Personal Theory Paper Outline

PERSONAL THEORY PAPER:

OUTLINE

Student: Ryan Mulkowsky

PACO 507: Theology and Spirituality in Counseling

Instructor: Dr. Johnny Baker

Date: August 4, 2013

I. Summary

a. Primary Goal

· The desired outcome for counseling a person in need is to bring him/her from a place of despair to a place of hope by focusing on his/her relationship with self, relationships with others, and relationship with God (Nouwen 1975, Wilson 2001).

b. Development of Problems and Personal Need

· The issues come about from a place of sin and selfishness and from childhood and adulthood hurts, crises, and traumatic events (Crabb 1977, Wilson 2001).

c. Biblical Integration

· The Bible takes an important role in providing the framework for the counseling session. Specifically, the Bible is integrated with sound psychological models and is not used exclusively in and of itself (Benner 2003, Nouwen 1975, Wilson 2001).

d. Formula for Change

· The desired steps to optimal outcome for the person in need comes by recognizing who he/she is as a creation of God, understanding the origins of where exhibited behaviors and beliefs come from, and learning how to develop new behaviors and beliefs that are rooted in relationship with God (Crabb 1977, McMinn 2011, Nouwen 1975).

e. Balance of Theology and Spirituality

· My proposed model for counseling leans more toward spirituality then theology due to the eclectic nature of Christianity and the desire to help those outside of the Christian faith with their needs (Benner 2003, Nouwen 1975).

f. Human Personality

· Humans are by nature flawed, imperfect, and sinful creatures who are in need of redemption and transformation which comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Crabb 1977, Nowuen 1975, Wilson 2001).

g. Counselor’s Function and Role

· The counselor/counselee relationship is one of invitation, acceptance, and openness. The counselor is a companion on the journey with the counselee in order to discover meaning, purpose, and wholeness (Benner 2003, Nouwen 1975).

h. Major Contribution to Counseling

· This theory could potentially impact counseling by establishing a strong foundation in orthodox tenets of the Christian faith with mutual respect for the models of psychology that are in congruency with Christian faith and practice. In turn, this theory will create an openness of helping individuals inside and outside of the Christian faith by exhibiting compassion, love, and understanding (Benner 2003, McMinn 2011, Nouwen 1975, Wilson 2001).

i. Limitations of this Counseling Theory

· The practical boundaries of this counseling theory will be maintaining an uncompromising view of the orthodox beliefs of the Christian faith (i.e. – the importance of Scripture, prayer, salvation through Jesus Christ, etc.) while maintaining openness to the models of psychology, which have been widely established and accepted throughout the past century and longer (Crabb 1977, Nouwen 1975).

j. Classification

· My proposed model/theory for counseling is primarily a mix of Christian Spirituality and integrational methods of counseling with respect for the biblical counseling movement (Benner 2003, McMinn 2011, Nouwen 1975, Wilson 2001).

II. Practical Application

a. Give practical application to each author’s material as relates to the utility for the overall discipline of counseling and the specific potential influence upon your life and ministry.

· The texts of Benner (2003), McMinn (2011), Nouwen (1975) and Wilson (2001) will provide the framework to be able to apply their wisdom in integrating their beliefs into a cohesive model for counseling teenagers.

b. Give a brief example of how this author’s book might impact a counseling moment.

· My model for counseling will focus on my work as a youth pastor in a local church. This model will deal with a major issue teenagers are dealing with today: self-esteem and self-image.

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