Counseling Theory S. Stephenson

7/29/2019 Counseling Theory S. Stephenson

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Running head: CHRISTIAN COUNSELING

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A Theory to Call My Own: Christian Counseling

Surprize Stephenson

Liberty University


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CHRISTIAN COUNSELING

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Introduction

God created all things true, and so all things belong to Him. The integration of

psychology, theology and spirituality involves recognizing what belongs to God and what

doesnt; if it is true then it is His. According to Entwistle (2004) all truth is Gods truth either

of His word or His works (p. 16). This is why a wise Christian counselor utilizes many

techniques as well as practices of psychology, theology and spirituality in their approach to

counseling. McMinn (1996) suggests that

Personality

For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord

looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

This scripture is one that a multitasking Christian counselor should focus on when

approaching the structure of personality; people are so much more than what can be seen. In

order to be a help to any client one must be aware of and have a clear understanding of the

structure of personality. The personality of a person is very complex and changes many times as

internal and external things come and go (Hawkins, n.d.). Crabb (1977) believes that the

personality has two parts, the physical and the mental and the personal and the non-material.

Crabb (1977) said that what is visible (the body) belongs to the physical side and what is not

seen (the soul and spirit), which is so important, belongs to the personal. Hawkins (n.d.) presents

a more detailed explanation of the whole self and uses five circles to separate the forces that

shape it.

Hawkins (n.d.) presents five concentric circles that represent the make-up of personality

along side their internal and external influences as well. These five circles are the core self, the

mental and emotional self (soul), the physical self (body), the external self (temporal systems),


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and the supernatural. According to Hawkins (n.d.) the birthing of personality begins at the core

which includes the image of God, the nature of sin and the Holy Spirit. The soul circle

encompasses a persons feelings and emotions as well as their thought processes. The body circle

is the physical make-up of man. The temporal systems is affected by all outward factors to

include family, the Church, the government, etc and lastly the supernatural includes God, Satan,

angels and demons. These influences affect the make-up of personality and give insight to the

sources of problems.

Motivation

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. for the

one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the

Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life (Gallations 6: 7-8)

Motivation is a subject that has been heavily consider by many theorist and implemented

into many theories; the most effective Christian counselor will wisely use the most beneficial

approaches within their own counseling approach. People are motivated or in other terms

provoked by many factors to meet their needs. According to Crabb (1977) people need two

things significance and security to gain a confident sense of personal worth, he feels that any

problem a counselee present stems from one of these two. When one has the belief that they are

not worth value it will create a stimulus to attempt to fit in or be liked.

This model also considers what Sandra Wilson (2001) proposed which is that people are

motivated by past and present external issues that create what she calls unseen wounds (p. 48).

Wilson (2001) believes that these unseen wounds are the outcome of years and years of

mistreatment by family and that the belief that one should be able to take anything sent their


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way. When people view them selves as imperfect or different then a motivation to fit in or be the

same arises.

Lastly, Anderson (2000) states in his bookThe Bondage Breakerthat people feel they are

their own God and seek to define their own selfish purposes. He states that being separate from

God createscacreates a desire (motivation) in man to seek out significance and notoriety for a

self-serving purposenotariety.

Human Development

Personality develops in stages from childhood, youth, middle life and old age

(Goldenberg and Goldenberg, 2013). Just as the human body grows and changes as time

progresses, so does the internal workings of human beings change and reform with time. Many

theorists have taken to the matter of human development in order to gain a greater understanding.

The approaches considered for this model consider psychological development as well as

spiritual development and that they should be seen as two entities that work together. Eric

Erickson posed a model that suggests as a person grows each stage will guide into the next and it

is when one stage is not successfully mastered that developmental delays become evident

creating problems in the following stages (Goldenberg and Goldenberg, 2013).

Personality develops in stages from childhood, youth, middle life and old age (Goldenberg and

Goldenberg, 2013).

Individual Differences

It is important to understand the life experiences that people encounter; these things form

the ideas, perceptions, as well as the decisions the clients make (Hawkins).

Working Definition of Health


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Healthy individuals bear the image of God; man was made in His image. The goal of the

multitasking Christian counselor should be spiritual and psychological health. McMinn (1996)

presents three factors that determine health they are, accurate awareness of self, accurate

awareness of needs, and involvement in healthy relationships. Cloud and Townsend (1992)

suggest that when a person is healthy they exhibit particular characteristics.

Working Definition of Illness

Illness can take on many forms and may not be visible to the naked eye.

C. Psychological and Spiritual Illness

Satan inflicts faulty thoughts consuming the mind (Anderson).

Role of Integration and Multitasking

When developing a theory one must have the ability to set aside personal values and beliefs to

make beneficial choices for the client. For one to be able to do this it is imperative that the

counselor attempt to Spoil the Egyptians and interwork various theories, practices of varying

perspectives simultaneously.

IV. How to Source Problems and Structure Effective Intervention

Key Elements of my Theory

The cure is helping to guide the counseling process through biblical foundations with

psychological practices to foster spiritual wholesomeness (Hawkins, n.d.). God is almighty and

he is the curer of all things.

McMinn (1966) offers a simple pattern for healing p. 40

Hawkins (n.d.) process for intervention is specific and will set one totally free.


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Process and Techniques

Client trust is very important; Crabb (1977) suggests that when a positive relationship is

forged early on it makes for a greater outcome. Relationships can take on many different forms

depending on the personality, and issues of those involved. The counselor should ensure the

clients best interest is always considered as well as to ensure they feel at ease with the process.

Accepting and understanding truth is vital to helping a client realize where lies and maladaptive

behaviors have developed (Wilson, Backus & Chapian, and Anderson).

Hawkins (n. D) offers a four step process that involves attentively listening to the clients story,

assisting the client in setting ideal goals, create the plan of action to execute, and last to help the

client enter into supportive community relationships to promote continued growth. Step one of

Hawkins (n.d.) process requires that the counselor get an understanding of what is happening.

The counselor should work diligently to define the meaning to the issues that the client presents

is a great beginning to establishing attainable goals.

Expectations of Effectiveness

Evidence that this model can be effective would be a sign of spiritual maturity (Hawkins) as

well as change in life (Wilson). Following Gods word will never lead one wrong, He is honest

and His answers are meek.

Theoretical Considerations and Worldview Dimensions

God is the all in all; He is everywhere, all the time. Therefore, this model encompasses

His teachings and the way He would have His people to live. This model is not ignorant of the

non-Christian; it is however, hopeful of sharing the goodness of Christ with them. Jesus Christ

B. Approach to Integration


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Spoiling the Egyptians is the approach to effective integration within this

model.

C. Conclusion

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Counseling Theory S. Stephenson