NEFF AND MCMINN REVIEW PART:B 2
Abstract
This assignment will cover chapters 4-6 of Embodying Integration; we will discuss the
atonement models that influence today's Christians and explain how our experiences throughout
life can affect our relationship with the Lord. The authors provide a detailed reflection on the
integration process in the therapy room and some challenges that may be faced as they explore
religious perspectives. Chapter four of this reading focuses on atonement, which helps us
understand and build a suitable environment for our client; chapter five identifies the different
perspectives of God’s mission. Lastly, chapter six covers the process of allowing God in the
counseling. This review helps you, as the reader, understand the perspective of a counselor
through a more theological lens and develop and understand counselors' values, culture, and
beliefs.
Keywords: Atonement, integration,
NEFF AND MCMINN REVIEW PART:B 3
Neff and McMinn Review: Part B
The counselors of the future will face many challenges in their practice of serving clients
due to different beliefs and values; many of those counselors will choose to learn from their
clients and adapt to the situation. Others may pass on the client to a more receptive counselor.
Neff and McMinn (2020) cover models that focus on different counseling perspectives to help
gather a solution as we understand how to help the client’s emotional suffering. Throughout this
assignment, the authors will discuss different topics from chapters four through six, allowing
them to identify and understand atonement, God’s mission, and the uncertainty that comes
during the counseling process.
Summary
Chapter four starts by defining the term atonement by sharing the story of Maria, who is
in an abusive relationship; the authors will explain atonement in six different ways a counselor
could integrate Christianity into his/her work. First is how the client views, then how the
counselor sees themselves, followed by how the counselor views the client. Then, the fourth is
understanding the meaning of suffering, the fifth is how we view and find hope, and the last is
how to be comfortable with biased opinions. Chapter four ends with the authors discussing how
counselors must understand the importance of atonement theory because it plays a factor in
understanding both themselves and the client, ultimately creating a two-way and direct
relationship with the client in the counseling process.
Chapter five discusses how the authors define “God’s purpose,” which explains that one
understands God’s intent through his son and the Holy Spirit. As we build our relationship with
our clients, we will better understand their faith, their religious foundation, and who God means
to them. According to Neff and McMinn (2020), the benefits of integration allow one to find
NEFF AND MCMINN REVIEW PART:B 4
self-acceptance and build their identity in God (pg.211). When you find Christ within yourself,
they can spread and fortify your therapeutic relationship with your counselor/client and others.
Through Christ, anything is possible; you will find peace and hope through the love of God and
have mercy to deter shame and guilt from your life.
Reflection
Boundaries and Theology/Psychology and Implications
These three chapters have shown me that I must face my fears and understand different
cultural views and beliefs, which can be difficult when taking in clients' issues and needs through
a more religious lens. One taking into consideration a client who has experienced domestic
violence can be a significant challenge by having the client confront their issue or find the root of
the issue by uncovering certain behaviors and emotions or reliving certain moments due to
shame and trauma that are linked to the situation. As a future counselor, I would recommend an
integration approach to give the client a more comfortable and understanding environment. You
can use the scientific and religious aspects to reference the situation and provide certain
scriptures to help serve the client. This process can help you better understand the client’s belief
system and relationship with God. Entwistle et al. (2015) use the allies model to help the client
understand that God stays true to his children and words.
I will also implement cognitive behavioral therapy, which can be used if the client is not
being honest or expressing their beliefs. This is vital in incorporating biblical perspectives in the
counseling process to help better reconstruct the foundation of their values and beliefs of God.
We must consider that putting boundaries on theology can be difficult, and you do not want to
NEFF AND MCMINN REVIEW PART:B 5
push your values and beliefs onto your client, which fall into the ethical guidelines of counselors
according to the (American Counseling Association, 2014, Section A.4.b.p.5).\
Spiritual Formation
This reading has provided many unique perspectives that allowed me to view my future
career as a counselor and also my life. Throughout this course, I have learned more about God’s
mission and intent on humanity and what is asked for the duties of a counselor. Going through
each chapter of the readings allows me to gain more knowledge and wisdom to think differently
and appreciate that we must consider the client's needs and view of their spirituality.
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