A 4 MAT review of McMinn's Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling

Synthetic Knowledge: A 4 MAT Review of McMinn's). Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling.

In Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling, McMinn provides a thorough and effective plan by which counselors can integrate evidence-based practice with a Christian worldview. Published in conjunction with the American Association of Christian Counselors, the book is written for the professional Christian counselor and similar audiences interested in learning how to integrate multiple modalities in their counseling practices. The book addresses gaps in the literature, focusing primarily on real-world case studies and counseling scenarios that may arise. The author underscores the importance of applying psychological theories and evidence to counseling, without sacrificing core Christian values and dedication to scripture.

Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality is divided into topical chapters addressing some of the most challenging matters that may arise during a counseling session or series of sessions with a client or group. Issues like confession, which would be absent from an atheistic counseling point-of-view, find their way into McMinn's spiritual model. Similarly, McMinn discuses the role of prayer in counseling, something that may "blur the distinction between professional and personal life," (p. 15). Counseling issues that are addressed in great depth include forgiveness, confession, sin, scripture, prayer, redemption, and spiritual health. Each of these topics is illuminated well with real life examples, pointing out the various methods Christian counselors can work with a diverse set of clients.

The author remains careful and cognizant about diversity, as well as the unique situations that may arise and trouble some individuals. For example, the victims of child abuse and sexual trauma are treated compassionately but with concern for overall spiritual growth and development. Chapter Seven on the topic of forgiveness, written in conjunction with Katheryn Rhoads Meek, addresses some of the ways Christian counselors can help their clients combat dominant culture thought related to anger, resentment, and the channeling of difficult emotions. Mental health is not about "feeling good about who we are," but being close to God and one with he principles of Christ (McMinn, 1996, p. 18). This means that McMinn remains unafraid to challenge authorities in psychiatry and psychology, by boldly offering a framework grounded in scripture.

One of the focal points of Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality is the means by which counselors can construct or reconstruct their character in conjunction with Christian principles. According to he author, counseling requires strength of character and counselors dedicated to the teachings of Christ must remain humble and vigilant of their own sins, something that the author mentions throughout the text and particularly in the introduction and Chapter One. Scripture has "therapeutic utility," according to McMinn, which is why it can and should be integrated with scientific thought (p. 16). The author infrequently mentions studies to support the material, but does mention the ways scripture can be used to bolster principles like character training, insight, and self-awareness on the part of counselors.

The author remains optimistic that the study of Christian counseling will evolve further, providing the means for professionals to more effectively integrate psychological studies with Christianity. The Christian counselor serves in multiple roles simultaneously: often as pastor and spiritual guide, and often as psychologist. The competing roles should provide strength and sustenance to clients, many of whom will find that they can trust and rely upon their Christian counselors far more than they could counselors who are atheistic or simply tolerant, but not supportive of, religiosity (McMinn, 1996). The author concludes the book by discussing the counseling relationship in depth, emphasizing the importance of ongoing communication skills building and the means by which to systematically weave in Biblical teachings into the client's spiritual life for greater mental health.

Concrete Responses

This is a powerful and illuminating book for any counselor, and especially for counselors hoping to help those in search of transcendent healing. Traditional psychological counseling methods fall short of being holistic and lack the spiritual supports necessary for full healing and lifelong change. Christian counseling is becoming more popular and common, offered in conjunction with spiritual services at community religious organizations.

As a reader, I was reminded of a story of my first time offering informal counseling. I had volunteered at a homeless shelter, in which we helped many people in the community find food shelter, and clothing. As an evangelical Christian, I also took the opportunity to introduce some of the men and women at the shelter to the glory of God. It was then I realized that too often, people who are at their lowest points in life are left spiritually stranded by system that denies their essential spirituality. Faith can heal, and faith does heal. By praying with people, we empower them to create new life opportunities. The people who I helped through prayer were those that went on to become active members of our church and improved themselves through participation in community outreach programs. Many eventually found viable work and long-term housing. Some of them stopped drinking and using drugs, which was a common issue.

As I read Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality, I realized that I had already been applying the main ideas of the book to my personal and professional life. For instance, the emphasis on prayer has been a cornerstone of my own practice. I have also incorporated the tenet of humility into the way I work with others, and in the values I seek to coax in my clients. Forgiveness and confession are two of the hallmarks of Christian counseling, and I sincerely appreciated the author's being willing to discus these issues.

Reflection

While Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality is an effective guide for counselors, it lacks a strong enough foundation in scientific studies and empirical research for it to be taken seriously by the academic community. In the future I would like to see Christian counselors and similar researchers integrate Christianity with counseling in more meaningful ways, such as through the use of empirical studies showing that these methods do work. Prayer and forgiveness work, and Christians know this because of faith. Yet if we want Christian counseling to become ready for the next phase of its evolution, we do need to reach a wider audience. This is where empirical research would come in handy. Likewise, I would prefer if the author had shown exactly which psychological theories can be applied in each situation. A book of case studies might be helpful in this regard.