Respond to discussion

As I contemplated the prompt for this discussion, I came upon a quote from psychologist Abraham Maslow that provided me with a starting point for my thoughts on the issue of integration in counseling: “In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth, or to step back into safety. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again” (Merlini, 2016). So much of this quote goes to not only the problem addressed in the prompt but the solution as well. When the secular and Christian counseling perspectives isolate themselves in thought and in practice, truth, and the growth spurred by truth is not complete. For example, let's look at the concept of sin, and how its effects can cause disruptions in the lives of clients. As stated by Hawkins & Clinton (2015) in order for Christian counselors to be effective in their work, they must have a thorough understanding of the nature of sin, more specifically, they must comprehend how evil can prevent growth in the human heart. On the other hand, the secular perspective generally stands on the belief that the ills that clients experience reside in a psychological pathology, not sin, but maybe a cognitive-behavioral reason. Now, in possessing a perspective that does not allow for other ideas or theories, the counseling experience is limited in not only its understanding of the client but the fact that the client can benefit from a culmination of perspectives. Human service professionals serve clients that possess various features that climax into the area of diversity. It is an unhealthy practice for anyone to limit their ability to acknowledge the characteristics of others in their relationships. This is vital within the counseling relationship.

            In appreciating the benefits of an integrated approach in counseling, it is important for the counselor, particularly Christian counselors to answer vital questions of themselves, and within the clients presences: “Who Am I”, “Where Am I”, “What’s Wrong with the World” and “What are the solutions to our problem” (COUN 506: Week Two, Lecture One, 2019). In answering these questions, the Christian counselor can be resolved in their connection with the truth of God and this is not endangered by applying evidence-based psychological techniques to their counseling environment. A holistic approach within the counseling environment presents: “Genuine integration which equals, open, respectful, substantive interaction between different perspectives” (COUN 506: Week Two, Lecture Three, 2019, Slide 6). Under different perspectives, the Christian counselor applies what can be considered the “Allies Paradigm” in helping clients acknowledge the source of their brokenness, which is the nature of sin, and apply appropriate psychological techniques to those problems such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse, in turns, addresses the whole person, rather than utilizing one perspective, or aspect of the client. As Abraham Maslow’s quote reaches the fundamentals of change, it returns to the choice that counselors must acknowledge in their work; two options, to approach their work with a holistic approach that views the entire person or stay in their comfort zone that does not allow for expansion of ideas. In the end, the counselor must make a choice that is best for the clients they serve, and themselves.

Reference

COUN 506: Week Two, Lecture One. (2019). Worldview Questions and Answers. Presentation, Liberty University.

COUN 506: Week Two, Lecture Three. (2019). Models for Interdisciplinary Integration. Presentation, Liberty University.

Hawkins, R., & Clinton, T. (2015). The new Christian counselor. Eugene: Harvest House Publishers.

Merlini, L. (2016). Abraham Maslow Quote [Blog]. Retrieved from https://blog.explo.org/abraham-maslow-quote.