A Holistic Psychology of Persons: Implications for Theory and Practice

Summary

David N. Entwistle's (2009) article, "A Holistic Psychology of Persons: Implications for Theory and Practice," explores the implications of holistic psychology in understanding people's psychological functioning and well-being from the standpoint of a Christian psychologist. Entwistles (2009) point is to identify and evaluate the legal and ethical concerns that a psychologist applying a Christian framework to a clients issues might face. Entwistle points out, for instance, that there is a great deal of difference between a secular intervention and a religious intervention. As Entwistle (2009) states, Christian theology affirms the existence of spiritual, psychological, physical, and social realities (p. 141). The Christian psychologist maintains a holistic view of personhood that sees integration between biopsychosocial realities and spiritual realities. One of Entwistles questions is how one can ethically address religious beliefs in therapy.

Entwistle (2009) notes that informed consent is of course necessary, and this process of obtaining informed consent should include explaining to the client that religious-based interventions are not standard for the practice of psychology. Associated risks should also be explained. But another issue may arise if the psychologist views the clients religious beliefs or non-beliefs as being in error (p. 145). The most important conclusion of Entwistle (2009) is that religious-based interventions serve the holistic treatment of a client when they permit the clinician to explore spirituality not simply as a utilitarian force for personal betterment, but as a legitimate encounter between persons, religious communities, and God, while simultaneously recognizing the biological, psychological, and sociological forces that are the bread and butter of psychology (p. 146). At the same time, the psychologist must be sure to practice verified psychological techniques that are founded on...…counseling setting by taking into account the whole person - including their physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being - when formulating treatment plans.

Additionally, Entwistle (2009) suggests that religious-based interventions should permit fuller discussion and examination of religious beliefs. This could be applied in a human services counseling setting by encouraging clients to explore their spirituality in a meaningful way and to recognize the importance of their spiritual beliefs in their overall well-being.

Finally, the author suggests that the psychologist must be sure to practice verified psychological techniques that are founded on sound theology, and that are applied ethically and with care for their potential for misuse and for consideration of their potential harmful consequences. This could be applied in a human services counseling setting by encouraging mental health practitioners to engage in ongoing self-reflection, to evaluate their practice and to take steps to improve…