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Transcript of Integrative theory FD10209
Running head: Integrative Theory Paper
Integrative Theory of Counseling from
From a Christian Worldview
LaVelle Figueroa
Liberty University
COUN 507 TD SO1 200640 Course Due date 10/18/09 Instructor Dr. Glenna DunnSubmission date: 10/
Integrative Theory
Abstract
Personally, I believe that a comprehensive theory of counseling should
integrate include psychology, theology and spirituality. As well a
comprehensive theory of counseling must also address the major traits that
constitute our personality. It also will help us understand the different types
of personalities that exist and how they affect the behavior of our
counselees’ so we aid their transformation process. Factors that cause
illness are broad but through multitasking counselors can gain understanding
in different domains. By using techniques from the psychological area in
conjunction with theological truths while being cognizant of a person’s core
spirit a therapist can combine all disciplines to help clients. Employing a
Biblical worldview to counsel leads clients down the path of hope and change
in Jesus Christ
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GRADING GUIDELINE FOR PERSONAL THEORY PAPERCOUN 507/PACO 600 Theology and Spirituality in Counseling
The following represents an additive template for grading. Instead of beginning with 100 and losing points for errors, you begin with a 0 and earn points for your work In determining your grade, three questions will be asked.
QUESTION VALUES TOTAL 100 POINTSHOW DID IT RUN THE COURSE? Question Value: 35 Points
Submitted with correct cover sheet and/or title page followed by an Abstract, Table of Contents, with Grading Guideline for Personal Theory Paper correctly attached? Score:
Evidence of proof reading? Score: (Minimal typographical, grammatical, punctuation errors, no unnecessary pages, paragraphing/sentence structure is proper andwithout awkwardness, body length is not more than 12 pages)
Followed current APA Guidelines (headers, margins, spacing,numbering, font, referencing titles correctly with initials, italics, and appropriate use of lower case letters, etc.)?
Score:
HOW DID IT HANDLE THE SOURCE(S)? Question Value: 25 Points
Citations are properly referenced? (A minimum of 15 appropriate citations) Score:
Reference list? (A minimum of 10 sources must be referenced: at least 6 must come from the required reading; the Bible counts as 1; instructor counts as 1; 2 from recommended reading, journals, or online documents) Score:
DOES THE WRITING HAVE FORCE? Question Value: 40 Points
Content clearly follows the structured outline found in the Table of Contents with clarity and coherency?
Score: Adequately addressed the elements of a comprehensive theory
and the elements shaping personality and influencing its health Score:
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Clear, insightful, rich interaction with subject matter? Score:
Conclusion reveals thoughtful summarization and application? Score
Grade:
Table of Contents
Abstract.............................................................................................................
...........................2
Introduction.......................................................................................................
.........................4
Outline of Personality
Components........................................................................................4
Impetus of the
System…...........................................................................................................
5
An Account of Lifespan Personality
Development..............................................................7
Understanding
Individuality…...............................................................................................7
Psychological and Spiritual
Health………………………………………………………….8
Indications of
Illness................................................................................................................
..9
4
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Attributes of a Complete
Theory………...............................................................................11
Techniques in the Counseling
Process…..............................................................................11
Indications of
Success……......................................................................................................
12
Theory Relationship to a Comprehensive
Worldview.......................................................13
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………….1
4
References........................................................................................................
..........................15
A Unified Counseling Proposal
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Through multitasking, a term used by McMinn (1996) to describe the
ability to consider several ideas at once, counselors can integrate
psychology, theology, and spirituality to most effectively help their clients.
Without unification of these areas, certain domains of problems are
neglected and the client is not served well (1996). By using concepts from
various authors a comprehensive concept of how to properly counsel people
emerges. Contributions from each area provide a complete guide to
counseling once unified.
Outline of Personality Components
The functioning of the human body is illustrated in 1 Corinthians 12
(Living Bible) where it explains that each body part has its own specific
purpose. Alone each part would not function properly, but in union with other
parts the body is run flawlessly. Similarly, the three concepts of psychology,
theology, spirituality when examined solitary of each other, do not
completely explain human behavior. When combined, the concept of
personality becomes bold and gains direction. Just as body parts have their
specific purpose and maintain their individuality they can benefit from the
power of the body. Further explained, “For even as the body is one and yet
has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are
many, are one body, so also is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12 New American
Standard) Each entity offers something unique to the concept of personality.
Hawkins (2006a) delineates five areas, the core, soul, body, temporal
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systems, and supernatural systems that make up human personality. These
forces work together to shape how a person develops, each impacting the
individual’s nature. Counselors must address all aspects of the personality in
order to effectively treat the client.
Impetus of the System
Human beings are made in the image of God. Beck (2001) says, “it is a
quality or capacity resident in their nature” (p. 173). Simultaneously, sin
nature is also present in the core of personality (Hawkins, 2006a). Along with
the human spirit all represent inherent conditions or forces within human
nature that are present from birth (Beck, 2001) and reside in the core of
human psyche. Sinful human nature is selfish and its tendency is to seek
happiness. Crabb (1977) contends that the goal of Christian counselors
should be to increase the maturity of clients by becoming more like God and
striving to please Him in every activity and thought.
Moving outward from the core, other factors including thinking, feeling
and emotions affect behavior. Counselors can work to change irrational
beliefs that may reside in the soul of their clients. The seven stages of
counseling recommended by Crabb (1977) are: “Stage 1: Identify problem
feelings; Stage 2: Identify problem behavior; Stage 3: Identify problem
thinking; Stage 4: Clarify Biblical thinking; Stage 5: Secure commitment;
Stage 6: Plan and carry out Biblical behavior; Stage 7: Identify Spirit-
controlled feelings” (p.160) This plan walks the client through the process of
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change by beginning with the feelings, deals with behavior and challenges
cognitions. Most of Crabb’s stages deal with this level of the personality. He
understands counseling as a relationship in which interactions with the client
are based upon their personality type and presenting problem. His plan
urges Christian counselors to help their clients sort out these areas in the
soul in order to get to the root of the issue.
Frequently, the feelings expressed at the soulical level are manifested
at the physical level which moves us further outward into the next of
Hawkins concentric circles, the body. Archibald Hart (1999) deals with the
somatic effects of anxiety, worry and stress on the human body. He explains
how hormones interact to cause physical changes in the body and about how
brain functions are affected. The physical aspect of this common mental
issue is the crux of Hart’s theory. Many of the interventions that Hart
recommends involve changes at the physical level. Rest, diet, exercise and
medication are all suggested in dealing with anxiety (1999).
All of the circles mentioned so far involve the self. However, people
were created for relationship. John 17:11 (King James Version) instructs us to
be “one” with others. Society, friends, family, and church are examples of
the temporal systems that must be dealt with when counseling people.
Learning who the client is responsible to and what he is responsible for is
essential to developing personal responsibility (Cloud & Townsend, 1992).
Without boundaries, systems can become enmeshed and values distorted.
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Counselors must work with clients help them understand where they end and
the temporal system components begin so that they function in healthy
ways.
The final circle of Hawkin’s model involves the supernatural systems
that people encounter. The affect of God and Satan on temperament is what
Neil Anderson (2000) discusses in his book, The Bondage Breaker. Spiritual
forces have a tremendous impact on personality development and cannot be
excluded from the growth process.
These circles represent tremendous forces that shape personality. All
of these processes must be examined through the process of counseling but
an appreciation of the whole person must be foremost. Crabb (1977) states,
“whenever we dissect an organism to examine its constituent parts, we are
in danger of losing sight of the whole functioning organism” (p. 87).
An Account of Lifespan Personality Development
In Christianity, learning how to depend on God rather than self takes
center stage as the transforming work of Christ is shown in believer’s lives.
Personality indeed changes as brokenness replaces self-sufficiency and leads
to healing relationships (McMinn, 1996). Growth in three areas can produce
personality transformation. McMinn (1996) says that human development,
spiritual growth and psychological change all contribute to development of
an accurate sense of self. Crabb (1977) describes personality transformation
in the following manner. At the core, the Holy Spirit reminds Christians of
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God’s Word as related to the specific problem. The problem is then viewed in
the light of Scripture therefore, other systems such as the soul or temporal
level will not influence the decisions of the Christian apart from what they
have learned to be Truth. Slowly, “his Christian beliefs seep down into his
basic assumption system, slowly replacing the wrong beliefs he has held
from childhood” (Crabb, p.108). The word that describes Christian
personality change is transformation and that is accomplished through the
renewing the mind (Crabb, 1977). A theory for change is presented in
equation form by Sandra Wilson (2001). It says, “new choices + consistent
practice = change” (Wilson, 2001, p.87).
Understanding Individuality
If the goal of Christian counseling is to promote maturity in Christ
(Crabb, 1977) then the level of maturity that each client has reached must
be assessed. Individuality exists in where each person is in Crabb’s (1977)
process of MOVING OVER and MOVING UP. Clients differ as to where they are
in the process of dealing with presenting problems in a manner consistent
with Scripture and developing a Christ like character (1977). Alteration of
procedures used in counseling is necessary when dealing with different types
of people. Some clients should be approached on a feeling level while others
should be led spiritually (Hawkins, 2006b). Cognitive based personalities are
best dealt with on the thinking level and those suffering from physical
disabilities are helped first with their tangible needs (2006b).
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Psychological and Spiritual Health
The three factors to determining health according to McMinn (1996)
are accurate awareness of self, accurate awareness of needs, and
involvement in healthy relationships. Basing self worth on the word of God is
the most useful tool in bringing clients to health. Sandra Wilson (2001)
directs hurt people to the Bible to find their source of certainty. Archibald
Hart (1999) says that it is helpful to practice self-talk based on truth.
Similarly, Wilson lists Biblical references in order to aid in development of a
healthy self image based on the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Her
theory is similar to Robert McGee’s (1992) instruction in Search for
Significance, which says that God’s truths are the foundation on which to
create a self-image that reflects the love of Christ. McGee states, “changing
our beliefs from false beliefs to the truths of God’s Word will assist us in
experiencing more appropriate emotions and thereby will change the way we
respond” (p.12). Helping clients to become more Christ-like is the goal of
Christian counseling. The overarching goal as listed by Hawkins (2006b) is
the imitation of Christ as stated in Ephesians 5:1.
Indications of Illness
Many factors contribute to the beginnings of psychosis. Many theorists
put faces on illnesses such as anxiety, sin, lust, neglect or depression. They
are endless in the forms they take.
Biological Causes
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The inability to react well to stress can be genetic (Hart, 1999). Hart
(1999) explains that, “Type-A people (those that are driven, ‘hot reactors,’
and always in a hurry) inherit a large part of this tendency rather than
develop it later in life” (p. 55).
Addiction can be primarily biochemical in nature (Wilson, 2001).
Cognitive Factors
Interpretation of events rather than the events themselves is what
causes us to feel (Backus & Chapian M, 2000). This focus on the way people
think says that thoughts should be analyzed and irrational ones should be
disputed. Backus and Chapian (2000) say that misbeliefs are the cause of
most mental illness. In Wilson’s (2001) Healing Overview and Progress
Evaluation (HOPE) chart, hurting people are led through a process that
identifies the key issue, applies truth to it, makes new choices and them puts
them into practice. Becoming aware of thought processes makes change
easier. This battle does not seem easy, especially when you read Anderson’s
view of thought life. Anderson (2000) warns,
Don’t think Satan is no longer interested in manipulating your mind in
order to accomplish his purposes. Satan’s perpetual aim is to infiltrate
your thoughts with his thoughts and to promote his lie in the face of
God’s truth. He knows that if he can control you thoughts, he can
control your life (p. 61).
Emotional Causes
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Sandra Wilson’s (2001) mantra of Hurt People Hurt People explains
how emotional damage begets more emotional damage. Out of wounded
emotions, people repeat the same torture to those they are closest to. It is
reported that there is “a strong and direct relationship between chronicity of
abuse experienced in childhood and adult abuse potential” (as cited in
Wilson, 2001, p.32). Many parents are so busy dealing with their unhealed
wounds that children’s emotional needs are neglected as a result. This cycle
continues unless interventions are made. Defense mechanisms are
unhealthy emotional patterns that people use to protect themselves. Some
common ones include: denial, fantasy, emotional insulation, regression,
displacement, projection, and rationalization (Anderson, 2000). All of these
mechanisms cause dysfunctional behavior.
Sin & Choice Factors
Any Christian counselor that minimizes sin being at the root of all
human problems is doing a disservice to his client (Adams, 1986). According
to Adams there are no Biblical categories for rejection, shame or bad self-
image, so the sin underneath must be uncovered and owned by the client.
When Adam and Eve chose to disobey God in the Garden of Eden, the entire
human race became subject to sin (Wilson, 2001). Sin affects every area of
human life including thoughts, actions and relations. Satan is on constant
watch, waiting for Christians to slip up in areas of vulnerability. The lusts of
the flesh are areas where we are extremely susceptible to Satan’s schemes.
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Some common traps are our appetites for food, comfort, sex and rest (2001).
Our choice to yield to these temptations leads us down a path of destruction.
Attributes of a Complete Theory
Acceptance, empathy and genuineness are all qualities that a
counselor must use to put the client at ease in order for them to tell their
story. Identification of problem feelings can only happen when the client
feels accepted by the counselor (Crabb, 1977). Once trust is established and
the client feels comfortable with the therapist, irrational feelings can be
disputed. This step in the process is most effective in changing behavior.
Once clients begin to see that their cognitions are distorted and are pointed
to the Word of God to find Truth, most of the gray areas seem to fade.
Backus and Chapian (2000) say that what a person believes affects how they
behave. Depending on the level that each client allows distorted cognitions
to guide their behavior, interventions are geared to each client’s need. The
process then moves to the area of change. The most important part of
change is the understanding of eternal life which completely changes
reasons for existing. Shame, guilt and blame were washed away by the
sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. When this fact is ignored, much
healing is denied. The whole idea of healing originates in Biblical history.
Moses writes, “…for I am the Lord that healeth thee.” (Exodus 15:26 King
James Version) If one is called to be a people helper and knows the power
that can be accessed through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, that aspect
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cannot be ignored (Revelation 12:11 New American Standard). Helping
clients become aware of the power of the Holy Spirit that resides in their
core, teaches them the source of the power to change.
Techniques in the Counseling Process
In the helping relationship, techniques are used to help the client reach
the point of change. One approach that Christian counselors should not be
without is prayer. Craigie and Tan (as cited in McMinn, 1996) write, “Indeed,
praying with clients that they may be liberated from resistant misbeliefs, that
they may be empowered to do the truth, and that they may come into a
deeper relationship with the truth can sometimes be a most powerful
experience”(p. 68). The use of scripture in therapy sessions is useful to
cementing God’s Truths in the clients mind. Sometimes, use of the miracle
question can help a counselee foresee a future with hope (Hinkley, 2006).
This question consists of asking the client, “Describe what your life would be
like if you had a magic wand and could change anything.” By doing this, a
counselor can get to the heart of what the clients hopes and dreams are.
Then, a difference question can be asked of the client to determine how his
life is different from the dream. Searching for exceptions includes asking the
client if there was a time that he was closer to the dream then now. Then the
agenda can be set for change. Role playing is another approach that proves
useful in allowing clients to experience a situation in the safety of the
counseling room before it actually occurs (Gladding, 2003).
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Indications of Success
Counselors can gauge effectiveness of counseling by assessing the
client’s progress in the accurate awareness of self and needs and by
determining if they are participating in healing relationships (McMinn, 1996).
McMinn’s theory states, “A more careful look suggests that spiritual and
psychological health require a confident (but not inflated) sense of self, an
awareness of human need, and limitations, and confiding interpersonal
relationships with God and others” (p. 59). Being Christ like cannot be
attained in this lifetime; therefore true success in counseling is defined by
progress not perfection. I Peter 4:13 (The Message) says, “Instead, be glad
that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual
refining process, with glory just around the corner”. The overarching goal
should be the imitation of Christ (Hawkins, 2006a).
Theory Relationship to a Comprehensive Worldview
Each participant in the counseling process possesses a worldview
whether they realize it or not. These worldviews affect the way therapy
progresses (Collins, 2001). Basis for worldviews differ from person to person
but can include, science, intuition or the Bible (2001). It is important for the
Christian counselor to have a comprehensive understanding of what his
worldview consists of. The Biblical worldview sifts all information through the
sieve of God’s Word. Since all issues are not addressed in Scripture, to sift
means to see if the issue lines up with God’s Word (2001). This
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comprehensive theory covers all important aspects of a Biblical worldview.
Possessing the ability to multitask ensures that all important aspects of
worldview are included. Uniting psychology, spirituality, and theology
encompasses all the components of human behavior necessary to assess
functioning (McMinn, 1996). An example of one current popular worldview
that the Christian counselor must be aware of is the belief that one must feel
good about oneself (1996). While this view is not necessarily all bad, if not
held to the light of Scripture, it could very well leave God out of the process.
Humanism that calls for uplifting self to the exclusion of God and others is
contrary to what the Bible teaches (1996). The theory presented here allows
the Biblical worldview to emerge as dominant in order to resolve any
conflicts between Scripture and psychology (Rice, 2006).
Conclusion
Integration of the three areas of human behavior, psychology, theology
and spirituality provide a comprehensive understanding of what makes an
individual function. The discipline of theology must be the basis from which
Christian counselors choose which theories, techniques and processes to
use. The desire to integrate begins in the heart of an evangelical Christian
who decides to combine faith with the idea of helping people. Believing that
the Word of God is the instruction book for life pours a foundation for
integration to be built on. 1 Corinthians 3:11 (New International Version)
states, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid,
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which is Jesus Christ.” The solid base of belief in Christ and His Word as
guidance is worthy but also must be acceptable to the psychological
community. Since the hallmark of psychology is science, epistemic
justification must be part of the process.
Understanding all components of human personality involves the union
of the three disciplines. Through multitasking Christian counselors can
develop a comprehensive strategy for helping others change. Acceptance of
this integrated model that is firmly rooted in the Word of God, will serve as a
powerful tool in the battle against dysfunction in people’s lives.
ReferencesAdams, J. (1986). How to help people change. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Anderson, N. (2000). The bondage breaker. Eugene, OR: Harvest House
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Backus, W., & Chapian M. (2000). Telling yourself the truth. Bloomington,
MN: Bethany House Publishers.
Beck, J. (2001). Introducing Christian doctrine (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Academic.
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Cloud, H. & Townsend, J. (1992). Boundaries: When to say yes when to say
no to take control of your life. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Collins, G. (2001). The Biblical basis of Christian counseling for people
helpers. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress Publishing Group.
Crabb, L. (1977). Effective Biblical Counseling. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Gladding, S. (2003). Group work: A counseling specialty (4th ed.). Upper
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Hart, A. (1999). The anxiety cure. Nashville, TN: Word Publishing.
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Hinkley, P. (2006). Egan Model Lecture. In , Counseling Techniques.
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McGee, R. (1992). Search for significance: Build your self worth on the
forgiveness and unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Nashville, TN:
LifeWay Press.
McMinn, M. (1996). Psychology, theology and spirituality in Christian
counseling. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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Rice, D. (Producer). (2006). Constructing a comprehensive theory of
counseling [Motion picture]. (Available from Liberty University, 1971
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your relationships. Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House Publishers.
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