Paper Topic:

Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling by Mark R. McMinn Book Review

Running head : CHRISTIAN COUNSELING

Psychology , theology , and Spirituality in Christian Counseling by Mark R . McMinn

ABSTRACT

In his Psychology , Theology , and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Mark R . McMinn stresses the importance of the use of the Christian faith in the psychological counseling . Concentrating on the practical aspect of the integration of theology , psychology and spirituality in counseling , the author gives practical examples of how these areas can be integrated in to serve one ultimate purpose - to help people He uses cognitive therapy as theoretical foundation for his work . He

stresses the importance of trust and understanding between the councilor and the patient in to achieve necessary effect , especially when we speak about Christian counseling

As McMinn states , the study of the Bible use of Christian doctrines is very rare in modern counseling . In addition , Christian authors very seldom turn to psychology in their books and in his book McMinn aims to fill in this gap . He does not only insist on the use of Scripture study of the Biblical texts , prayers and sacraments in counseling practice , but also gives practical advice , aiming to help to apply all this in practice . McMinn underlines the power of Scripture and enumerates all positive effects of the use of Scripture in counseling Unfortunately , modern councilors seldom turn to Scripture in to support their counseling models . McMinn does his best in to correct this fault and attract the attention of councilors to the importance of the use of Scripture . As he states : Our knowledge of God , self and Scripture are all interrelated , but our capacity to understand any one of these elements will add to our ability to understand the others (McMinn , 1996 ,

.24 . He also notes that the use of Scripture during the counseling sessions will not be as effective if sacred knowledge , which is contained there , is not internalized by the client and does not become a part of his everyday life . McMinn presents new vision on the role of the councilor . He underlines that councilor 's role goes much further than resolving the problems of his or her clients during the counseling sessions . He believes that Christian councilor should also make spiritual practice a part of everyday life of his clients and integrate Christian values into their routine life . McMinn 's study of the nature of sin and its role in the counseling practice is also very interesting . As he fairly notes , generally councilors try to avoid the concept of sin in their practice . Such an attitude has negative consequences , as in most cases sin can be a reason of depression , feeling of guilt and other negative feelings . He proposes to integrate the notion of sin into the practice of Christian councilor As he states , such a change can add necessary depth to the work of councilor and help his clients to grow spiritually . Describing confession as an important component of Christian counseling , McMinn underlines the necessity to understand its role and importance in the work of...

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