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Wk 6 DQ-Newton - Because
Integration of Spiritualty and Counseling (Liberty
University)
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Discussion Board Forum 3
The lectures and reading material offer guidelines for being cautious when implementing
the use of prayer and scripture when counseling. One way is by providing insight to the least
and most risky ways to utilize prayer in counseling (Brewer and Peters, n.d.). McMinn (2011,
p. 81) offers guidance such as having a working knowledge of the client’s situation before
introducing the use of prayer into counseling. When using scripture in the counseling session,
the teachings offer guidance by providing strategies to biblical counseling to include principles
that are supported in scripture (Brewer & Peters, n.d.). Other guiding principles McMinn
(2011) and Brewer and Peters (n.d.) offer that can be applied to Danielle’s case study: praying
for the client outside the session or silently in session, providing principles that are reinforced
through scripture, avoiding overuse of spiritual practices, and avoiding becoming “preachy,” or
overbearing with the client.
In Danielle’s case, given that her foster mother has associated scripture with punishment,
I would not introduce anything remotely religious at first. While Danielle settles into the safety
of counseling and becomes comfortable, I would pray silently, while maintaining active
listening, as well as praying for Danielle after session. Based off of Danielle’s feedback, verbal
and non, I would slowly integrate the Bible’s teachings by showing her there are passages that
can help her manage her feelings of loneliness, abandonment, and pain such as Psalm 27:10
(NIV) “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” I would tie this to
the fact that there are others that can help and assist Danielle during her times of trouble. With
progression in our counseling sessions, I would integrate meditation and prayer as discussed by
McMinn (2011).
To prevent further exacerbation of her feelings of disinterest in religion, I would refrain
from referencing scripture when possible. I want/need her to feel confident that I know what I
am doing as a counselor as the lectures warn against using methods that are “not appropriate to
their level of spiritual development,” (Brewer & Peters, n.d. Week 6, Lecture 1, slide 4). When
integrating prayer and scripture into our sessions, I would also try to avoid becoming “preachy.”
McMinn (2011) suggests avoiding this because it can keep the counselor from actively listening
to the client. The lectures also caution that clients may view the constant use of spiritual
practices as “overbearing” and may prevent “dialogue with your client,” (Brewer & Peters,
n.d.).
In a public setting, my approach would not be much different than mine with Danielle.
First, it would probably take more time to figure out whether I would be able to incorporate my
beliefs and faith into the counseling sessions whereas with Danielle it was expected. I would
definitely pray for my non-Christian clients, both silently in session as well as out of session.
However, instead of overtly using scripture in session, I would utilize examples in society that
could tie in scripture but not actually refer to scripture.
References
Brewer, G. & Peters, C. (n.d.). HSCO 506 Week Five, Lecture One: The Bible in Christian
counseling. [PowerPoint]. Lynchburg, V.A. Liberty University Online.
Brewer, G. & Peters, C. (n.d.). HSCO 506 Week Six, Lecture One: Prayer and Christian
counseling. [PowerPoint]. Lynchburg, V.A. Liberty University Online.
Brewer, G. & Peters, C. (n.d.). HSCO 506 Week Six, Lecture Two: Prayer for psychological and
spiritual health. [PowerPoint]. Lynchburg, V.A. Liberty University Online.
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McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling (Rev.
ed.). Tyndale House Publishers.
Responses
Natasha,
I would agree with you in that Danielle would not benefit from focusing on spirituality
alone. You mentioned biblical supported practices, and I wanted to expand on that a little. The
four strategies of biblical counseling seems to be the best fit when engaging with clients like
Danielle (Brewer & Peters, n.d.). The first strategy is to use techniques that come from the
Bible. This approach would require the counselor to have a working knowledge of what
emotions, feelings, or situations the client is currently facing. For instance, if the client is
struggling with shameful thoughts or feelings I would advise that they take heed to the
following, “But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set
my face like a flint, and I know I shall not be put to shame,” (Isaiah 50:7, English Standard
Version).
The second strategy offered is deriving principles supported in Scripture (Brewer &
Peters, n.d.). The lectures explain that concepts like dream analysis can be found in the Bible, as
well as support for participation in small groups like church, bible study, etc. (Brewer & Peters,
n.d.). Including the use of practices that are consistent with biblical principles is the next
strategy offered by Brewer and Peters (n.d.). For example, music can be soothing and a way to
express oneself when experiencing a hardship. This type of practice is supported by the Bible in
Ephesians 5:19 where it is said that “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,” (ESV). The last strategy that I
believe can help clients like Danielle, is evading techniques that are not in line with Scripture
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(Brewer & Peters, n.d.). Things like the promotion of sexual promiscuity or self-pity are not in
line with how the Bible teaches us to live.
Reference
Brewer, G. & Peters, C. (n.d.). HSCO 506 Week Five, Lecture One: The Bible in Christian
counseling. [PowerPoint]. Lynchburg, V.A. Liberty University Online.
Kristen,
You mentioned that, as Danielle’s counselor, you would start the counseling experience
by being kind, gentle, and gracious in order to build a relationship with her. I understand why
you would begin this way, seeing as though Danielle is most likely harboring feelings of
mistrust, abandonment, and fear. However, I would exercise caution with this type of approach
to this type of client because of the possible effects. McMinn (2011) poses three questions when
assessing psychological and spiritual health and one of those questions is “will this help establish
a healing relationship?” It seems like your approach is centered on doing just that; establishing a
healing relationship. Still, McMinn (2011) warns that counselors must “watch that the
counseling relationship does not become excessively close,” (p. 98). We risk the client
becoming too dependent on us, as counselors, which can result in the halting of the progress that
has already been made in session.
Danielle is a young woman who is suffering; from the loss of her parents (emotionally)
to the pain she has endured at the hands of her foster parents and everything in between. Those
who are suffering require time, but also a firm nudge in the right direction. Danielle is at risk of
clinging to anyone, rightfully so, who will be nice and listen to her. McMinn (2011) explains
that it is important to “give clients progressively more responsibility for personal well-being.”
(p.
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98). Danielle’s verbal and physical outbursts in school warrants her to take responsibility for her
actions and one way to do so is by giving her more responsibility. I believe that Danielle would
do just fine with you as her counselor!
Reference
McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling (Rev.
ed.). Tyndale House Publishers.
