Forum 2 Christian counseling
September 6th, 2022
Table of Contents
Christian counseling
References:
Chapters 1-2: McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling (Revised ed.). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House. ISBN: 9780842352529.
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration (3rd ed.). Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers. ISBN: 9781498223485.
Chapter 4: Hawkins, R., & Clinton, T. (2015). The new Christian counselor: A fresh biblical & transformational approach. Eugene, OR: Harvest House. ISBN: 9780736943543.
Please include Christian worldview and/or bible scriptures, APA format, cited and referenced. Discussion must be approximately 300–400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. Make sure to justify and support your answer. Where appropriate, use in-text citations to support your assertions.
For discussion this module/week, we consider how to counsel suffering clients. The class lectures, Entwistle, and McMinn all discuss the concept of suffering and factors guiding how we counsel those who are suffering.
1. Considering the numerous points that were made, make a list of at least 5 concepts (“questions to ask myself as I counsel those who are suffering. . . “) that you found particularly helpful, insightful, unique, or had not thought about before.
2. What guidelines would you particularly emphasize as you counsel hurting people?
3. Then consider this client’s statement: Client: “Counselor, I have been coming to you now for six weeks. I am not sure that counseling is working. I don’t feel any better now than when we started talking. Why are you not helping to remove this pain that I am feeling?” If your client expects that you help to remove the suffering, how would you respond, based on what you learned from your study for the week?
METAMORPH Integrative Christian Counseling Grid
Dr. Guy R. Brewer
(All Scripture references are based on New International Version translation of the Bible.)
METAMORPH Integrative Christian Counseling Grid
| Key Domains/Issues in Integrative Christian Counseling | Major Tenets/Counseling Theory | Biblical References | Spiritual Formation Principles | Techniques and/or Strategies |
| MINDRelated areas:· Cognition· Thinking· Reasoning/analytical skills· Imagination· Presuppositions· DiscernmentKey Scripture:Ephesians 4: 17,18“You must no longer live as the gentiles do in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” | Spiritual formation tradition:Cognition, reasoning, and imagination are elements of human functioning that express the image of God. Counseling focuses on helping client become aware of habits of thought and the connection between self-deception, faulty thinking, and sin.Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Identify cognitive distortions, faulty assumptions, and automatic negative self-talk.Adlerian: Reeducation of faulty thinking, gain access to private logic.Object Relations:Identify details/history of representations that feed client’s perceptions, attachments, and desires.Choice Theory: Help client become more aware and intentional about connection of thinking, actions, and self-perceptions.Gestalt: Enhance client awareness of perceptions and thought processes in the here and now. | Proverbs 14:12: Self-deception and faulty thinking.Proverbs 23:7: Determinative power of human thinking.Isaiah 40:13, 14: Mind of God compared to human reasoning.Romans 8:6-8 Conversion produces qualitatively different thinking, “spiritual mind.”Romans 12:2: God uses transformation of thinking as an avenue to transform human life. | Loving God with our whole minds is the primary goal of cognitive activity:Matt. 22:37-38Human transformation follows a spiritual pattern that differs qualitatively from patterns of the world: Romans 12:2.The goal of cognitive therapy is to be an avenue for the working of the mind of Christ:1 Cor. 2:11-16.Conversion to faith is movement from hostility toward God to hospitality in the peace of the Holy Spirit: Romans 8:5-8. | Spiritual direction: Exploration of private thoughts and automatic self-talk in terms of habits of thought, presuppositions, worldly values, and attitudes. Use of memorized Scripture to teach spiritual foundations for Godly thinking and to replace faulty thoughts and perceptions. Use of journaling to explore ruminations and reactive patterns of thought.Cognitive Behavior Therapy:Employ techniques and strategies such as Beck’s cognitive psychotherapy methods, cognitive and covert modeling, thought stopping, reframing, identification of cognitive distortions.Choice Theory: Use exploratory questions: “What do you want? What are you doing to get what you want? How is it working for you? Is it the right thing to be doing?”Adlerian:Therapy might include techniques such as active wondering, redirecting to identify and correct faulty perceptions and unrecognized thoughts. |
| EMOTIONSRelated areas:· Feelings· Affect· Moods· Perceptions· Emotional memoriesKey Scripture:Jeremiah 17:10“I, the Lord, search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.” | Spiritual formation tradition:Primary concern is for life of the heart that includes the arena of feelings and emotions. Counseling focuses on self-control andAvoidance of rash behavior. Counselor encourages client to be honest and take ownership for feelings while seeking the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in forging new ways to deal with feelings in a responsible manner.Rational Emotive Therapy:Assist client in identifying irrational beliefs, evaluations, perceptions and interpretations about what has happened to him/her.Gestalt: Affective awareness is primary. Counseling works toward integration of sensations and feelings with actions.Choice Theory: Explore connection of bad feelings with ineffective behavior. Affirm normal need for love, safety, and relationships.Cognitive Behavior Therapy:Get in touch with feelings that are buried and unrecognized, particularly the role of automatic negative thoughts and cognitive distortions.Solution-focused:Help client identify feelings in the moment and set attainable goals for change in emotional response.Person-Centered Therapy:Provide client safe, trusting space to explore feelings. | Deliverance from fear:Psalm 27:1, 34:4.Holy Spirit, source of peace:Romans 8:6Prayer as a pathway to peace:Phil. 4:6,7.Antidote for anxiety:1 Peter 5:7Emotional stability comes from abiding in the Lord: John 15:3-5.Counselor as bringer of God’s comfort:Isaiah 40:1Fruit of the Spirit includes emotional virtues:Galatians 5:22,23 | Emotional foundations: You are God’s beloved.Matthew 3:17, John 15: 9Peace is a gift of God acquired through discipline ofsteadfastness:Isaiah 26:3, Ephesians 6:13Fearfulness is driven by alienation from God:1 John 4:18.Jesus’ antidote for anxiety:(Matt. 6: 25-34)God’s point of view in assessing human functioning:1 Samuel 16:7Self-control and avoidance of rash behavior:Titus 2:1-6 | Spiritual formation: Use of prayer and meditation in combination with talk therapy to explore damaged memories that need healing. Explore faulty spiritual beliefs, particularly beliefs about grace, salvation, and forgiveness behind feelings. Provide client with trusting relationship in which feelings can be honestly discussed, sin can be confessed, and grace can be experienced. Model self-control and help client develop a plan for dealing with moods and emotional patterns that are life disruptive.RET:Employ techniques such as modeling, negative imagery, future imaging, labeling, and role-playing intentional use of emotionally charged language to help client become more aware and in charge of feelings.Gestalt:Get client in touch with feelings by asking, “How do you feel about that?” Use dramatization and guided imagery to bring feelings into concrete awareness.CBT:Identify automatic negative thoughts and cognitive distortions and make a plan for change. Focus on manageability of feelings related to fears and anxieties.Solution-focused: Concentrate on here and now to identify emotional obstacles to change, select attainable goals, make a detailed plan.Person-Centered: Active listening and feedback in trusting environment of unconditional positive regard. |
| TRANSFORMATIONALGOALSRelated Areas:· Core self change· Inside-out dynamics· Redemption and Sanctification· Purpose and meaning dimensions· Assessment of client needs· Overarching goals: What will this client look like if intervention is 100% effective?Key Scripture:Romans 12:1,2“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” | Spiritual formation tradition:Counseling is an inside-out, heart changing work of the Holy Spirit in which the spiritual counselor functions as a companion along the inner way. Counseling works toward reinvigorating the image of God within the person.Person-Centered:Counseling to clarify long-term goals and empower the client toward self-actualization of full potential.Rational-Emotive Therapy:Self-actualization of the client comes in the form of holistic self-understanding and functioning in which client consistently displays appropriate emotions and rational thinking.Choice Theory:Counseling is directed towards helping client understand legitimate needs and make life choices to meet those needs in a responsible, healthy way that is congruent with his/her beliefs.Object Relations:Counseling focuses on helping the client discover unconscious attachments, mental representations that drive feelings and behavior.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:Counseling to help client change meaning making internal processes by identifying and correcting cognitive distortions, and faulty thinking.Gestalt Therapy:Counseling to help client gain freedom in the here and now from negative, unhealthy emotional patterns that shape meaning making. | Created in the image of God:Genesis 1:26.27, 9:6The right to become children of God:John 1:11God’s power to do a new thing in life:Is. 43:18,19New creation through reconciliation to God:2Cor.5:16,17Process of sanctification through focus on spiritual virtues and holy living:Philippians 4:8,9Freedom from past guilt and bondage:Phil. 3:13,14God has a specific purpose for each person:Ephesians 2:10As children of God, our future is limited only by God’s vision.1 Jn. 3:2,3 | Transformation and the life of the heart:Lk. 6:43-45Liberation through the anointing of the Holy Spirit:Isaiah 61:1-3Luke 4: 16-21Hope development principles:Romans 5:3-5Healing power of confession of sin:James 5:16Freedom in Christ:Galatians 5:1Sufficiency of Grace:(2 Cor. 12:9)Living with the end in mind:I Cor. 15:50-58Humble dependence on God:Proverbs 3:34 | Spiritual formation tradition: Develop covenant with client for mutual encouragement and accountability for change. Intentionally work to develop atmosphere of hospitality in which the client is welcomed into safe space, is affirmed for gifts and potential, and is confronted with personal responsibility. Prayer, formative reading of the Bible, meditation, and journaling are key practices for discernment.Person-Centered:Therapeutic relationship is key. Counselor is empathic, genuine, and shows unconditional positive regard.RET:Work with client to reduce self-blame and self-defeating thoughts and feelings. Use repeated depth questions e.g. “Why is that?” “Then what?” to probe below layers of client resistance and/or denial.Choice:Follow grid of 8 systematic steps to build rapport, assess behavior, make a plan, get commitment, and hold client accountable.Object relations:Use interview and free association techniques to gain access to client’s inner world of perceptions, fears, beliefs, dreams, and wishes that reveal the inner representations that drive the way client shows up in the world.Cognitive Behavioral:Explore internal logic and cognitive distortions. Employ multimodal assessment e.g. Lazarus BASIC ID to gain holistic picture of impact of faulty thinking on client functioning.Gestalt:Help the client rebuild core values by integrating who the person was with who the person is now, including a new concept of self.Strategies might include confrontation, “what” and “how” questions, “I” statements, feeding a sentence, use of fantasy and guided imagery. |
| ACTIONSRelated areas:· Behavior· Habits· Personal responsibility· Sin nature· Attachments· Obsessions· LifestyleKey Scripture:Colossians 3:17“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” | Spiritual formation tradition:Actions of Christian disciples are expressions of obedience to the Holy Spirit and teachings of Jesus.Counseling focuses on validating faith with faithful deeds.Cognitive Behavior Therapy:Behavior is based on internal logic and beliefs about self, relationships, and past events. To help the client behave more effectively requires correction of negative self-talk and cognitive distortions.Choice Theory:Counselor collaborates with client to identify needed change and make a plan. Responsibility for change remains with the client.Rational Emotive Therapy:Counselor approaches need for client change holistically, helping client become aware of blocks to change arising from self-loathing, self-defeating outlook, and irrational beliefs.Person-Centered:Counselor is unconditional supportive partner to client to listen actively and provide feedback for client discovery of potential for change.Object relations:By helping client become aware of unconscious attachments and internal representations, counselor empowers client to better understand logic behind behavior and make conscious choices for change.Gestalt:Counselor confronts client’s self-defeating attitudes and behaviors and creates environment for here and now change.Solution-focused therapy:Counselor helps client identify effective strategies from past that can be used again to solve present problems while avoiding negative perspectives and/or problem analysis. | Choose life:Deut. 30:19Repentance leads to new life:Mark 1:15Obedience leads to understanding God’s will:John 7:17Romans 12:2Grace and truth as basis for actions:John 1:17Necessity of spiritual rebirth for qualitative change of life:John 3: 5-8 | Obedience as the path of love and fulfillment:Jn. 14:23Wisdom of obedience to Jesus’ teachings:Matthew 7:24-27Faith requires right action:James 2:14-18Godly lifestyle produces fruit:(Eph. 4:20-32)We are known by our fruit:Luke 6:43-45We are saved by grace, not works:Ephesians 2:8,9 | Spiritual formation:Focus on grace that produces fruit to correct works righteousness worldview or pharisaical errors. In encouragement and accountability, both grace and truth are at work. Provide an opportunity for client to confess sins.Cognitive Behavior:Assist client in identifying desired behavior change while carefully exploring internal logic and faulty thinking behind ineffective behavior.Person-Centered:Covenant with client for behavior change, assuming a role of encourager/coach to hold client accountable.Choice theory: Assist client in making a detailed plan for behavior change, including careful recordkeeping of baseline and behavior change.Rational-Emotive:Counselor uses techniques such as analogies, parables, metaphors, contradiction with cherished value, pragmatic disputes, semantic precision, and analysis of stories to help client discern irrational processes and self-destructive emotions.Object relations:Use free association and interview techniques to explore internal representations behind behavior.Gestalt:Use here and now techniques such as role-playing, “empty chair,” and guided imagery to clarify client’s perception of behavior. Confront blocks and relapses in behavior. |
| MOTIVATIONSRelated areas:· Will· Volitional life· Conscience· Attitudes· Passions· Motives· Hope dynamics· Authority IssuesKey Scripture:Philippians 3:7“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” | Spiritual formation tradition:Love of God, self, and neighbor is the primary motivation of the Christian disciple. Discipleship is a process of identifying our divided loyalties and increasingly opening our lives to experience God’s grace and love.Person-Centered:Humans are hard wired toward self-actualization and fulfillment of personal potential. Dysfunctionalities represent a short-circuiting of this natural process.Adlerian therapy:Motivating individuals to modify perceptions and internal beliefs that block personal effectiveness is a primary goal.Object Relations:Unconscious thoughts impact direction and motivation. The goal is the Reality Principle: to perceive relationships and one’s place in the world in realistic terms.Cognitive Behavior Therapy:By transforming emotions and self-perceptions, the client’s motivation for life is rebuilt and redirected.Solution-focused:The assumption is that people want to be motivated and want to change for the better. When this is not happening, the client is blocked by fear or lack of clarity about goals. | Self-deception about motives:Prov. 16:2God’s view of our motives:1 Cor. 4:5Priorities and passions:Col. 3:1,2Double-mindedness as a character flaw demonstrated in mixed motives:James 1:6,7Perseverance under trial fortifies resolve and motivation:Heb. 12:7-13Role of hope in motivation and perseverance:Romans 5:3-5Glorifying God as motive for life:Matthew 5:16 | Love of God, self, and neighbor as great motive of life:Matt. 22:37-40Impossibility of serving two masters:Matt. 6:24Self-examination and personal growth:Lam. 3:40,Encouragement is a universal need and a gift of God:Romans 15:1-6Conscience and the spiritual life:2 Cor. 13:5Spiritual attitude:Phil. 2:1-8Fruit-bearing as spiritual motive for actions:John 15:8 | Spiritual formation:Motivation for change and sanctification is directly proportional to depth of relationship with God. Role of counselor is to increase hunger and thirst for righteousness in client. Where moral failures occur, counselor provides confessor role, offers forgiveness, and encourages client to fresh start in grace. Counselor serves as encourager to spur client along in growth.Person-centered:Focus on client empowerment to take responsibility. Active listening for strengths on which to build motivation.Adlerian:Identification of client needs and assistance to client to make a plan to meet needs.Object relations:Focus on trust building, interviewing client to discover inner world of perceptions and representations that drive beliefs toward goal of inner healing.Cognitive behavior:Client must decide if she/he wants to change. Counselor helps client identify negative self-talk and cognitive distortions that create discouragement and thwart motivation.Solution-focused:Counseling focuses on goal seeking using techniques such as miracle question, nightmare question, externalizing and normalizing perceived problems. |
| ORGANIC FACTORSRelated issues:· Body life· Health issues· Human sexuality· Physiological/neurological processesKey scripture:Romans 12:1“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.” | Spiritual formation tradition:Emphasize sacredness of the body in the image of God and as temple of the Holy Spirit. Counseling should assist client in honestly facing the temptations of carnal life and distinguishing normal human needs from lusts and covetousness.Person-centered:Emphasis upon holistic life and encouragement to client to develop attitudes and behavior to actualize goals without physical self-destruction.Adlerian therapy:Assist client in discerning self-perceptions including body image that produce shame and self-destructive behavior.Object relations:Developmental approach to help client understand how bodily perceptions, particularly attitudes toward sexuality, arose from early attachments and internal representations.Rational-emotive therapy:Exploration of client history to determine genetic predispositions for behavior.Physical examination by physician,Health background assessment,Cognitive testing | Temple of the Holy Spirit:1Cor.6:19,20Self-love and appropriate love of your body:Eph. 5:29Jesus’ example of rhythm of self-care:Mark 6:31Disrespect of body as consequence of unbelief:Rom.1:21-25 | Body life is a good gift from God:Genesis 1:26-28Sexuality is a blessing that is sometimes misused:I Corinthians 6:12-18Carnal life incompatible with Spiritual life:Romans 7:21-25Contentment as antidote for lust and covetousness:Phil. 4:11-13Sanctity of human bodyHealing and Wholeness in Christ(Lk. 7:22,23)Sabbatical principle of rest and restoration:Exodus 20:8-11 | Spiritual formation:Affirm goodness of body life and encourage client in self-acceptance of body as a gift of God. Confront misuse of body through substance abuse, eating disorders, self-neglect by overwork, and sexual acting out. Explore with client how these acts demonstrate self-loathing and disobedience to God. Assist client in distinguishing needs from lusts and covetousness. Support client in learning attitudes of contentment.Person-centered:Counselor is affirming person who encourages client to love herself/himself, including acceptance and self-affirmation of body type.Adlerian:Focus on identifying and changing negative perceptions related to body image and negative self-mage that lead to destructive or neglectful behavior.Object relations:Assist client in bringing unconscious self-representations into conscious awareness while identifying aspects of representations that lead to self-destructive behavior.Rational-emotive:Use of imagery and role-playing to discover internal values about body, attractiveness, and personal worth.Partner with physician for assessment and monitoring of client’s physical health. |
| RELATIONAL DYNAMICSRelated areas:· Family systems· Support network· Interpersonal skills· Relational style· Community life· Therapeutic relationshipKey scripture:“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12,13 | Spiritual formation tradition:Explore with client ways in which he/she understands community and the need for healthy relationships. Build a hospitable therapeutic relationship in which the client feels safe and has the opportunity to grow. Explore Biblical models for family, friendship, and participation in the body of Christ.Adlerian therapy:Strengthening healthy relationships is key to healthy individual functioning. Explore client’s relational ecology to identify conflicted relationships and provide client guidance in building a healthier social environment.Cognitive Behavior Therapy:Counselor is a key person in support system as collaborative partner in client change. Explore influences in relational network that impact client thinking and behavior.Object relations:Focus on past associations and attachments and their impact on the way client does relationships. Identify unconscious feelings of client that drive relationships. Therapist provides safe, trusting environment for exploration.Person-Centered Therapy:Identify client perceptions of conditional acceptance from others that foster incongruence. Explore ways that client defines his/her self-concept in others’ terms.Rational-Emotive therapy:Explore irrational beliefs and self-defeating outlooks that impact client relationships. Help client identify appropriate emotional patterns in healthy relationships. Therapist functions more as teacher and authority, not necessarily a source of affirmation.Behavior Therapy:Environment is key factor in behavior. Removing negative, destructive influences and enhancing positive, reinforcing relationships are vital steps. Clearly defined boundaries are necessary. Therapist insists that client maintain responsibility for behavior while serving as coach and collaborative partner.Systems Theory:Explore family and significant other relationships from the perspective of a contiguous, organic relational ecology of the client. | Humans were created for relationship:Gen. 2:15-25Friendship with God:Jn. 15:11-17Spiritual principles for healthy family relationships:Eph.5:22-6:4Children of God1 John 3:2Servanthood as key dynamic of friendship:John 13:13-17Care of family commanded by God1 Tim. 5:8God’s command to honor parents:Deut. 5:16 | Abiding in God is the basis of all relationships:John. 15:1-17Necessity of forgiveness:Matt. 6:9-15Reconciliation to God and others is the ministry of all Christians:2 Cor. 5:16-20Bear one another’s burdens:Galatians 6:2Use of gifts and graces in Body life of community:1 Cor. 12Command to show hospitality to all:Romans 12:13,1 Peter 4:9Loving one another is the key dynamic behind all relationships:John 13:34, 35 | Spiritual formation:Build relationship of trust and encouragement in which counselor can model grace and hospitality. Explore spiritual dynamics of relationships such as laying down your life for others, taking initiative vs. being reactive in relationships, principles of reconciliation and forgiveness.Adlerian:Use techniques such as role play, rehearsal of early recollections, outcome imagery (“How do you think this will work out?)To identify faulty patterns behind conflicted relationships and to help the client envision healthier relationships.Systems therapy:Map family history and relational ecology with client.Object relations:Using structured interview and free association, help client gain awareness of unconscious relational dynamics.Cognitive Behavior:Identify faulty thinking about relationships and automatic self-talk that defines roles and relational patterns. Techniques might include disarming questions, “I feel” statements, and Socratic dialogue.Person-centered:Active listening and feedback to client about client’s needs, feelings, and desires in relationships.Rational-Emotive:Using ABC theory, explore meaning client has attached to significant others and relationships in general. Identify elements of self-hostility and self-defeating attitudes in relationships. Detect and dispute irrational beliefs about relationships. |
| PNEUMATIC ELEMENTSRelated issues:· Spiritual history· Relationship with God· Personal spirituality· Faith tradition· Formation tradition· Church involvement· Core values and moral reasoningKey Scripture:“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 | Spiritual formation tradition:As a spiritual guide, counselor provides a safe environment for client to express faith, doubts, and fears about God and spiritual matters. Through a spiritual history and ecological mapping, counselor determines client’s past spiritual experiences, taking particular note of traumas and breakthroughs. The key dynamic is initiation of a process of a long-term spiritual exploration.Eclectic theory:Congruence requires that core values, behaviors, and feelings fit together. When they do not, a person is left with internal dissonance.Cognitive Behavior Therapy:Spirituality related to cognitive processes relates to integrity issues. Counselor works to help client become aware of self-deceptions, distortions, and incongruent values.Person-Centered Therapy:Spirituality is viewed in individualistic, privatized terms. Help client become conscious of spiritual values and personal integrity issues.Rational-Emotive:Although RET recognizes only minimal value in religious involvement, spirituality is related to internal consistency of values, thinking, and feeling. RET sees each individual as responsible for own life philosophy.Systems Theory:Using systems principles, counselor may explore client history of church involvement, family religiosity, and personal spirituality. | Power for living through the Holy Spirit:Zechariah 4:6Spiritual growth through times of suffering:Romans 5:3-5Life through the Spirit:Rom. 8:1-17Holy Spirit, the Great Counselor:Jn. 14:16, 26Spiritual perseverance:Heb. 12:1-3Life in the Body of Christ:1Cor.12:12-27 | Spiritual Discernment(1 Cor. 2:10-15)“One anothering,” mutual love and encouragement:(Phil. 2:1-4)Purpose of spiritual gifts:(Eph. 2:11-13)Fruit of the Spirit:Galatians 5:22, 23Spiritual Need for involvement in faith community:Hebrews10:24, 25Spiritual life vs. carnal life:Romans 7:21-25God’s pattern of change, e.g. “mustard seed,” small beginnings:Matt. 13:31,32Zechariah 4:10 | Spiritual formation:Active listening and prayerful discernment. Identify flawed beliefs about God, Lead client in forgiveness for spiritual wounds. Use Spiritual temperament assessment, spiritual gifts inventories, and mapping of spiritual systems to discover patterns of spiritual growth, unhealed wounds, and persistent areas of struggle. Covenant with Christian clients for involvement in church and missions. Extend hospitality in both receptivity and loving confrontation of client.Eclectic theory:Values clarification work with client to identify core values.Cognitive Behavior:Active wondering and creative exploration of client talk and behavior for discovery of true values compared to stated values.Person-centered:Positively encourage client to move toward greater congruence in life. |
| HISTORYRelated issues:· Developmental history Behavioral history· Relational history· Spiritual history· Physical history· Trauma history | Spiritual formation tradition:Counselor offers client hope of redemption and certain future in Christ. Counseling may explore needs for forgiveness and reconciliation from the past as well as life lessons to be learned from past failure. Counselor offers grace for healing from guilt, shame, and condemnation.Gestalt:Focus on here and now, but identify historical maladjustments that need correcting.Choice:History viewed as attempts to satisfy 5 basic needs of survival. Look at history of coping techniques to evaluate effectiveness.Adlerian:Emotional development is learned behavior that can be better understood by examining relational history.Object relations:Developmental history is the primary dynamic to understand for effective therapy. Early childhood experiences deeply influence present perceptions and functioning.Cognitive Behavior therapy:Past environment has very large effect on behavior. Understanding environment, beliefs about environment, and perceptions are key to change. | God’s sovereignty and care across our lives:Ps. 139:1-16Life circumstances from a spiritual perspective:Rom. 8:31-39New creation principles and inward life:2Cor.4:16,5:17God’s mercies new every day:Lam. 3:22, 23Promises of eternal life:John 3:15,16John 17:3 | Newness in the Spirit2 Cor. 5:17God-given purpose and futureJer. 29:11Healing of MemoriesEph. 4:32Admitting our sinful past and seeking God’s forgiveness:1 John 1:9Healing power of forgiveness:Mark 2:1-12Freedom from guilt and shame about past:Phil. 3:12-14 | Spiritual formation:Based on principles of grace and truth, help client accept responsibility for past history, accept and extend forgiveness, and learn from past errors. Counselor may emphasize new life in Christ and explore transformative process in client’s life. Where trauma is concerned, counselor may assist client in the process of spiritual healing of damaged memories.Gestalt: Use techniques such as role-play, directed dialogue, fantasy, and guided imagery to assist client in removing blocks from past and resolving internal conflicts.Object relations:Focus on recovery of early recollections for clarification and assessment of unconscious attachments and internal representations.Cognitive Behavior:Use techniques such as Socratic dialogue for intentional questioning to help client push past self-defeating thoughts and to identify irrational and distorted thoughts.Systems theory:Map family systems and client ecology. |
Bibliography
James, Richard K. and Gilliland, Burl E. (2003). Theories and Strategies in Counseling
And Psychotherapy. Boston, Massachusetts: Allyn and Bacon.
Jones, Stanton, L. and Butman, Richard E. (1991). A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal: Modern Psychotherapies. Downer’s Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press.
Nouwen, Henri, J.M. (2002). Ministry and Spirituality. New York, New York:
Continuum.
APPENDIX
Rationale for METAMORPH Integrative Christian Counseling Grid
METAMORPH integrative Christian counseling grid represents an eclectic approach to counseling that seeks to responsibly draw upon a plethora of counseling theories within the context of a Christian worldview. The following elements are foundational assumptions behind METAMORPH:
· Meta-theoretical foundation. As Jones and Butman point out, meta-theoretical eclecticism in counseling theory is superior to practical eclecticism because of the tendency for self-deception in counseling applications. In the absence of a coherent meta-theory, even well meaning and well trained therapist may find themselves in error in assuming that “what they do works” (390). As a meta-theory, METAMORPH relies upon insights into human functioning that come from spiritual formation and soul care tradition. As the name implies (metamorph is a transliteration of the Greek word for “transformation),” spiritual formation meta-theory views the process of human change as a “larger than” process. In METAMORPH meta-theory, the goal of counseling goes beyond incremental change or even success in worldly terms to hold out hope for a qualitative change in life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
· Redemptive view of humanity. METAMORPH assumes that no one is beyond redemption and that counseling is fundamentally a redemptive process. By this, I mean that the point of counseling is reconciliation and restoration of the person with Jesus Christ and with himself/herself.
· Holistic functioning. METAMORPH maps human functioning into nine domains that cover the span of human functioning. No area of human functioning is more important than another. Equally, METAMORPH acknowledges the interaction of areas of functioning and seeks to promote the internal and external integrity of the client.
· Inside-out and outside-in dynamics of counseling. METAMORPH relies upon the assumption of spiritual formation tradition that lasting change, and especially, transformation occur through a change of the core self. That is to say, transformation is always an “inside-out” pattern. However, METAMORPH also acknowledges the helpfulness of many counseling theories that employ an “outside-in” pattern of therapy. These methodologies serve as tools in the larger purpose of client transformation.
· Multi-tasking in counseling. The METAMORPH grid employs a multi-tasking methodology to assist the counselor in approaching client needs from a multiplicity of viewpoints and techniques.
· Servanthood. The purpose of the METAMORPH model is to serve the needs of clients. Theories on which the model draws are secondary to a diligent and careful assessment of client needs.
· Humility. METAMORPH assumes that all healing comes from God and that the Holy Spirit provides wisdom for life-changing counsel. This model also insists that the integrity of the counselor, including counselor self-awareness of limitations and sinfulness, is a key therapeutic dynamic.
