CHAPTER 15 REVIEW 1
Chapter 15 Review
Victoria Duncan
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
Summary
Chapter 15, Christian Integration in Marriage and Family Counseling Programs, written
by Vasti P. Holstun & Lynn R. Bohecker provides us with Christian views on marriage and family
dynamics from the Old and New Testaments. Within the chapter, Holstun & Bohecker, (2024)
give many different family system approaches and case reflections that are beneficial for
individuals studying to become a licensed marriage and family therapist. Houlston and Bohecker
(2024) explain how God affirmed the value of marriage in the Old Testament. God created
mankind as male and female to join the two together and allow for man to not be alone. The
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equality of a husband and wife being submissive to each other is talked about by Holston and
Bohecker (2024) in the discussion of Marriage in the New Testament. Paul’s context in Ephesians
5:21-33 gives the perspective of today’s scripture that is interpreted as only wives are to submit
to their husbands. The bible tells us that submission should be reciprocal, and the use of
authority shall not be misused or abused by a husband. Marriage is a building block built on
equality that guards against conflict or divorce (Houlston & Bohecker, 2024, p.222)
When it came to the topic of family dynamics, Houlston & Bohecker (2024) talked about
generational patterns, the support of a church when it comes to family issues, and different
family theories. Family patterns across generations go all the way back to Jacob’s family in the
book of Genesis. As Holstun & Bohecker, (2024, p.224) explained, generational patterns that
existed within Jacob’s family can be deceiving. Jacob himself deceived his father, and later on
was deceived by his own children. A family’s future relationship can be significantly impacted by
the roles and actions that take place within the family. (Holstun & Bohecker, 2024).
For many years, churches have supported struggling families and marriages in times of
struggle, while also offering pastoral care to church members who are in need. Holstun &
Bohecker, (2024) share that, according to research they have read, in some cultures, the church
is the only thing people turn to during difficult times. Theories of system theory and social
constructionism are applied to family counseling theories. (Holstun & Bohecker, , 2024).
Formulated through a Christian worldview, these theories explore how biological, mechanical,
and systems interact with one another. (Holstun & Bohecker, 2024) The Attachment Theory
developed by Milan Yerkovich and Kay Yerkovich in 2017 was also discussed by Holstun &
Bohecker (2024). The Attachment Theory is related to love, therefore convincing individuals to
find their style of love through the navigation of patterns they adopted as a child. The
attachment styles talked about by Holstun & Bohecker (2024) can indicate the securness of a
healthy relationship. The final theoretical model discussed is Satir’s Model. This model is used to
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create a safe space in counseling that encourages clients to be vulnerable in sharing their
thoughts and emotions (Houlstun and Bohecker, 2024).
The chapter closes with reflections from counselors and case studies for readers to get a
deeper engagement. Within this section, Holstun & Bohecker (2024) talk about family dynamics
and how they are shaped by an individual’s culture, background, and spiritual beliefs.
Selfawareness is important when it comes to addressing these factors as a counselor. The
importance of counselors and the possibility of facing issues that may be uncomfortable are also
addressed. While some issues may be uncomfortable for a Christian, counselors are expected to
set aside their personal beliefs and feelings to provide their clients with the most ethical and
effective service. It is emphasized by Holstun & Bohecker (2024) that clients should not be
referred to another professional if they are presenting an issue that makes the counselor
uncomfortable and goes against their personal beliefs. By doing this, they are going against the
ACA Code of Ethics (2024).
Interaction
Chapter 15 was very informative and taught me ways to integrate spirituality that I was
not previously aware of. While being a follower of Christ, I am not entirely familiar with the
biblical and Christian views. This chapter left me with positive thoughts and learning materials I
can use within my personal and professional life. The beginning of the chapter had me surprised
as the New Testament was highlighted, and how a husband and wife should be equally
submissive to one another. I am a strong believer when it comes to equality, regardless of one’s
race, gender, socioeconomic status, and who someone decides to love. Throughout generations,
we learn that in the Bible that wives are to submit to their husbands. The Bible also tells us that
husbands are to love their wives sacrificially as Christ loved the Church. With this being said, I
have experienced a debate where individuals have mixed feelings and believe some women
remain single due to the lack of wanting to be submissive to a man. According to the New
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Testament and the Christian view, a successful marriage and relationship happens when both
partners are submissive to each other. According to Holstun & Bochecker (2024), Unilateral
submission happens when a spouse is taken advantage of, disrespected, or treated with
contempt.
Multigenerational patterns are something else I took from this reading. It is interesting
to see that negative generational patterns have been passed down since before the Common
Era (BCE). By reading about Jacob’s family, I have been reassured that there are things I can
continue to work on when it comes to goals with my family. As a child of divorce, I know how
the instability and conflict of a broken home can have a deep effect on a child’s well-being.
Research by D’Onofrio & Emery (2019) supports this by showing how an increased risk of
emotional struggles and family instability in adulthood is linked to parental divorce. The Bowen
Family Systems Theory puts emphasis on the “multigenerational transmission process” as
unresolved patterns of conflict and coping are passed down through generations unless it is
addressed. (Titleman, 2022). Scripture reminds us of the truth and the importance of
generational healing: “He will turn the heart of the parents to their children, and the heart of
the children to their parents” (Malachi 4:6, New International Version, 2011/1978). Because of
this, I plan to create an environment that is not only secure and consistent, but also stable,
supportive, and loving, so my children grow up in a different environment than I did. As a newly
married wife, I see my marriage as an opportunity to break the generational patterns both my
husband and I have been in and create a strong foundation for the future. This commitment is
not only to my spouse, but also to myself and my future family, as love, respect, and
communication will be foundational in our home. By doing this, I hope to give my children the
stability and security I always longed for growing up and pass down a new pattern of resiliency
and healthy relationships.
Fowler’s (1981) Stages of Faith stood out to me as I found it interesting to see the stages
of cognitive development ranging from school age all the way to middle age and adulthood. I
CHAPTER 15 REVIEW 5
found it enlightening that clinicians have to reach a certain level in their professional
development to effectively work with clients. According to Holstun & Bohecker, (2024),
clinicians must successfully reach all four stages to be considered a competent clinician. By
reaching the conjunction level as a clinician, you have reached a stage of maturity where you
are aware of your personal views but are open and respectful to the perspective of clients. By
reaching this level, you are able to engage effectively with clients while continuing to be
selfawar, but also respect the perspective of the client. Research shows that contributors to a
successful outcome and psychotherapy are autonomy support and client motivation (Zuroff &
Richard, 2023)
Application
Chapter 15 taught me a lot of things I can use to further benefit my personal and
professional life. Holstun & Bohecker, (2024) give concepts that can benefit individuals, whether
they are Christian or not. The first aspect I plan to take into my personal life and professional
career is the idea of the five love languages. This is important to consider as it can help
strengthen my personal relationships, as well as aid in my relationships with clients as a future
marriage and family therapist (MFT). Love language is important as it can cause relationships to
fail due to the lack of understanding of their partner’s love language. As a future marriage and
family therapist (MFT), I will gain knowledge of both partners’ love language and attachment
styles (Holstun & Bohecker, 2024). The discussion of love language with clients can help identify
possible issues that could be happening within their relationship. Another key lesson would be
ways to go about a situation that I may be uncomfortable or unfamiliar with. As a Marriage and
Family Therapist, I will not always know the family struggles that will be brought into a family
session. With that, I may also feel uncomfortable working with certain family issues due to the
nature of challenges they may be facing and my own comfort level in helping them navigate
through these struggles. As a future Family and Marriage Therapist, and what I’ve learned from
Holstun and Boheceker (2024), refusing service for a client and referring them to another
CHAPTER 15 REVIEW 6
provider due to personal discomfort goes against the ACA Code of Ethics. In my role as a
counselor, I will remain nonjudgmental and respect the beliefs and perspectives of others. By
pushing my personal beliefs aside, I can create a space for my clients that allows them to face
their struggles head-on while having a counselor who is compassionate and nonjudgmental.
Overall, I learned ways that I can improve my confidence as a MFT that I was not
previously aware of. I feel more confident as I have gained valuable knowledge and skills that
are necessary for addressing situations that may cause discomfort. This chapter helped me as it
gave ethics and values that helped me understand my “why” and my purpose for entering into
the counseling field. The guidance of when and how to integrate religion and spirituality into a
counseling setting was another learning moment for me in this chapter. When it comes to being
a Marriage and Family Counselor, it’s important to remember that not all clients identify with
faith; however, I must be able to help them navigate their struggles through their beliefs,
whether it is Christian or non-Christian.
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References
American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics.
https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-
codeof-ethics.pdf
Culpin, I., Heuvelman, H., Rai, D., Pearson, R. M., Joinson, C., Heron, J., Evans, J., & Kwong, A. S.
F. (2022). Father absence and trajectories of offspring mental health across adolescence and
young adulthood: Findings from a UK birth cohort. Journal of Affective Disorders, 314,
150–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.016
Emery, R. (2019). Parental divorce or separation and children's mental health. World Psychiatry,
18(1), 100–101. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20590
Holstun, V., & Bohecker, L. (2024). Christian integration and the CACREP alliance. In J. A.
King & K. M. Ford (Eds.), Christian integration in marriage and family counseling programs.
Kendall Hunt. ISBN 9798385125647
King, J. A., & Ford, K. M. (2024). Christian integration in counselor education. Kendall Hunt.
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9798385150601
New International Version Bible. (2011). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/
(Original work published 1978)
Titelman, P. (Ed.). (2022). Clinical applications of Bowen family systems theory. Routledge.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003163840
Zuroff, D. C., & Koestner, R. (2023). Autonomy support and autonomous motivation: Common
factors in counseling and psychotherapy. In R. M. Ryan & E. L. Deci (Eds.), The Oxford handbook
of self-determination theory (pp. 801–818). Oxford University Press.
https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197600047.013.44
