lOMoARcPSD|21919833
Aritcle review 1
Integration of Spiritualty and Counseling (Liberty
University)
lOMoARcPSD|21919833
1
U
s
e
o
f
P
r
a
y
e
r
a
nd
S
c
r
i
p
t
u
r
e
i
n
C
o
g
n
i
t
i
v
e
-
B
e
h
a
v
i
o
r
a
l
T
h
e
r
a
p
y
S
h
a
un
e
l
W
a
t
k
i
n
s
L
i
b
e
r
t
y
U
n
i
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
lOMoARcPSD|21919833
2
Summary
The Article, The Use of Prayer and Scripture in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy by Tan
begins with an introduction that gives a better understanding of cognitive behavioral therapy
methods. The methods include dialectical therapy, mindfulness therapy, and acceptance-
based therapy.
Within the article, Tan uses his real-life counseling session as an example of integration.
Early in Tan’s article, he states cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as antidepressant
medication and is more that cognitive therapy alone is effective according to a recent study (Tan,
2007).
Tan states that mindfulness and acceptance-based CBT has some spiritual roots in
Zen Buddhism and is a spiritual based practice (Tan, 2007). Over the years Christian and
Muslim traditions use CBT as a spiritual therapy (Tan, 2007). Tan also explains that there are
now ten studies (six Christian and four Muslim, that provides some empirical support for the
implementation and practice religiously or spiritually CBT with clients (Tan, 2007).
Tan defines the ethical approach to Christian CBT. Tan makes a point in his article to
force a belief on your client. He discusses the reason behind an interview and intake procedure
for new clients so you can have a clear understanding of the client and their religious beliefs
(Tan, 2007). Prayer and Scripture can be used as an effective therapy in Christian CBT (Tan,
2007). Tan explained the use of prayer and scripture in CBT with also pointing out eight biblical
Christian approaches to cognitive behavioral therapy.
lOMoARcPSD|21919833
3
Tan states there are two ways integration can happen. The two models of professional
integration are implicit and explicit (Tan, 2007). Tan discusses explicit integration by telling his
experiences with many clients have shown a high connection to Christian CBT.
Tan gives examples of case studies with another client to display how cognitive
restructuring rebuilds the client's point of view by using scriptures.
Interact
I found the article very helpful and clear. The article provides a great example of the
integration of theology with Christianity. Tan's wisdom and efforts are pointed out in the article.
The article can be used for further study and applying your understanding of the article to a
Christianity point of view.
Tan establishes a foundation for the integration of theology with Christianity builds on
CBT. However, when Tan discusses the healing of prayer, he seems to take a different route.
At the very beginning of the article, Tan states, “Mindfulness and acceptance-based
CBT has some spiritual roots in Zen Buddhism and similar meditative and contemplative
religious or spiritual traditions” (Tan, 2007). I had no idea that the importance of inner healing
prayer also is a blend of scriptures and mysticism.
Furthermore, I don’t think Tan clearly explains the difference between contemplative
and inner healing prayer. I believe here Tan could have done more complex research of inner
healing of prayer and this would’ve been an easy transition into contemporary prayer.
Tan leaves some issues unfinished which makes room for further studying. Within the
article, he touched a little on rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) which I believe can be
studied further. REBT is also one of the best approaches alongside CBT. REBT and Christianity
approaches are cemented by the use of the Bible (Tan, 2007).
lOMoARcPSD|21919833
4
Tan uses his case studies as an example that provides significant evidence for his article.
This is why I believe this article is reliable.
Application
I believe Tan’s approach can be used for clients with addiction problems and sexual
addiction clients. For example, a client may have an addiction to watching pornography, that
client can request for a Christian based CBT. The client-therapist can ask the client to rejuvenate
the images of pornographic to their mind. The therapist will then need to perform an inner prayer
and this will allow the client to see how the images dissatisfy God. This will help the client free
their thoughts and have a clear understanding of how Christ played a role in that. Those images
that once appeared in the client’s head would now be replaced with Christ and now have a
relationship with our Savior.
Additionally, scriptures would be used to attack those awful images in the client’s head.
Romans 12: 1-2 would be appropriate to free the mind of those thoughts. “Therefore, I urge
you, brothers and sisters, given God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and
pleasing to God this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
The client will have a clear understanding of how Christ can free them from what they
are dealing with. So, joining prayer and scripture is a great approach to help free the mind of
sexual addiction. The client can now use the imagery of Christian techniques to form a
relationship with Christ. The client can now reflect on scriptures to keep improving themselves.
Prayer and scripture would now use to control their thinking patterns.
lOMoARcPSD|21919833
5
Reference
Tan, S. (2007). Use of Prayer and Scripture in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Retrieved
from https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-40769676-dt-content-rid-
485705255_1/courses/COUC506_D10_202030/Tan.Prayer.Scripture.Cog.Beh.therapy.pdf
