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NEFF AND MCMINN REVIEW: PART B
Abstract
This paper summarizes the topics discussed in chapters 4-6 and the Final Conversation of
Embodying Integration: A fresh look at Christianity in the therapy Room by Megan Anna Neff
and Mark B. McMinn. The authors discuss how therapists helps the suffering of clients through
the eyes of those with Christion worldviews. They discuss the integration of psychology,
psychotherapy, and theology into the counseling practice Reading through this book has given
me the opportunity to self-reflect and become more self-aware of my own views of suffering and
the role God plays in my life and the counseling field. I will also discuss how I will strengthen
my relationship with God to become a better Christian counselor.
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NEFF AND MCMINN REVIEW: PART B
Neff and McMinn Review: Part B
Summary
As mentioned in part A, the book Embodying integration: A fresh look at Christianity in the
Therapy Room, written by Megan Neff and Mark R McMinn (2020), the authors discussed how
the integration of spirituality and religion along with psychology can be well receive in the
counseling field. Neff and McMinn guide the Christian counselor in how to integrate different
theoretical views in therapy. In chapter 4 of the book, Neff and McMinn move in to discussing
the concept of considering atonement. They stated that this was the most difficult chapter for
them to write about due to the complex nature of the theoretical conversations of atonement. One
of the others shared their story of praying to God for salvation for her wrong doings even when
she continued to do those bad things. She stated that she wanted God to like her more than just
being ok in His eyes. She felt that God was disgusted by her sin and spent her life trying to prove
her worth to God. She found it difficult experiencing all the great things God could bring her;
until she better understood atonement.
The authors describe atonement as one of the most central concepts of Christianity. The
adornment is the process in which people come to a wholeness or reconciliation with God. Many
people who have gone through traumatic events tend to blame themselves for their traumas and
endeavors. They feel like they could have done something to change their situation. These self-
deprecating beliefs can be hard to escape, and it can have an effect an individual’s relationships
with loved ones cause them to be isolated. They can also feel empowered and make choices to
protect their future. When it comes to religion, people associate their state of wellness with their
faith. The authors discuss how Christians are always seeking redemption and salvation. Some
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NEFF AND MCMINN REVIEW: PART B
people even become fearful that they are jeopardizing their redemption if they commit sin. The
chapter goes on to discuss how the therapist’s view themselves can help in successful integration
of theology and psychology into sessions.
Chapter Five ponders God and asks what God’s mission is in the world. Mark McMinn
discussed how difficult it was for him to answer the Question of how frequently he shares his
faith in the context of counseling. The aim of this chapter is to make the connection between
what God is up to in the world and discussing religious beliefs in counseling. He mentions how it
can be tricky answering the calling of his Christian faith to spread Jesus to others and remaining
within ethical bounds while practicing. The chapter continues with a discussion of the Christian
approach to Missions, more specifically regarding soteriology, the doctrine of salvation and
ecclesiology, the study of the church. Under the category of soteriology, the mission as a
Christians is to save the lost souls of the world. In ecclesiology, worshipers gather to experience
the presence of God. (Neff & McMinn, 2020). The authors go on to explain that the mission is
sending the Son by the Father and both sending the Holy Spirit to translate the divine message of
hope and redemption.
Finally, Neff and McMinn conclude the book with chapter 6 titled God with Us. In this
chapter, the authors discuss integration’s big picture. Neff and McMinn shares that the word
integration means wholeness and with it we seek fulfillment. The goal was to provide a better
understanding of the uncertainties of life through faith. The authors sum up the topics discussed
which include lamentation, Ecclesiastes, imago Dei, atonement and Messi Dei. The authors
emphasize the importance of acknowledging God is amidst even through there is suffering in the
world. God is always present in our experiences; the good and the bad. The final conversation of
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NEFF AND MCMINN REVIEW: PART B
the book encourages the reader to reflect on a time that God’s presence was keenly seen while
working as a counselor.
Reflection
Adding To the Suffering
Neff and McMinn brought up some very important points in the last few chapters. What
resonates the most with me after reading the book is that I agree sometimes people do cause
themselves unnecessary suffering. Some people feel guilty when they sin and are fearful because
they are worried about facing the wrath of God. God is a forgiving and loving.
There are times when I have found myself feeling guilty for not turning to God more than I do. I
would say to myself, “God will not listen unless you speak to him wholeheartedly.” I would also
feel guilty when I only spoke to him when things were bad or when I was feeling down, and not
so much when things are going good in my life. I would always wonder if God is displeased with
me or felt like he favored others over me. This book introduced atonement and provided a better
understanding of what it means to reconcile with God. I learned to shift my rigid view of
salvation to a more flexible one. Why does my narrative have to be so negative? If I am
experiencing these moments as someone invested in helping others, I could only imagine how
clients feel going through their suffering. David Entwistle also discussed the nature of God. He
shared that the problem of a good God allowing suffering is known as theodicy. Many people
struggle with relating to God while they are suffering (Entwistle, 2015). Neff and McMinn made
a great point about mental health professionals being the “wounded healers” due to the sacrifices
made on their part. How we use our wound and integrate is more impactful than therapeutic
techniques.
Code of Ethics
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NEFF AND MCMINN REVIEW: PART B
As a counselor or therapist, it of utmost importance to always practice counseling in an
ethical manner. Therefore, I also bring up ethics in this assignment because in these roles, the
mental health professional must ensure that what is being passed along is for the benefit of the
client and not the benefit of the professional. Mark McMinn shared that as a Christian, we want
to spread the good news about Jesus, but must remember that not everyone is believer. If I
wanted to share my Christian views with my clients, it is important that I include that
information is presented in consent forms. Informed consents are outlined in the American
Counseling Association Code of Ethics. The ACA codes A.2. a and A.2.b state that counselors
are obligated to verbally and in writing to prove an explanation of a client’s rights. It is up to the
counselor to explain the nature all services provided. This documentation is important
throughout the therapeutic relationship. (American Counseling Association, 2014). I am aware
that the client can decide whether they are open to learning how God can open a means to cope
with suffering and to being healing from brokenness and sin.
Metaphysics
Neff and McMinn posed and interesting question at the end of chapter 4. How is a
psychotherapist’s work similar and dissimilar to the work of a metaphysician, theologian,
physician, paster, or priest? All these titles seek a deeper understanding and knowing as well as
provide a framework for a specific area of expertise. More specifically metaphysician’s study the
fundamental nature of reality. David Entwistle also explored metaphysics and its implications
regarding Christianity and worldviews. Entwistle (2015), shared that God is the creator of nature
Psychotherapist help people lead a happier healthier life by managing emotions and behaviors.
Counselors are not here to tell client how it is but rather understand their own beliefs and not
imposing on those beliefs. I thought this was an interesting topic and enabled me to think more
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deeply about the world around us. It also helped me consider a deeper understanding of how and
why God created the world.
Spiritual Formulation
As a counselor, it is important to always be self-aware and engage in personal reflection
throughout your career. Self-reflection is important when you are a counselor or therapist
because it allows the professional to identify the best way to server their clients.
As someone who is continuously discovering my spirituality, I am aware that it is important to
continue to strengthen my relationship with God to be closer to him in more ways than one. I
realize my relationship with God does not have to be a negative one and suffering exists in the
world for a reason. I may not have the answer to all problems. As we have learned through
reading this book, a mental health professional can easily get caught up in trying to “fix” their
clients’ problems. Spiritual and professional development is an ongoing progress. I am open and
willing to learn a deeper understanding of God to better know what type of being he is. If my
clients are willing to allow God into their hearts and minds, I can also provide them insights into
how God is at work and what his purpose for us on earth is.
This book has provided a great understanding of how to integrate faith into therapy. As
a Christian counselo, we have joined God in a unique discipleship where we serve God, our
clients and communities (Hawkins & Clinton, 2015). I have learned that the dependency is not
solely on the counselor but should be in Christ. In these uncertain times, He is always present. I
close this paper with scripture Matthew 13:15;
For the heart of this people has grown unreceptive, and with their ears they have heard
without response, and they have shut their eyes, so that they might never see with their
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eyes and hear with their ears and get the sense of it with their hearts and turn back and I
will heal them (New World Translation of The Holy Scriptures, 2013
References
American Counseling Association. (2014).EACA code of ethics.EEAlexandria, VA: Author.
Entwistle, D. N. (2015).EIntegrative approaches to psychology and christianity, third edition: An
introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration. Wipf and
Stock Publishers.
Hawkins, R. E., & Clinton, T. E. (2015).EThe new Christian counselor. Harvest House Publishers.E
Neff, M. A., & McMinn, M. R. (2020).EEmbodying integration: A fresh look at Christianity in the
therapy room. IVP Academic, an imprint of InterVarsity Press.E
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. (2013).ENew world translation of the holy
scriptures: Rendered from the original languages.
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