4mat Review Mcminn Textbook

Review

The 4MAT Review is a way of responding to readings, lectures, and life experiences that requires you, the learner, to interact with new ideas on several levels. You will write a review for the McMinn textbook. In preparing your 4MAT Review, use each of the sections listed below with corresponding Level One headings in current APA format:

1. Provide      a title page including only your name, the paper title (referring      to the book title), and the institutional affiliation (Liberty      University). Keep in mind that current APA standards recommend the title      length not exceed 12 words. Also, keep in mind that the Running Head of      your paper should be in the neighborhood of four to six words. All pages      must include a running head and page number, and all pages are double      spaced. Please include an abstract on page 2.
2. Summary:      After introducing the name of      the book and author, summarize the book in approximately      2 pages. Be      appropriately concise but also be adequately complete in your ideas. Prove      that you comprehend the main ideas by writing a clear and succinct      summary. The summary is not      a commentary or listing of topics but rather a discussion of the core ideas (main ideas) in the      entire book. If you miss the main ideas, you lack an understanding of the      complete message of the book. The summary provides the      foundation for the rest of your 4MAT paper. Cite the book in-text at least      once per paragraph and include page numbers for direct quotations.
3. Concrete      Responses: Be vulnerable. In approximately 1 page, write about a personal life episode that this book      triggered in your memory. Relate your story in first person,      describing action and quoting exact words you remember hearing or saying.      In the teaching style of Jesus, this is your own parable, case study, or      personal connection to the main ideas of the book. Your comments in this      section need to be clearly tied to main points from the book, not      tangential ideas. Connect your comments to the main points for the reader.
4. Reflection:      This section is a short      critique or evaluation of the author’s main ideas; include positives/negatives      and strengths/weaknesses. You should consider new      questions that arose for you in response to what you have read and explore      concerns, implications, etc. Also, consider other sources that you have      encountered in your life up to this point that relate to this book, such      as other textbooks, journal articles, Scripture passages, and even ethical      codes such as those in the ACA Code of Ethics (2014). Provide this critique in approximately 1 ½ pages (sometimes      additional length may be needed to provide an adequate critique).
5. Theological Interaction:      This section is a significant part of your paper (25 points out of 125      points), and you are required to reflect on the question assigned to you,      depending on the text you are reading for the particular 4MAT assignment. In approximately 2 pages

McMinn text. In approximately 2 pages, respond to the following issue: McMinn discusses guidelines when confronting sin during a counseling experience, and the lectures reviewed some factors as well. Why can a sensitive Christian counselor not just automatically and quickly confront obvious sin in the life of the client? Of the cautions mentioned by McMinn and other class sources, which ones to you think counselors most often overlook? Why? You are also encouraged to share any passages or stories in Scripture that directly relate to this issue. When identifying this story or stories, take time to clearly describe how this passage of Scripture directly relates to what you are communicating.

1. Action: What      are you going to do about it? Develop action steps based on the core      points of the book. This section must be a description of how the main      ideas will affect your counseling. What professional changes will you      implement and share with others? Be precise in summarizing your action      steps and clearly connect your action steps to main points from the book.      This section must be 1      page or less.
2. You      are also required to create a references page; on this page, you      must provide the complete reference citation for the book, along with      other materials, in compliance with current APA standards.

Create and submit these assignments in a Microsoft Word document; these assignments must be written at the graduate level and must be in current APA format. 

Note: Use quotations strategically and sparingly; in a paper this size, do not use longer (block) quotations.

You are highly encouraged to use the following website as a reference for proper APA formatting (This is a sample APA formatted paper):

Summary

The intradisciplinary integration of the foundations of psychology, Christian theology, and spirituality as a Christian counselor has posed significant and various challenges (McMinn, 2011). Mark McMinn discusses the multifaceted and complex task of integrating the three disciplines in his book Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling. McMinn (2011) establishes a foundation and provides a framework by the examination of religious interventions and their relevance to Christian counseling. The initial foundations discussed include personal and professional challenges faced when integrating the three disciplines: moving from two areas of competence to three, blurred personal-professional distinctions, expanded definitions of training, confronting dominant views of mental health, establishing a scientific base, and defining relevant ethical standards. The author also explains a theoretical “road map” toward psychological and spiritual health. This “road map” briefly discusses the interactive relationship between self, brokenness, and healing relationships. He explains that in order to obtain spiritual and psychological health we must obtain an accurate awareness of self, accurate awareness of need, and accurate understanding of healing relationships (McMinn, 2011). The author continues by discussing relevant issues in the three aforementioned foundations or disciplines, evaluating psychological and spiritual health by asking three specific questions, and explaining the six challenges faced when implementing the following religious practices: prayer, Scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption (McMinn, 2011).

Firstly, integrating the religious practice of prayer into the counseling relationship should encourage the question, “which forms of prayer should we use with which clients and under which circumstances” (McMinn, 2011, p. 65). The foundational aspects associated with prayer include: experiencing well-being, positively coping with various medical issues, encourages petition and worship, and it “requires us to reflect deeply on our need [for Him] and God’s provision…” (McMinn, 2011, p. 75). The psychological and spiritual health associated with using different types of prayer can cause various challenges and can risk misuse in the counseling session (McMinn, 2011). As a counselor, asking oneself and reflecting on the following questions are important when considering implementing prayer: will this help establish a healthy sense of self, healthy sense of need, and a healthy healing relationship (McMinn, 2011)? Prayer can be used to help clients gain moral insights, understanding of our human need, self-respect, and displays aspects of God’s character (McMinn, 2011). However, challenges include: obtaining advanced competence and informed foundational understanding, counselor’s personal spiritual life effects professional life, counselor training is intensely personal due to personal spiritual formation, confronting opposing views of greater self-determination versus greater reliance on God, the need for extensive scientific inquiry on the emotional and spiritual effects of prayer, and maintaining counselor ethical standards when issuing informed consent and avoiding client harm (McMinn, 2011).

Secondly, integrating Scripture into Christian counseling should encourage the question, “In what ways should Scripture be used in counseling which clients under which circumstances” (McMinn, 2011, p. 97). The foundational aspects regarding Scripture include: psychological evaluation and development of biblical concepts and counseling techniques or therapeutic interventions, the hermeneutic circle implication of respect for God’s truth and humility of fallibility in our interpretation, and the spiritual formation involving contemplation and theological boundaries (McMinn, 2011). McMinn (2011) explains that the experiential, foundational, contextual, axiological, anthropological, canonical, dialogical, and creative roles the Bible plays in our lives can greatly influence the Christian counselor. The effects of using Scripture, regarding the psychological and spiritual health of the client, vary depending on the client and the concept practiced. The three main questions regarding healthy sense of self, healthy sense of need, and a healing relationship is important when deciding to implement Scripture (McMinn, 2011). Integrating Scripture into the counseling relationship poses some challenges. As a counselor, one must possess psychological, basic theological, and spiritual formation competence which is not accomplished via the classroom (McMinn, 2011). Using Scripture is a reflection of the counselor’s inner life, which blurs personal and professional boundaries. Training to use Scripture is personal and requires time for study and reflection (McMinn, 2011). Research is limited and further study is needed on the effectiveness of Scripture use. Ethically, counselor competence should be consistent with training and can restrict client freedom due to the counselor’s imposed values (McMinn, 2011).

Thirdly, various views of the relationship of sin and humanity have different effects on the counseling relationship. McMinn (2011) explains that psychological foundations conclude sin as a cause of sickness, or emotional disturbance, in humans. Christian theology concludes that sin and sickness are intertwined as the human condition, personally and universally (McMinn, 2011). “Sin is our sickness” (McMinn, 2011, p. 134). Spirituality requires us to transcend our willpower and seek God’s grace and truth (McMinn, 2011). When approaching sin in the counseling relationship, one should ask, “which clients should I confront with their sin and how should I go about it” (McMinn, 2011, p. 137). In the pursuit of psychological and spiritual health, there are four approaches when confronting sin: silence, pondering, questioning, and direct censure (McMinn, 2011). When these approaches are paired with the three main questions, healthy sense of self, need, and healing relationship, the counselor must possess self- discernment, wisdom, and awareness (McMinn, 2011). Possessing a trusting therapeutic alliance, personal integrity, empathetic confrontation, and starting small is essential when confronting client sin (McMinn, 2011). Some challenges faced include: understanding original nature of sin properly, counselor’s personal experience of sin affecting professional work, personal spiritual disciplines as best training tools, understanding that admitting sin is a step towards God’s grace, empirical validation is needed between the relationship of religion and mental health, and an ethical concern of the counselor’s duty to protect, not impose personal values, and cause further harm. (McMinn, 2011).

Fourthly, integrating and encouraging confession in the counseling relationship has a magnitude of effects. The foundational aspects of confession include: psychological benefits, understanding of moral dimensions, experiencing guilt as a concept closely related to confession, confession causing a humble posture and confrontation of sin, and encourages humility of human fallibility (McMinn, 2011). McMinn (2011) explains that confession leads to humility and hope, while offering an opportunity for psychological growth and spiritual health. Leading the client towards healthy confession depends on the humility of the counselor and nature of the therapeutic relationship. Asking oneself the three questions of establishing healthy sense of self, sense of need, and a healing relationship is important in encouraging the client’s honest self-exploration, freedom to understand external and internal sin, and providing a safe interpersonal connection that allows humility (McMinn, 2011). Challenges faced when integrating confession into the counseling session vary. Obtaining spiritual competence is important in encouraging the client’s confession of need and to not support irresponsible freedom and self-centeredness (McMinn, 2011). Practicing personal confession causes humility in the counselor, which affects the counselor’s professional life. Excessive self-disclosure can cause client harm, which violates ethical standards (McMinn, 2011). Encouraging client confession directly can model counselor arrogance, not humility and honest self-exploration. The counselor’s posture of humility helps to create a trusting and respectful environment that encourages confession (McMinn, 2011).

Lastly, integrating forgiveness in the counseling relationship is important to its confessional nature. McMinn (2011) suggests that forgiveness requires effort and intentionality over an extended period. The foundational aspects of psychology, theology, and spirituality view forgiveness differently. Psychologists either oppose forgiveness, see it as a mental health benefit, or as a Christian duty. Forgiveness is also viewed as humble submission, facilitated by empathy and humility, recognizing human fallibility. Forgiveness exudes compassion and empathy as we come face-to-face with personal sin, which occurs in confession. The client’s psychological and spiritual health is encouraged by the counselor helping establish a healthy sense of self, need, and a healing relationship. A counselor must aid in the client’s recognition of past transgressions, walk through negative emotions experienced, help relearn trust by not abandoning them, and by indirectly teaching forgiveness (McMinn, 2011). There are also various challenges faced as a counselor. McMinn (2011) explains that humble identification and negative emotional release is important to remaining supportive of our clients. The counselor’s spiritual and personal life spills over into their professional experiences and attitudes, which blurs the personal-professional boundaries. The counselor must have the ability to practice personal confession, bringing them to a place of humility and interpersonal forgiveness. The author also discusses the authenticity needed when guiding the client to personal insight and humble identification, which must not be abandoned for logic and self-protection. Hurrying this process, due to ethical dilemmas, can be risky and stunt the client’s emotional growth and ability to truly forgive (McMinn, 2011).

In conclusion, redemption is a multifaceted and complex subject that helps us to understand the integration of prayer, Scripture, sin, confession, and forgiveness into the Christian counselor’s relationships (McMinn, 2011). All of the aforementioned topics lead to the understanding of a God who desires relationship and redemption for all human beings. Practicing the aforementioned spiritual disciplines, understanding psychological and theological theories, and experiencing spiritual formation leads to a cyclical and on-going process. This brings us into humility, shapes a redemptive worldview, provides understanding to personal limitations, and draws us closer to the ultimate Redeemer (McMinn, 2011). A Christian counselor hopes to cause a spark in the client by mirroring God’s love, mercy, grace, and redemptive nature (McMinn, 2011).

Concrete Response

Around three years ago, my first experience in counseling began in a non-profit Christian counseling center. The counselor I met with exuded a magnitude of characteristics mentioned by McMinn (2011): humility, compassion, grace, love, empathy, and more. She created an environment that gently encouraged honesty, trust, and warmth. The therapeutic relationship established is one I will treasure forever. She practiced and encouraged many religious practices while in-session including prayer, Scripture references, and meditation (McMinn, 2011). She gave spiritual discipline homework and encouraged self-evaluation of sin. She always provided a safe place for confession and aided in forgiveness, while mirroring God’s redemptive nature (McMinn, 2011). Our journey together concluded when my husband’s lifelong addiction came to light. She kindly suggested referrals to other counselors who specialized in the treatment of such weighted trauma. To my knowledge, she did not possess the extensive skills necessary to aid in the recovery he and I both needed. After two years with my current counselor, the relationship is tremendously different compared to that of my previous counselor. She is able to facilitate and successfully navigate the immense trauma I carry. Although she does not practice in any in-session spiritual practices, she is able to provide a more knowledged and thorough understanding to my trauma. Her counseling approach is significantly different from my initial counselor’s approach. The therapeutic relationship has taken significantly longer, and is continuing, to establish and grow. The main, and important difference, between them includes one’s inability to separate a sense of friendship and the other’s ability to maintain professional ethical boundaries. Towards the end of my initial therapist and I’s relationship, the sessions began to feel as if I were having coffee with a friend- who was beginning to talk about her yoga poses she had completed that morning or crying with me during the session. Once this began, I knew the personal-professional boundaries were becoming blurred and it was time to find another counselor. It is hard to distinctively determine, but her extensive use of religious practices in-session may have instilled an emotional bond that was hard to ignore or break. That could also have been an additional reason the referral to another counselor was given.

Reflection

McMinn (2011) overall did an exemplary job when discussing key elements to successful integration of psychology, Christian theology, and spirituality into Christian counseling. The author was able to fluently communicate a “road map” in exploring the client’s unique situational needs to obtaining psychological and spiritual health. He applied this road map to the various religious practices explored throughout his book, while offering various possible challenges faced professionally. He also concisely communicated the multifaceted and complex dynamics of a counselor’s blurred personal and professional distinctions. As a Christian counselor, one cannot achieve effective and efficient counseling without fervently pursuing personal psychological and theological understandings, spiritual formation and practices, and a trusting relationship with God and others (McMinn, 2011). One must literally practice what they preach. A question that arose for me: If a professional Christian counselor does not intentionally practice the three aforementioned disciplines simultaneously, would that cause client harm? If one is choosing to deliberately not increase growth in all areas of competence, is that not considered a violation of ethical standards? I think McMinn missed an opportunity to extensively parallel ethical and moral violations with the lack of successful personal and professional integration of psychology, theology, and spirituality (McMinn, 2011). Although only a small portion of the book, I think McMinn (2011) did a good job at expressing the importance of multi-tasking in his conclusion. Overall, a counselor must have the strong ability to multi-task efficiently. The journey of life and human beings are immensely complex and multifaceted. Counselors must have the flexibility and agility to complement the ebb and flow that life brings. They must be able to successfully integrate, simultaneously, the complexities of psychology, theology, and spirituality on a personal and professional level (McMinn, 2011).

Action

Firstly, gaining awareness of the complexities of psychological, theological, and spiritual foundations in Christian counseling is vital. Without awareness, knowledge, humility, and willingness, one would be unable to move forward and grow on a personal and professional level. Competence is essential (McMinn, 2011). Secondly, continual self-evaluation, self-assessment, supervision, and peer support is essential in the accomplishment of successful integration of the three disciplines. Possessing and maintaining self-humility and humbleness is the gateway to allowing the aforementioned processes. Without a posture of humility, an individual can lose sight of God’s grace and need for His ultimate redemption (McMinn, 2011). This would greatly affect the counselor’s effectiveness. Thirdly, intentionally and regularly praying, reading Scripture, and meditating will provide a reflection of His love, grace, and redemption to others. Intentionally participating in spiritual practices provides an opportunity to see my own need for grace, encourage a posture of openness to self and other forgiveness, and allows growth and spiritual maturity (McMinn, 2011). Fourthly, providing thorough informed consent about the nature of the counseling relationship and what to expect is vital. Not only to provide the client with transparency and truth, but also to allow an opportunity for healthy spiritual exploration and openness (McMinn, 2011). A client’s psychological and spiritual health reflects the strength of the therapeutic relationship. The counselor’s ability to simultaneously integrate psychology, theology, and spirituality affects their efficiency and effectiveness as a professional Christian counselor (McMinn, 2011).

References

McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in christian counseling. Wheaton,

IL: Tyndale House.

Running head: INTEGRATING PSYCHOLOGY, THEOLOGY, AND SPIRITUALITY

1

Integrating Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in the Counseling Relationship

Fallon D. Graham

Liberty University Online

Running head: INTEGRATING PSYCHOLOGY, THEOLOGY, AND SPIRITUALITY 1

Integrating Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in the Counseling Relationship

Fallon D. Graham

Liberty University Online

Summary

Dr. Mark McMinn (1996) wrote the book Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling to bring together more thinking and learning in regards to integrating Christianity and psychology together. This is due in part to provide Christian counselors with tools necessary to aid them in caring for those in mental health by giving them guidance and teachings from a religious perspective. In the first two chapters, McMinn (1996) introduces theoretical findings of Christian counseling and gives some challenges that counselors may face in their practice. McMinn (1996) explains how the integrating of Christianity and psychology and how some may have assumptions of how Christian counselors need to adapt to the changes or beliefs in psychology, but remember their faith in how they can bridge both viewpoints in a session to bring a different mindset to a client who is suffering through mental health. McMinn (1996) talked about how a counselor needs to remember the foundations of counseling techniques such as assessment of self, the client, and goals for both throughout the session before bringing integrating religion into the counseling session, by doing this, the counselor will build the trust of the client who in turn may have an open mind about allowing religion to come into their life to provide them with comfort. Through these two chapters, McMinn (1996) builds upon the foundation for the rest of the book to teach us in how to bridge Christianity and psychology for our clients in our counseling careers. McMinn (1996) details the book that each chapter is subdivided into sections: facing challenges, psychology and spiritual nurturing, and foundations (p. 59). The author informs us that in order for these different tools of Christianity to be useful to therapies, one has to use them in the correct fashion. The counselor needs to understand and know when or not prayer will be beneficial for us in a counseling session or to the client as a whole.

The third chapter of Dr. McMinn’s book focuses on utilizing prayer during counseling interactions with clients. McMinn (1996) provided details of different literatures that gives examples of how prayer can be a useful tool or addition to any therapy session and how it can be integrated. In order to be successful in this, the Christian counselor has to be committed and knowledgeable in order for integrating Christianity and psychology together in their counseling careers. The following chapter, chapter four talked about using scripture from the Bible in therapy sessions. McMinn (1996) warned that by using versus and scripture in counseling sessions, one has to be prepared to face challenges from their client(s) in regards to developing spiritual self for both client and counselor and in fact to understand the healing power of prayer itself in regards to mental health as well as understanding the different interpretations of scripture. The fifth chapter: “Sin” discussed how sin can be talked about during counseling. McMinn (1996) explains that when discussing sin, we must bring it forward with a humble sense and in a way that does not give the client a sense of guilt or shame for what they are going through.

The following chapter discusses “Confession” and tells us that it is important to stay in a humble state of mind and be professional when working with those who come to us in need. McMinn (1996) informs us that all of us (both counselors and clients) need God’s mercy and that “confession gives voice to our cries and hope for forgiveness” (p. 201). The seventh chapter, “Forgiveness,” provides us as counselors details of giving the client the tools needed to forgive them of their actions, thoughts, or feelings, but tells us that in regards to this there are different meanings between secular and Christian forgiveness. Christian counseling considers forgiveness as being aware of your actions, being humble, being empathetic, and as well having insight into your life, as well it is not just to be relief emotionally for the client (McMinn, 1996). The final chapter, “Redemption,” talked about having a redemptive worldview that details a set of philosophies, expectations, and standards that enable us to not only realize how God’s grace and forgiveness is for us, but in that we need to feel this towards others in and around our lives as well. McMinn (1996) finalized with a conclusion that described the importance of counseling multitasking as a Christian counselor in how when bridging Christianity and psychology we must keep in mind the welfare of the client in regards to when we introduce prayer in the therapy session. With God’s grace, we must understand and know the task that He has called upon us and to remain humble in our therapy sessions.

Concrete Response

Dr. McMinn’s (1996) triggered for me some memories as to why I decided to become a counselor and as well learn how to work in this field as a Christian as well. Following my return from Iraq in 2010 I was often bitter, angry, depressed, and misguided, I did not know why and it took for me several years, 2015 to truly know why, this is when the Veterans Affairs diagnosed me with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. I did not know really anything about PTSD except that as a police officer it did not look good. Through counseling with the VA and speaking with my church pastor and began to realize that what I had experienced in Iraq had left a lifelong mess on my mind, but through counseling and giving my hope and faith to God I would be able to learn to live with PTSD.

As time went on I finished my BA in Criminal Justice, but knew I needed to learn all I could about Post-traumatic Stress, so I went to school for psychology and thus now my Masters in Professional Counseling. McMinn (1996) gave me some more knowledge in knowing why I am learning what I am, in my own life I have often wondered how do I help myself to heal, but at the same time remembering that God is constant in my life to give me guidance and relief for my anxieties and depressions of my experiences in Iraq. Of the haunting memories that I carry with me, knowing that in some way I came home for good reasons, to see that now using those experiences and learning to be a counselor I will be best suited to aid other veterans or others going through traumatic experiences how to cope and learn to move forward. Once I first became diagnosed with PTSD I spoke with my pastor about it and I was surprised that during our talks together how he often waited to talk about God or using scripture to help until I brought them up, asking questions such as “well how does God think about what I am going through?” My pastor would respond as needed. My pastor was a retired firefighter and he often provided grief counseling to local fire departments, so it was with those experiences he was truly best suited to provide me with aid and guidance during these past few years.

Reflection

I appreciated McMinn’s (1996) book and how the layout kept me focused throughout it to give me the best understanding of how to integrate Christianity and psychology. Through the topics, headlines, and chapters, the book remained constant. The organization also aided me in understanding McMinn’s logic for every topic.

McMinn (1996) provided examples in every chapter that aided me in understanding through visualize how a Christian counselor can integrate certain aspects of Christianity into counseling sessions. I appreciated how he gave three different counseling examples for specific clients and why one certainly would work the best. McMinn (1996) was clear in explaining the strategies Christian counselors may use in their therapy session, but was able to educate the reader in knowing how to face challenges that one may experience.

Action

Now that I have completed this book, I feel better equipped at knowing how to integrate Christianity and psychology together when conducting counseling or therapy session. McMinn (1996) explained it well, that first as a counselor I must first know how to understand a client’s spirituality before bringing prayer into counseling. Once I have established this, I will be better able to build trust with a client and know the level they are at in knowing God’s grace and promise of peace with their mental health. As a Christian counselor one must first build trust with their client before offering prayer or risk losing the chance of providing aid and peace to the mental stress they are experiencing. The most important parts that I have learned from McMinn would be using prayer and forgiveness in counseling sessions. With other studies I have conducted in regards to forgiveness therapy, I am more aware now with the help of McMinn about the strengths of forgiveness and how they can aid a client. Whenever I experience a client who confesses sin such as adultery, abuse, etc. I will be able to guide towards forgiveness and the healing power of Christ in ways that gives them reconciliation while also building or creating their relationship with God.

Reference

McMinn, M. R. (1996). Psychology, Theology, and Christianity in Christian Counseling. Carol

Streams, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Running

head:

4MAT REVIEW

MCMINN

1

McMinn 4MAT Review

Liberty University

Bradford Peacock

COUN506

Dr. Suzie Johnson

March 11

th

2018

Running head: 4MAT REVIEW MCMINN 1

McMinn 4MAT Review

Liberty University

Bradford Peacock

COUN506

Dr. Suzie Johnson

March 11

Abstract

Mark R. McMinn (2011) wrote Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling to review considerations that come with integration. This paper summarizes McMinn’s book and main ideas in the first section. The author then goes to discuss a personal story that shows McMinn’s points in action. The author points back to how McMinn’s ideas are relevant in the story. The next section the author reflects on McMinn book. The author brings up strengths and weaknesses of McMinn’s book. The author asks questions that McMinn may have not touched on in his book as well as any ethical issues that may arise. The next section is the theological interaction. McMinn discusses approaching sin in the counseling environment. The author dives into the main ideas brought up by McMinn on how to confront sin. The author also applies other research in this section. The final section is the action plan for the author. The author discusses how to use McMinn’s idea when becoming a counselor.

4MAT Review: Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling

McMinn (2011) dives into the integration of psychology, theology and spirituality in his book. He wrote the first version of this book in 1996. In 2011 he added additional comments and research to the book at the end of each chapter. McMinn (2011) wrote eight chapters thoroughly diving into each concept. The whole book exists to describe challenges and benefits for Christian counselors. 

Summary

McMinn (2011) begins the book by discussing religion in the counseling office. In this chapter, he begins the discussion of integration of these three areas. The concept of integration began around 1975 and it has made a lot of progress since then with ongoing research. Integration first began as psychology and theology; McMinn adds in the third area of spirituality. He says that we must understand spirituality in order to integrate Christianity into our counseling sessions. Although, he warns that “we can never be spiritually competent” (p.11) because we need God (McMinn, 2011).

McMinn (2011) repeatedly emphasizes a balance in the counseling relationship. Christian counselors must approach in a way that reaches the spiritual need as well as the psychological need. Throughout the book, McMinn (2011) expresses that we need to look at ourselves first. Christian counselors must always recognize they are broken people just like their clients.  We hope to be healthier than our clients, but we must always be looking inward. McMinn (2011) emphasizes the need for Christian counselors to remain humble because we are broken too.

McMinn (2011) uses a map to display spiritual growth in the Christian counseling office. The map goes self-sufficiency to brokenness to healing relationship. This is a simple map but it displays a starting point for Christian counselors. The ultimate goal is reaching the stage of a healing relationship. The map’s areas are seen in human development, spiritual growth and psychological change (McMinn, 2011; p.40). McMinn states that due to the map’s simplicity it is missing specific details because counseling is not so straightforward and each person requires something different.

The integration of prayer and scripture are important “techniques” as Christian counselors. McMinn (2011) repeatedly warns the counselor to proceed with caution the more hands on these techniques become in session. He encourages using prayer and scripture in each session. Sometimes the approach is subtle and sometimes it is straightforward; it is what the client needs not the same approach for every client. Christian counselors implementing the same for every client is neither helpful nor ethical.

Sin is a central focus of the book (McMinn, 2011). McMinn describes how many psychologists do not normally acknowledge sin. He describes that sin is seen as a sickness in the realm of psychology. In the theological approach sin is seen as a decision or consequence to actions. The spiritual approach combines both. People do make poor, sinful decisions, but people are also sick and can be victims. From the spiritual approach counselors are able to express empathy. McMinn discusses how to approach sin in the counseling relationship by silence, pondering, questioning, and direct censure. He also acknowledges that sometimes the sin does not need to be confronted because other things need to be focused on at the time. He leads back to the principle of “do no harm” (McMinn, 2011; p.189) when addressing sin.

Confession is another topic he discusses in the book (McMinn, 2011). He reviews how much of counseling is confession, but it is not referred to as that because of the negative view that comes along with confession. People normally think of confession as the catholic approach rather than an element of counseling. “Confession assumes moral violation, and counseling assumes moral neutrality” (McMinn, 2011; p.206). McMinn (2011) looks into the concept of forgiveness as well. He defines forgiveness then brings up the approach of it in Christian counseling. He describes how forgiveness has even been approached in the secular field at this time. McMinn describes the different view of secular compared with Christian forgiveness. 

McMinn (2011) ends the book discussing redemption. He states that a redemptive worldview is part of being a Christian counselor; it is not a technique though. Redemption is essentially grace; the Christian counselor is reflecting God’s redemption in their practice. We can show some qualities of redemption but God is the only true redeemer. “Redemption is closely related to confession and forgiveness” (McMinn, 2011; p.301). Christian counselors reflect qualities of God in possessing a redemptive worldview. 

Concrete Response

One time when I was in youth group, one of the interns was praying over many of us. She was praying quite loud; everyone could hear what she was saying. When she went to one of my friends that had been through a lot in her life and was a fairly new Christian, it turned into more of show. She called out my friend saying that she was having doubts in her faith with her “prayer”. This was something that was told to her in confidence in a private conversation. This intern knew everyone could hear her and continued to expose my friend for several minutes.

The intern publicly humiliated my friend in her “prayer” and it still makes me hurt for her. My friend was 15 or 16 at the time; she had only been a Christian for a year. She has struggled with her Christian beliefs since then; after a year she stopped going to church. She felt that the hypocrisy in the church was not worth continuing to attend. Honestly, this damaged mine and others relationships with the leaders after watching this humiliation because the leaders continued to defend the intern after this.

Many of McMinn’s (2011) points of what not to do are present in this story. This intern exposed my friend and used it as time to show off her spirituality. The prayer was not used as a form of worship or petition (McMinn, 2011). God was not present in this approach at all as evidenced by everything He represents compared to what was done. Another issue is that she damaged my friend’s relationship with God and the church. The intern seemed to feel that she was above doubting God and that this was a significant sin so she needed to expose my friend. She was unwilling to acknowledge this as a sin and never apologized for this instance, even after several concerned parents came forward to defend my friend. This intern was not representing the love and redemption that God represents. Christians exists to be “agents” for God’s redemption (McMinn, 2011).

Reflection

McMinn’s approach was thorough. I really enjoyed the theoretical clients he brought into his discussions. I feel that this was one of the strongest parts of the book. Instead of just explaining concepts, he showed their application. McMinn (2011) also made sure to acknowledge possible ethical violations. In the prayer chapter, he cautioned Christian counselors about implementing audible prayer into session because of the possible ethical issues. McMinn (2011) also encourages Christian counselors to be open about their beliefs on their informed consent. He suggests that even if a client is not a Christian and looking to implement their beliefs into the session, they should be aware where their counselor’s worldview lies (McMinn, 2011).

Personally, I cannot identify many weak parts of the book. I think his approach was in-depth and went into various subjects instead of repeating the same things. I do wish he would go into more topics of integration in his book. McMinn could discuss approaching new Christians in session compared to approaching those who have been Christians for a significant time. I think that approaching these two types should go very differently for many of the integration techniques. I think another improvement he could make would be acknowledging kids in his scenarios. He seemed to stick with those in early to middle adulthood when he could use various age groups. 

One of the most interesting ways that McMinn discussed things was using different psychological perspectives from his method to approach situations (McMinn, 2011). He also does a bit of critiquing his original work to show that we are always growing and learning. This makes him seem humble despite his many years of experience. McMinn (2011) also continues to say that it is about the individual client’s needs, there is no one answer for integrating these techniques. I feel that many people just follow their routine approach, not respecting the individual.

Theological Interaction

Sin is something Christians are familiar with as it is a common discussion almost every Sunday at church but in the counseling environment it is not as readily acknowledged. McMinn (2011) strives to balance the psychological or mental health view of sin as well as the biblical view in his approach. Which side people choose is their attributional style. External attribution says that sin is caused by things outside the person. Internal attribution says that the person is responsible for their sin because it is internal. Seeing the significance of both styles is important for many reasons.

A counselor is primarily focused on the internal comes across blaming the issues in the client’s life, this may push additional shame on the client. Also, by focusing solely on the client’s sins the Christian counselor is ignoring the pain the client is presently experiencing and pain they have carried from the past. A counselor who focuses on the external sickness is excusing or ignoring the client’s part in this current pain. The client has made certain mistakes; those focused on external attribution push the responsibility off on the sickness. The sin needs to be acknowledged in order to stop these patterns. Some people hide behind their diagnosis making it the cause of their sin. Clients need the push to do and be better by not hiding behind being a victim. Sin cannot be overcome with willpower alone; this will set us up for failure. “Sin is our sickness” (McMinn, 2011; p.163). 

The way that sin is approached or the decision to not approach is primarily based on the therapeutic relationship. The approaches are silence, pondering, questioning, direct censure and then exists the option to not approach at the time. Silence is letting the client talk through their sins. The counselor does not readily respond, they allow the client to discover things by continuing to talk through the problem. Pondering is when the counselor ponders aloud to help the client think deeper about their current problems. Questioning is to “access values” (McMinn, 2011; p.169) of the client. This sees if the client truly believes they are doing the right thing. Direct censure is the direct approach to confronting sin. McMinn (2011) cautious his readers to use this approach rarely and only in the event of a strong therapeutic relationship. He says that direct censure could do significant damage to the relationship. Not confronting can be the best option sometimes. This is used when the counselor feels that the emotions or other things need to be discussed before confronting the sin. 

Counselors must be aware of their own sins before confronting their client’s sins. It is impossible to help someone effective when the Christian counselor has not addressed their own sins. Matthew 7:3-5 says (NIV) “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” This is something I find is not as frequently addressed as it should be. Counselors are wounded healers, not perfect human beings. Pointing out people’s flaws while not acknowledging our own does not make us a hero, it makes us hypocritical.

Action

I would say that my biggest takeaway from the book is to look inward first. All counselors, especially Christian counselors, should be aware of their own faults and mental health (McMinn, 2011). In previous courses self-care and burnout have been discussed. The American Counseling Association (2014) says that a counselor may cause harm if treating a client while they are impaired. This is also a way of staying humble as a Christian counselor to be aware of our own faults. It is certain that at some point I will deal with clients who appear to have some significant issues but it is important that I do not approach things like I am better than them. We are all flawed humans and subject to any sin.

McMinn’s (2011) approach of prayer in session is something else I plan to use in counseling my future clients. I will pray for the client and that God will guide me to integrate the best way for each client. As McMinn (2011) states, many times prayer is routine and sometimes it is insincere just reiterating the same old prayer for each client. He describes the same approach for using scripture with clients. My biggest concern that comes with integration is balancing it. I find comfort in his statement that it is only with experience that Christian counselors learn the best ways to integrate.  I do not want to approach clients as “preachy” but I also do not want to approach from a completely secular view. I will also strive to use and remember his approach to confronting sin. This is something extremely important in Christian counseling. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, McMinn (2011) teaches us about integration of different topics like prayer, scripture, forgiveness, confession and redemption in his book. There are different ways to apply these techniques in the Christian counseling office. As a future counselor it is important for me to educate myself on spiritual and psychological techniques to use them effectively. This review helped me think deeper on the concepts that McMinn discussed.

References

American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/knowlege-center

McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling (Revised ed.). Tyndale House.

4MAT

REVIEW: MCMINN

1

4MAT Review: Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling

Kaylee Parrott

Liberty University

4MAT REVIEW: MCMINN 1

4MAT Review: Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling

Kaylee Parrott

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 pointsSummary is approximately 2 pagesand contains:· A concise, insightful, and adequately complete synopsis.· The absolute core ideas of the entire book.
Content – Concrete Response	0 to 15 pointsConcrete 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 pointsReflection 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 pointsAction 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

Liberty University

th

Abstract

Christian counseling is complex by nature. Christian counselors are tasked with being competent integrationists. Competent Christian counselors must have a personal relationship with God in order to engage most effectively in Christian counseling. McMinn provides his ideal approach to integrating psychology, theology, and spirituality. McMinn refers to this integration as intradisciplinary and suggests that there is not a specific method that is always applicable. The text shifts the counseling perspective from a should counselors integrate, into how and when to integrate. There are many different avenues to take when integrating; there is not a one size fits all approach. Clients’ well-being is always the most important aspect in assessing how to integrate. Counselors must assess clients and build rapport before explicit integration can begin, if at all. In my personal response and critique, I examine my personal experiences with counselors; I have experienced either end of the integration spectrum. The Christian counseling relationship is triune including: God, counselor, and client. As tools in God’s healing, we should model after Christ when engaging with clients.

Keywords: Christian, client, counselor, implicit, integration, explicit

Summary

McMinn’s (2011) book Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling is an overview of ways Christian counselors integrate faith and helping. The text is a well-rounded unbiased work that is a useful tool for new and old counselors alike. McMinn presents his ideas along with critiques and other texts that are on the contrary to his approach of integration. The inclusion of opposing ideas supports claims of an unbiased text. McMinn states that his “goal is to provide a practical resource that is theologically and spiritually responsible” (p. 29). Intradisciplinary integration is the terminology used to describe the content of the text. Intradisciplinary integration in this context is defined within the discipline of counseling as: a faithful integration of psychology, theology, and counseling principles, and how they can be applied practically and harmoniously through Christian counseling. The text lays a sturdy foundation early by explaining that Christian counseling is complex and multifaceted. Most counselors have only to consider the mental and emotional health of the client, while the Christian counselor must also consider a client’s spiritual growth. This phenomenon is referred to as moving from two areas of competence to three (McMinn, 2011).

Integration is complex and requires a deep level of discernment and competency on behalf of the counselor. The Christian counselor must have a strong personal relationship with God, be a frequent reader of His word, and pray often. These are just a few important necessities for successful Christian counseling. If a counselor is lacking in any of these aspects it will be painfully evident during sessions; a deficiency will impact the efficacy of the counselor. At the heart of Intradisciplinary integration lies three integral blood supplies: sense of self, awareness of need, and the healing relationship.

Each chapter is topical and provides guidance on when and how to use Christian praxis such as prayer, scripture, and forgiveness. The book is not a comprehensive how to guide with easy fool proof steps. McMinn (2011) makes it clear that he does not believe that there are any theories and methods to such application. Each session and each client are case by case, there is not a one size fits all, or even a few. To assist Christian counselors in determining how to integrate Christianity into sessions, McMinn tells counselors to ask these three questions: will this help establish a healthy sense of self, will this help establish a healthy sense of need, will this help establish a healing relationship? McMinn explores the ways explicit integration can be harmful to clients and expresses that all integration should be in conjunction with God’s guidance through the Holy Spirit.

Informed consent must be obtained prior to engaging in integration; Counselors must also carefully assess clients prior to any explicit integration. McMinn suggests that the counselor’s values will always impact the counseling sessions. Similarly, he suggests that counseling itself is integrative on the topic of confession. This is particularly different from many of the other Christian praxis because with others, counselors have to strategically and intentionally embed them into sessions. Counseling is confessional by nature; it does not necessarily require a particular set of rules and guidelines for use.

The overall theme of the text is expressing that all counselors need the Holy Spirit to intervene. The text also directly implies that with an understanding of sin as human nature rather than human deed, Christian counselors become better helpers. McMinn vividly illustrates the parallel between the pattern of healing and the progress of confession, forgiveness, and redemption. The pattern of healing begins with self-sufficiency, moves to brokenness, and ends with a healing relationship. McMinn states that “with confession we acknowledge our sin and need for help. Graciously, God grants forgiveness as we experience the wonder of being redeemed back from captivity to sin to abundant life in Christ” (p. 316). Similarly, the consequences of unbounded self-sufficiency leaves people with neediness, brokenness, and pain directing them to the helping relationship (McMinn, 2011).

Concrete Response

This text reminded me of the many different counseling experiences I have had over the years. Secular counselors could never quite pour into me the way I needed them to. As McMinn (2011) stated in the early chapters of the text, it seems that they had no concern for my spiritual growth. The very first counselor I went to that was able to build rapport with me, also identified as a Christian. I was verbal about my faith and as our relationship grew, she was able to confront me on my sin and the many other discrepancies I brought to her office. I trusted her because I knew God would speak to her in our sessions. Near the end of our counseling relationship she advised me to use sage as a means to cleanse my personal spaces and she was also an advocate of meditation. I was in a vulnerable space spiritually because I had recently renewed my relationship with Christ. Due to the sage burning and meditation I experienced demonic attack. At one point I could feel and visualize these evils that ushered themselves into my home. It was not until much later that I realized the connection between these unfortunate events. As I was reading the chapter about prayer, when it made mention of meditation, it reminded me of my experiences. McMinn (2011) suggests that some counselors “have not established careful theological boundaries for their understanding of prayer and meditation and have drifted towards heresy” (p. 87). For a time, I was a product of exactly what McMinn warns the reader about. As a babe in Christ the counseling relationship served as a space of counsel with God’s presence and my counselor, whom I presumed to be a vessel of Christ.

Another reminder I had was about how McMinn stated that there could be a possibility of a client relying too heavily on the counselor rather than building their own relationship with God. While I still built my own relationship with Christ, I did see our sessions as an opportunity to hear directly from God in real time. I would suggest that I was also a victim of this counseling pitfall as well. When I began seeing another counselor that presented herself as a Christian counselor, she exemplified many of the positive traits and descriptions McMinn presents. She allowed the Holy spirit to guide our sessions, she assigned spiritual homework, and we rarely prayed together; she was very verbal about dreams she had with me, and her praying outside of sessions for me. She helped restore my understanding of the counseling relationship and even recommended that I attend Liberty University.

Reflection

My personal critiques of McMinn’s approach to intradisciplinary integration is positive. Having sat in roughly 5 different counseling chairs, I can say that my Christian counselor was the most effective. In hindsight she was careful in the areas McMinn expressed that counselors should tread lightly on, and she was especially careful not to project her values onto me. I was a bit radical and militant in my faith when I began with her, she asked my thoughts on biblical concepts. Her simple inquiries led to me diving deeper into studies and seeking God more. She gently challenged me, but she waited until she established rapport with me. This Counselor specializes in forgiveness. As I was reading McMinn’s chapter on forgiveness, I quickly thought of an experience I had with her. As I began reading this chapter, I thought it was necessary for counselors to directly acknowledge and insist on client’s forgiveness. I thought it was integral to the healing process. McMinn does a great job presenting different views on each topic. I was surprised to find that some counselors do not think forgiveness is necessary in counseling. Although my counselor specialized in forgiveness, she never made me feel like I had to forgive. She could acknowledge that I had not forgiven, but there was never a time where I felt forced into forgiveness. This ties into the idea presented that counselors teach clients to forgive when the counselor “legitimizes the undeserved anguish” (p. 270). Our relationship and establishment of trust eventually led to forgiveness, in my own time. In hindsight, I have experienced some of the negative effects of counselors that have not mastered an intradisciplinary approach; I have also experienced a counselor that truly embodies a competent Christian counselor and the impact has been tremendous. I would suggest that I am a product of a counselor that abides by many of the suggestions McMinn provides. Having been a client, I was able to read the text with more than one lens and I think it has really solidified within me an ideal approach to integration. What makes this particular text nearly flawless in my opinion is the way he addresses difference of opinion and challenges that may occur with certain ideologies.

As I was reading McMinn’s text, I recalled another article provided in this course, “Use of prayer and scripture in cognitive behavioral-therapy” (Tan, 2007). It is an article that delves into the ways Christian counselors can properly incorporate cognitive behavioral-therapy or CBT. Both texts really support and align with one another. The terminology was not exactly identical, but the concepts were very similar. I don’t recall reading the exact terms “implicit” and “explicit” integration Tan (2007) mentioned in the McMinn text, but those concepts were deeply embedded within the methods McMinn presented. Both texts touch on the many different types of prayer. Both McMinn (2011) and Tan (2007) make it clear that it is not necessary to explicitly use prayer and scripture in each session.

Theological Interaction

When we look at the ministry of Jesus and His method of addressing sin, it was almost always in indirectly, until after they had received their healing. After one asks for healing, He responded with providing healing then telling them not to sin (John 8:11 KJV). We also see a healing and forgiveness of sin happening synonymously (Matthew 9:5 KJV). As vessels of Jesus Christ, Christian counselors should take a similar approach. God uses us as a vessel of healing. If Jesus the healer, indirectly and empathetically addressed sin we should do so also. I am specifically reminded of the woman caught in the midst of adultery. Men brought her before Jesus to stone her for her sin; His response was not to her sin but unto them. Jesus replied “ all right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone” John 8:7 NLT. It is important for us to handle our clients with care. A direct and abrupt acknowledgment of sin can result in detrimental effects on the client. I would also argue that it can become legalistic in nature for counselors to directly call out the sins of the client. One of the negative impacts McMinn talks about is a change of behavior rather than a true spiritual transformation, it can miss the root of the problem. The client will change a particular behavior but without inner transformation a similar situation will occur in another area of life. The term McMinn (2011) uses for this type of change is sin-management. Confrontation is more likely to drive people into defense rather than a transformation (p.175). McMinn (2011) suggests that we must “earn the right to confront, not just assume it” (p. 178). Clients may feel attacked or belittled, this is harmful and thusly violates the ACA (2014) code of ethics that states counselors must not harm clients. If counselors take the approach that is presented, sin is the sickness we all suffer from, it is likely to have a greater and more positive impact. Counselors should also be mindful that it is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict clients, not the counselor.

I think counselors most often overlook the cautions that warn them of power dynamics (Brewer & Peters n.d.). As McMinn suggested a client may change behaviors to please the counselor rather than truly experiencing a transformation. Misusing the power dynamic may also create dependency (Brewer & Peter n.d.). This type of misuse points back to the topic of prayer and how clients sometimes become dependent on the counselor to talk to God for them (McMinn, 2011). Another caution I think counselors overlook is both the counselors and clients understanding of sin. As I was reading McMinn’s chapter on sin it really resonated with me. As I mentioned before I can be very direct and passionate about particular sins. It is easy for me to disassociate myself because I do not engage in that particular sin. It is important for the Christian counselor to understand sin properly, as a state of being, rather than action. If I shift my focus from the sin to the person, I can be a better helper. It is easy to fall into a judgmental space with a lack of counselor self-awareness which also speaks to one’s understanding of sin.

As Christians many of us have been indoctrinated with sin as deed rather than a state of being. Although the bible clearly depicts sin as the latter. There are sinful acts, but it is impossible for a human to abstain from sin, thusly creating a state of being opposed to action. This is why I believe it likely will be overlooked. A counselor that has not been able to identify sin as who we are rather than what we do is at risk of having a judgmental attitude. A judgmental attitude points to a lack of self-awareness (Brewer & Peterson n.d.)

Action

Establishing a good helping relationship will always be at the core of my helping in each session with each client. I will need to have a more organized prayer life outside of sessions. I believe that praying for clients is integral for efficacy. Another action step I will take is always asking myself the three questions before explicit integrating faith into sessions: will this help establish a healthy sense of self, will this help establish a healthy sense of need, and will this help establish a healing relationship? I will need to work on how I address sin with clients that consent to overtly incorporate Christianity and spirituality. I think at times I can seem judgmental or too reserved in that area. Counseling Christians that are involved in spiritual activities that are sinful is a tender space for me. I am very passionate about that. Recently in a practice session with a friend she stated that she would want to learn to meditate and practice yoga. I inquired on her background knowledge and simply encouraged her to research all practices before engaging. I think I did well with not projecting my values onto her, but I am concerned about my passion for that topic. I considered always praying with clients at the beginning of each session, allowing them to lead the prayer; but after reading McMinn’s suggestions I will always proceed with caution when praying with clients. I planned to make it the way we open and close sessions, but I do not want clients becoming dependent on that space to pray. My goal is to allow the Holy Spirit to guide sessions and to be competent in three areas of discipline rather than two.

References

Brewer, G., & Peters, C., (n.d.).  COUC 506 Week Seven, Presentation Two: Counseling methods related to confrontation and confession. [PowerPoint] Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Online.

Tan, S. (2007). Use of prayer and scripture in cognitive-behavioral therapy. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 26(2), 101

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

Running Head:

4MAT

1

4MAT

McMinn Review

Alexandria Jean

–

Louis

Liberty Uni

versity

Running Head: 4MAT

1

4MAT McMinn Review

Alexandria Jean-Louis

Liberty University

Rubric Detail A rubric lists grading criteria that instructors use to evaluate student work. Your instructor linked a rubric to this item and made it available to you. Select Grid View or List View to change the rubric’s layout.

  Advanced Pro�cient Developing Not Present

Content-Summary 17 (13.60%) – 19 (15.20%)

Summary is approximately two pages and contains: A concise, insightful, and adequate synopsis of the text. The main thesis idea and core ideas of the text A foundation for the subsequent sections of the paper.

15 (12.00%) – 16 (12.80%)

Summary is unclear and/or wordy, illogical and inconsistent with the contents of the book Summary does not include the main thesis idea and core ideas of the text. Summary does not provide a strong the foundation for the subsequent sections of paper.

1 (0.80%) – 14 (11.20%)

Summary is unclear and illogical. Main thesis and important main ideas of the text are not included and the �ow of thought lacks a logical connection with the text.

0 (0.00%) – 0 (0.00%)

Not discussed.

Content-Concrete Response

17 (13.60%) – 19 (15.20%)

Concrete Response is approximately 1 page and contains: A personal life episode, parable, case study, or confession. Content is based on the main points (not tangential ideas) discussed in the Summary section.

15 (12.00%) – 16 (12.80%)

Concrete Response is limited in scope and does not provide su�cient personal life story and/or is not based upon Summary section of the paper.

1 (0.80%) – 14 (11.20%)

Concrete Response does not re�ect adequate self- exploration of an important theme from the Summary section.

0 (0.00%) – 0 (0.00%)

This area is not included in the paper.

Content-Re�ection 17 (13.60%) – 19 (15.20%)

Re�ection 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. Re�ection is based on the main ideas of the book, not tangential issues.

15 (12.00%) – 16 (12.80%)

Re�ection is limited in scope by presentation of questions and/or concise critique of the text. The re�ections do not address strengths and weaknesses of the text’s main ideas and thesis, but focuses more on tangential issues (e.g. author’s writing style etc.)

1 (0.80%) – 14 (11.20%)

Re�ection is extremely limited in o�ering questions and/or concise critique of the text. The re�ections do not address strengths and weaknesses of the text’s main ideas and thesis, but focuses more on tangential issues (e.g. author’s writing style etc.)

0 (0.00%) – 0 (0.00%)

No Re�ection of o�ered

Content – Theological Interaction

17 (13.60%) – 19 (15.20%)

Theological Interaction is approximately 2 pages and contains: A

15 (12.00%) – 16 (12.80%)

The position the student takes is limited and not thorough

1 (0.80%) – 14 (11.20%)

The position the student takes is extremely weak and

0 (0.00%) – 0 (0.00%)

No position taken

Name: 4MAT Review Grading Rubric Exit

Grid View List View

  Advanced Pro�cient Developing Not Present

pages and contains: A thorough interaction with the posed question in the instructions. The position the student takes is solid and supported by Scripture, the text assigned, and other source(s). The student is able to share both the strengths and potential weaknesses of their position.

and not thorough. Positions that the student takes are not backed up by Scripture, or there are not other references used to back up their argument. The argument focuses on tangential issues and not the main question.

extremely weak and not coherent. Ideas and positions are not backed up by Scripture and references. The position is purely opinion and not based upon solid arguments.

Concrete-Action 17 (13.60%) – 19 (15.20%)

Action is approximately 1 page or less and contains: Steps of action you will take based on the book’s main ideas. Description of how the main ideas will a�ect your counseling. The personal or professional changes you will implement (and share with others) as a result of reading this book.

15 (12.00%) – 16 (12.80%)

Action description is inadequately related to main ideas of the text and provides only limited development of how the text ideas will a�ect one’s counseling practice as well as personal and/or professional changes.

1 (0.80%) – 14 (11.20%)

Action description is inadequately related to main ideas of the text and underdeveloped regarding how the ideas will a�ect one’s counseling practice as well as personal and/or professional changes.

0 (0.00%) – 0 (0.00%)

There is no application made

Mechanics 21 (16.80%) – 23 (18.40%)

No grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors are present. Voice and person are used correctly and consistently. Writing is precise. Word choice is appropriate.

19 (15.20%) – 20 (16.00%)

Few grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors are present. Voice and person are used correctly. Writing style is su�cient. Word choice is adequate.

1 (0.80%) – 18 (14.40%)

Several grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors are present. Voice and person are used inconsistently. Writing style is understandable but could be improved. Word choice is generally good.

0 (0.00%) – 0 (0.00%)

Numerous spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors are present. Voice and person are misused. Writing style is di�cult to understand. Word choice is poor.

APA Format Elements 6 (4.80%) – 7 (5.60%)

Citations and format are in current APA style. Cover page, Citations, Running head, and References are correctly formatted. Paper is double-spaced with 1-inch margins and written in 12 point Times New Roman font. An Abstract is not needed.

3 (2.40%) – 5 (4.00%)

Citations and format are in current APA style with few errors. Cover page, Citations, Running head, and References are present with few errors. Paper is double-spaced with 1-inch margins and written in 12 point Times New Roman font.

1 (0.80%) – 2 (1.60%)

Citations and format are in current APA style though several errors are present. Cover page, Citations, Running head, and References are included though several errors are present. Paper is double-spaced, but margins or fonts are incorrect.

0 (0.00%) – 0 (0.00%)

Citations are not formatted correctly. Cover page, Running head, and References are not included or not formatted correctly. Paper is not double- spaced, margins are incorrect, or font is incorrect.

Week Seven, 4MAT Review

· In this module/week, you will explore the psychological and spiritual dynamics of sin and effective counseling approaches for confronting of sin. This module/week’s presentations also provide an overview of confession as an important dynamic of the therapeutic relationship and the client’s healing process.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

· Discuss the nature of sin and the distinction between “concept of sin” and “sin.”

· Discuss attributional style and counseling interventions related to personal responsibility.

· Discuss the impact of counseling for sin on the client’s sense of self, awareness of need, and openness to healing relationships.

· Discuss techniques and cautions in the use of confrontation.

· Discuss practices of confession in the therapeutic relationship.

The 4MAT Review is a way of responding to readings, lectures, and life experiences that requires you, the learner, to interact with new ideas on several levels. You will write a review for the McMinn textbook. In preparing your 4MAT Review, use each of the sections listed below with corresponding Level One headings in current APA format:

1. Provide a title page including only your name, the paper title (referring to the book title), and the institutional affiliation (Liberty University). Keep in mind that current APA standards recommend the title length not exceed 12 words. Also, keep in mind that the Running Head of your paper should be in the neighborhood of four to six words. All pages must include a running head and page number, and all pages are double spaced. Please include an abstract on page 2.

2. Summary: After introducing the name of the book and author, summarize the book in approximately 2 pages. Be appropriately concise but also be adequately complete in your ideas. Prove that you comprehend the main ideas by writing a clear and succinct summary. The summary is not a commentary or listing of topics but rather a discussion of the core ideas (main ideas) in the entire book. If you miss the main ideas, you lack an understanding of the complete message of the book. The summary provides the foundation for the rest of your 4MAT paper. Cite the book in-text at least once per paragraph and include page numbers for direct quotations.

3. Concrete Responses: Be vulnerable. In approximately 1 page, write about a personal life episode that this book triggered in your memory. Relate your story in first person, describing action and quoting exact words you remember hearing or saying. In the teaching style of Jesus, this is your own parable, case study, or personal connection to the main ideas of the book. Your comments in this section need to be clearly tied to main points from the book, not tangential ideas. Connect your comments to the main points for the reader.

4. Reflection: This section is a short critique or evaluation of the author’s main ideas; include positives/negatives and strengths/weaknesses. You should consider new questions that arose for you in response to what you have read and explore concerns, implications, etc. Also, consider other sources that you have encountered in your life up to this point that relate to this book, such as other textbooks, journal articles, Scripture passages, and even ethical codes such as those in the ACA Code of Ethics (2014). Provide this critique in approximately 1 ½ pages (sometimes additional length may be needed to provide an adequate critique).

5. Theological Interaction: This section is a significant part of your paper (25 points out of 125 points), and you are required to reflect on the question assigned to you, depending on the text you are reading for the particular 4MAT assignment. In approximately 2 pages

McMinn text . In approximately 2 pages, respond to the following issue: McMinn discusses guidelines when confronting sin during a counseling experience, and the lectures reviewed some factors as well. Why can a sensitive Christian counselor not just automatically and quickly confront obvious sin in the life of the client? Of the cautions mentioned by McMinn and other class sources, which ones to you think counselors most often overlook? Why? You are also encouraged to share any passages or stories in Scripture that directly relate to this issue. When identifying this story or stories, take time to clearly describe how this passage of Scripture directly relates to what you are communicating.

6. Action: What are you going to do about it? Develop action steps based on the core points of the book. This section must be a description of how the main ideas will affect your counseling. What professional changes will you implement and share with others? Be precise in summarizing your action steps and clearly connect your action steps to main points from the book. This section must be 1 page or less.

7. You are also required to create a references page; on this page, you must provide the complete reference citation for the book, along with other materials, in compliance with current APA standards.

PAGES

Title page

Page 1 Abstract (1 paragraph) & Summary

Page 2 Summary

Page 3 Summary & Concrete Response

Page 4 Reflection

Page 5 Reflection & Theological Interaction

Page 6 Theological Interaction

Page 7 Action

Reference Page

Create and submit these assignments in a Microsoft Word document; these assignments must be written at the graduate level and must be in current APA format.

Note: Use quotations strategically and sparingly; in a paper this size, do not use longer (block) quotations.

You are highly encouraged to use the following website as a reference for proper APA formatting (This is a sample APA formatted paper):

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/apa_sample_paper.html

READING FROM TEXTBOOK

· Book: The New Christian Counselor, A Fresh Biblical & Transformational Approach

· Author: Dr. Ron Hawkins, Dr. Tim Clinton

· Hawkins & Clinton Chapters 9 & 10

Chapter 9 Action and Adaptation

Chapter 10 Community and Accountability

· Book: Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling

· Author: Mark R. McMinn, PH.D., new foreword by Gary R. Collins. PH. D.

· McWinn Chapter 7 & 8

Chapter 7 Forgiveness written with Katheryn Rhoads Meek

Chapter 8 Redemption

Lecture One

· Sin, Confession, and Redemption in Counseling

· COUN 506 (LUO)

· Week Seven, Lecture One

· Integrative Concepts

· Language of Psychology: Psychopathology as “a sickness”; has “external” attribution.

· The responsibility lies outside their control its not their fault

· Language of Christian Spirituality. Sin; has “internal” attribution; “sins” vs. Sin.

· Language of Theology: Evil; has a “cosmic” attribution; natural vs moral evil

· Whatever Became of Sin? Concept of “sin” (Psychology)

· Unhealthy guilt dynamics

· The therapist feels they client are burden with guilt

· The way we think about behavior is the problem

· Right and wrong are acts of individual perception

· Goal of counseling is to minimize sensitivity to sin

· Whatever Became of Sin? Concept of “sin” (Theology)

· Universal human condition

· Personal sin is the cause of our cognitive and emotional problems.

· Right and wrong are matters of God’s law.

· Goals of counseling is to heighten our sensitivity to sin.

· Nature of Sin

· Original Sin

· Heredity

· Universal

· Falling Short

· Idolatry

· Alienation

· Perversion

· Personal Sin

· Personal choice

· Rebellion

· Numbness or insensitivity

· Appropriate guilt

· Deception

· Bondage

· Lovelessness

· Prayerlessness

· Attributional Style

· Counseling Map for Dynamics of Sin (McMinn) Client Self-Awareness

· Attributional Style: Internal, external, cosmic?

· Conscience/Moral development: Sense of right and wrong?

· Theistic vs. Humanistic values: Who’s responsibility or blaming?

· Bondage/addictions: Self -control or out-of-control?

· Client’s Awareness of Needs

· Seeking to be okay OR be forgiven?

· Feeling remorse OR feeling repentance?

· Awareness of need for God OR focused on counseling as solution?

· Acceptance of consequences of actions?

· Willingness to accept responsibility for harm caused to others (restitution)?

· Healing Relationships

· Receptivity or Openness to discuss moral matters of conscience.

· Honesty: is the client capable of being honest at this level?

· Confrontation: Using the “S” word (Sin), pondering, questions, direct censure, visualization, prayer.

· Penance: Accepts consequences and seeks restitution.

Lecture Two

· Counseling Methods Related to Confrontation and Confession

· COUN 506(LUO)

· Week Seven, Lecture Two

Real change never takes place until we confront our problems

· The Work of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 7:10)

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Note: the main reason people come for counseling is to gain control over their lives, but we should surrender full control to God

· We deal with the PERSON in font of us; let God deal with the SIN

· Conviction, contrition, and repentance are GIFTS of God.

· Healing BEGINS with the admission of powerlessness.

· The processes of REDEMPTION and RECONILIATION. (1John 1:9)

· Therapeutic Relationships: Hospitality- The Power of Welcoming

· Every person we counsel is a stranger; sin is what makes us strangers to each other.

· Hospitality is the willingness to take a risk for the redemption of a known sinner.

· Receptivity and Confrontation work in a dynamic balance.

· Prayer is essential: We extend the hospitality that God has extended to us.

· Welcoming sinners is powerful and life- changing. (Luke 15:2)

· Confronting Sin: “How To”

· Silence: Attention to body language and facial expression to avoid giving approval.

· Pondering: Healing client understand by “wondering out loud”; conscience development.

· Questioning: Giving client ownership of decisions by avoiding explicit expectations. (Open ended questions)

· Direct Censure: Requires high levels of trust, may lead to quick change or significant risk.

· “Acherit” Hebrew word meaning (In the end): Visualization with “the end” in mind. Proverbs 14:12, Solomon writes, “there is a way that seems right to a man but in the end (Acherit), it leads to death.” If we can help our clients to visualize the trajectory of their thoughts or behavior all the way to the end, it can be a great way to confront the nature of their behavior. We simply ask, “and then what happened?” “and then what happened?” “and then what happened?”

· Prayer: Using prayer to support client and comes against spiritual bondage and attacks.

· Ethical Concerns with Confrontation

· “Do no harm”: is confrontation in the best interest of this client at this time?

· Counselor Self-awareness: What is my attitude and personal motivation?

· Power Dynamics: Am I responsibility using my “power” without creating dependency or imposing my will on the client?

· Redemption: Beyond conviction for sinfulness, am I guiding this client toward redemption and restoration in their relationship with God, self and others?

· Types and Dynamics of Confession

· Positive Confession: “I believe this…”

· Restorative Confession: Repenting and seeking forgiveness; Overcoming the “faith-life disconnect”

· Self-examination: Spiritual discipline for maintenance of healthy relationships.

· Comfort-seeking (confessing the sins of others): seeking to be “okay.”

· Denial: Remaining paralyzed in shame and bondage of sinful habits.

· Resistance to Confession

· Arrogant refusal to admit personal need.

· Spiritual pride.

· Self-deception.

· Shame-based fear of being known for who they are.

· Fear of embarrassment; being seen as a failure.

· Faulty understanding of God’s nature.

· “Graceless” experiences in family and church.

We

e

k Seven

,

4MAT Review

·

In this module/week, you will explore the psychological and spiritual dynamics of sin and effective counseling

approaches for confronting of sin. This module/week’s presentations also provide an overview of confession as

an important dynamic of the therape

utic relationship and the client’s healing process.

Learning

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

·

Discuss the nature of sin and the distinction between “concept of sin” and “sin.”

·

Discuss attributional style and counseling interventions related to personal responsibility.

·

Discuss the impact of counseling for sin on the client’s sense of self, awareness

of need, and openness to

healing relationships.

·

Discuss techniques and cautions in the use of confrontation.

·

Discuss practices of confession in the therapeutic relationship.

The 4

MAT Review is a way of responding to

readings, lectures, and life experiences that requires you,

the learner, to interact with new ideas on several levels.

Y

ou will write

a

review

for

the McMinn

text

book

.

In preparing your

4

M

AT

Review

, use each of the

sections listed below with

corresponding

Level One headings

in current APA format

:

1.

Provide

a

title page

including only your name, the paper title (referring to the book title), and

the institutional affiliation (Liberty University). Keep in mind that current APA standards

recommend the title length not exceed 12 words.

Also, keep in mind that the Running Hea

d of

your paper should be in the neighborhood of four to six words.

All pages must include a running

head and page number, and all pages are double spaced

.

Please include an

abstract

on page 2.

2.

Summary:

After introducing the name of the book and author,

summarize the book in

approximately

2

pages

. B

e

appropriately concise but also be

adequately complete in your ideas.

Prove

that you comprehend the main ideas

by writing a

clear and

succinct

summary. The

summary

is not a commentary or listing of

topics but rather a d

iscussion of the core ideas

(main

ideas)

in the entire book. If you miss the main ideas, you lack an understanding of the complete

message of the book.

The su

mmary provides the foundation for

the rest of your 4MAT paper.

Cite the book

in

–

text at least once per paragraph and include page numbers for direct

quotations.

3.

Concrete Responses:

Be vulnerable

.

In

approximately

1

page

,

write about a

personal life

episode that this book triggered

in your memory. Relate your story in first person,

describing

action and quoting exact words you remember hearing or saying. In the teaching style of Jesus,

this is your own parable, case study, or personal connection to the main ideas of the book. Your

comments in this section need to be clearly tied to

main points from the book, not tangential

ideas.

Connect your comments to the main points for the reader.

4.

Reflection:

This

section is

a short critique or evaluation of the author’s main ideas

;

include

positives/negatives and strengths/weaknesses. You

should

consider

new questions that arose

Week Seven, 4MAT Review

 In this module/week, you will explore the psychological and spiritual dynamics of sin and effective counseling

approaches for confronting of sin. This module/week’s presentations also provide an overview of confession as

an important dynamic of the therapeutic relationship and the client’s healing process.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

 Discuss the nature of sin and the distinction between “concept of sin” and “sin.”

 Discuss attributional style and counseling interventions related to personal responsibility.

 Discuss the impact of counseling for sin on the client’s sense of self, awareness of need, and openness to

healing relationships.

 Discuss techniques and cautions in the use of confrontation.

 Discuss practices of confession in the therapeutic relationship.

The 4MAT Review is a way of responding to readings, lectures, and life experiences that requires you,

the learner, to interact with new ideas on several levels. You will write a review for the McMinn

textbook. In preparing your 4MAT Review, use each of the sections listed below with corresponding

Level One headings in current APA format:

1. Provide a title page including only your name, the paper title (referring to the book title), and

the institutional affiliation (Liberty University). Keep in mind that current APA standards

recommend the title length not exceed 12 words. Also, keep in mind that the Running Head of

your paper should be in the neighborhood of four to six words. All pages must include a running

head and page number, and all pages are double spaced. Please include an abstract on page 2.

2. Summary: After introducing the name of the book and author, summarize the book in

approximately 2 pages. Be appropriately concise but also be adequately complete in your ideas.

Prove that you comprehend the main ideas by writing a clear and succinct summary. The

summary is not a commentary or listing of topics but rather a discussion of the core ideas (main

ideas) in the entire book. If you miss the main ideas, you lack an understanding of the complete

message of the book. The summary provides the foundation for the rest of your 4MAT paper.

Cite the book in-text at least once per paragraph and include page numbers for direct

quotations.

3. Concrete Responses: Be vulnerable. In approximately 1 page, write about a personal life

episode that this book triggered in your memory. Relate your story in first person, describing

action and quoting exact words you remember hearing or saying. In the teaching style of Jesus,

this is your own parable, case study, or personal connection to the main ideas of the book. Your

comments in this section need to be clearly tied to main points from the book, not tangential

ideas. Connect your comments to the main points for the reader.

4. Reflection: This section is a short critique or evaluation of the author’s main ideas; include

positives/negatives and strengths/weaknesses. You should consider new questions that arose

Name:4MAT Review Grading Rubric Exit