McMinn have made me realize that it truly is of utmost importance to stay strong in the faith, to remain steady in the word, to build my relationship with God daily, and to never forget that I am precious in His sight because He is the one that holds not only my heart but my soul for eternity. This is the only way that I can truly integrate the truth of God into the lives of my clients. The daily building of myself in these disciplines will also allow me to be more attentive to the needs and emotions of my clients. Therefore, I will be able to serve my clients in an appropriate manner while bringing glory to my primary source, God.

Reflection

Dr. McMinn offers a broad overview of how to integrate Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling. He uses very creative client and/or counselor names to gain and hold the attention of the reader. He does this very effectively and with wit and humor. There are many scenarios that offer varying avenues of integration strategies, however those scenarios are limited and do not offer enough of a sampling of clientele to be completely effective. The book does not address scenarios that deal either with children or the elderly. Almost all of Dr. McMinn’s scenarios consist of young to middle age adults. It is my opinion that a larger sampling would be more beneficial to the reader. As an example, in the chapter on forgiveness, Dr. McMinn uses the example of a woman dealing with childhood sexual abuse. This woman has had many years to process what happened to her. My concern would be, how do I take this information and use it to benefit my young client who has just suffered this same abuse and has no life experience by which to process what has just happened to her. The expounding of the sampling of clientele would provide a more balanced approach to instruction for the Christian counselor.

Action

I will use Dr. McMinn’s text as a source of reference. He offers solid instruction on how to best apply the teachings first to myself and then to my clients. I will continue to grow in my relationship with God and ask for His guidance in my counseling career. I will pray specifically for wisdom and guidance as challenges arise. I will use my relationship with God to be an example to my clients. Such an example, that they will ask what I have that is different. I will “drop” the name of Jesus whenever it is applicable and call upon Him to help us through the problem. I will continue to confess my sins daily, whether they are by commission or omission, I will own my behavior so that I can better serve my clients. In conclusion, I will make it known that I will serve my number one client, God, with all that I have.

Reference

McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling (Rev. ed.). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House.

4MAT Review Grading Rubric

Criteria

Points Possible

Points Earned

Content – Summary

0 to 30 points

Summary is approximately 2 pages and contains:

· A concise, insightful, and adequately complete synopsis.

· The absolute core ideas of the entire book.

Content – Concrete Response

0 to 15 points

Concrete Response is approximately 1 page and contains:

· A personal life episode, parable, case study, or confession.

· Content based on the main points (not tangential ideas—draw on the summary).

Content – Reflection

0 to 15 points

Reflection is approximately 1 page (or more if needed) and contains:

· Questions, criticism, etc.

· Positives and negatives about the book.

· Concise critique of the strengths and weaknesses.

· Reflection based on the main ideas of the book, not tangential issues.

Content – Action

0 to 15 points

Action is approximately 1 page or less and contains:

· Steps based on the book’s core points.

· Description of how the main ideas will affect your counseling.

· The personal or professional changes you will implement (and share with others).

Writing

0 to 15 points

· Each paragraph develops 1 main topic and contains at least 3 sentences.

· The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment.

· Sentences are well-constructed, complete, clear, and concise.

· Sentence transitions are used and draw ideas together.

· Paragraph transitions are present throughout the paper and are logical.

· Proper rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are exhibited.

· Spelling is correct.

Current APA Format

0 to 10 points

· Formatted to current APA guidelines.

· Includes title and reference pages.

· Each page utilizes a running head and page number.

· All pages are double-spaced.

· Citations of original works within the body of the paper follow current APA format.

· All assertions are supported with references.

· In-text citations match the citations on the reference page.

· Quotations are used strategically.

· Uses correct, current APA headings that correspond to the 4 main sections.

· Written in Times New Roman font.

Total

Instructor’s Comments:

Running Head: REVIEW OF MCMINN

1

Review of McMinn,

Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality

In Christian Counseling

Tracey Reichard

Liberty University

Running Head: REVIEW OF MCMINN 1

Review of McMinn,

Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality

In Christian Counseling

Tracey Reichard