Psychology, Theology & Spirituality in Christian Counseling Review

Introduction and Overview of McMinn's Framework

In chapters 1 and 2 of Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling, McMinn explains how one integrates psychology, theology, and spirituality into counseling. The key is to cultivate a spiritual character that reflects the values and principles of Christianity from the inside out. This is the bedrock for the integration of psychology and theology that follows. Psychology and theology can serve as the framework for the counselor, but the spirituality of the counselor must be the animating force that holds that framework together, keeps it relevant, and gives it purpose. Because spirituality is something one develops over time, it cannot be acquired through formal schooling — it is not the kind of thing for which one receives credentials, in the way one earns a degree in psychology or theology.

The next most important point McMinn raises is that the field of mental health counseling will not always embrace the Christian perspective — but the Christian counselor must stand firm in the faith and insist on the goals of Christian counseling, even in the face of atheistic psychology. For instance, the atheist psychologist Albert Ellis insisted for years that religion did more harm than good in psychology, and that it was, in fact, the root of all problems. Yet as Christian counselors held firm, research gradually began to support them, showing that religion actually benefits people. Even Ellis himself eventually had to concede that the Bible could serve as a useful self-help resource, as McMinn (2012) points out. What this demonstrates is that the Christian counselor should not abandon spirituality and theology simply because others in the field fail to see their value. The Christian counselor recognizes their value and knows their power — and that is precisely what he or she must bring to clients.

Integrating Spiritual Disciplines into Counseling Practice

Chapters 3 through 8 focus on prayer, Scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption — all elements of developing one's spirituality. McMinn's approach to each topic is rooted in common sense. With respect to prayer, for example, McMinn (2012) notes that prayer is a near-universal experience, with 90% of Americans reporting that they pray. If nine out of every ten people engage in prayer and regard it as important in their lives, there is little justification for excluding it from counseling out of a desire to be politically correct. The counselor's role is not to tiptoe around sensitive subjects but to integrate psychology, theology, and spirituality without apology. Prayer should enter into the counseling equation because it is a practical and meaningful part of life for most clients.

The same logic applies to applying Scripture, discussing confession, addressing sin and forgiveness, and acknowledging the universal need for redemption. These are fundamental dimensions of human experience that often get swept aside in a materialistic, secular society. McMinn (2012) argues, however, that counselors must neither shy away from these topics nor rush to assert them; everything should emerge as organically as possible, since the client's mind, body, and soul are the focus of the work. Sometimes clients need education, sometimes support, and sometimes direction — the counselor must evaluate each situation individually. Ultimately, the goal is to align the client's will and the counselor's will with God's will. That is where lasting healing and happiness are found. Whether the counselor employs silent prayer or brings scriptural understanding into sessions, it will only matter if the will of God remains the ultimate aim.

References

McMinn, M. R. (2012). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Tyndale House Publishers.