Book Review: Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling

Summary of McMinn's Core Framework

Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling (2011), written by Mark R. McMinn, emphasizes the importance of theology and spirituality in the counseling profession and provides multiple examples of integration and potential outcomes. Specifically, McMinn appears to approach the subject through the lens of cognitive therapy from a Christian perspective as the basis for his model.

Chapter one, written with the assistance of James C. Wilhoit, lays the foundation for the use of Christianity within the counseling office. The issue, Wilhoit and McMinn propose, is not necessarily how we understand the relationship between psychology and theology, but how faith is actually used in counseling (2011, p. 26). They write:

"When psychologists without theological training attempt to do integration, they often minimize the importance of doctrine, psychologize Christian beliefs, and overlook the historical and sociological context of today's psychology... When theologians without psychological training attempt to do integration, they often misrepresent the nuances of psychological science and misunderstand the complexities of clinical applications." (2011, p. 9)

Out of this tension arises a need for counselors to be competent not just in theology and psychology, but also in spirituality and the process of spiritual formation (2011, p. 9).

Integration of Prayer, Scripture, and Confession

McMinn then articulates the human need for God and the importance of recognizing the limits of our own self-sufficiency. Neediness, he contends, is what draws us closer to God. Our brokenness — the limitations of self-sufficiency — moves us from self-reliance to God-reliance. Having an accurate awareness of self is part of the psychological perspective; having an accurate awareness of need is part of the theological perspective; and the healing relationship emerges from spiritual-mindedness (2011, p. 65). This again points toward the need for competency in all three areas in order to be an effective Christian counselor.

McMinn goes on to discuss the practices of prayer, the use of scripture, and the nature of sin and confession within the therapeutic relationship. Prayer, he contends, is the "primary vehicle of growth in the spiritual life," and its presence in the therapeutic relationship should not be taken lightly. Careful consideration should always be given to the effects of the various forms of prayer in the counseling relationship (2011, p. 105).

Scripture, on the other hand, is rarely used explicitly in counseling even among Christian counselors (2011, p. 146). The effects of its usage must be considered, along with a "careful assessment of the client's needs, the therapeutic relationship, and ethical standards" (2011, p. 146). McMinn (2011) also contends that integrating the concept of sin and the practice of confession into the therapeutic relationship can enable clients to experience meaningful spiritual growth.

Forgiveness and Redemption in Christian Counseling

Forgiveness and redemption, in McMinn's framework, naturally belong together. Forgiveness is presented as a process that may bring about "spiritual relief," with the intent of restoring healthy relationships with self, God, and others (McMinn, 2011). Redemption comes last — after one has developed a thorough understanding of all the other topics discussed in the book and puts them into practice. In essence, redemption is recovery: the restoration of an individual to health across all three domains.

McMinn finds it imperative that the process of Christian counseling is not simply about fixing the psyche or presenting orthodox doctrine within the therapeutic relationship, but about embarking on a true journey of spirituality with the ultimate goal of spiritual health.