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Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling
McMinn (2011) establishes a base for the integration of theology, psychology, and
spirituality in Christian counseling and offers a structured approach to asking questions that help
counselors work in their field to help clients. He explains a solid theological and psychological
foundation and the spiritual formative practices that need to be included in the work of
counseling clients. Thus, the integration of a working psychology, theology, and spirituality is a
three-pronged instrument needing the support of each other to produce a quality methodology.
One essential element McMinn (2011) recognizes is the need for Christian counselors to
know their need for spiritual growth and train for it in their lives. It is from the overflow of the
counselor’s inner life that they become conduits of grace-filled, healing relationships. Then, part
of the help they provide is that they can help clients incorporate spiritual practices into their lives
for growth in Christ.
Another element McMinn (2011) uses in his approach to the integration of psychology,
theology, and spirituality is the use of the following questions in each chapter to help counselors
affirm decisions they make as they counsel clients: Will this create a healthy sense of self in the
client? Will this create a healthy sense of need in the client’s life? Does this establish a healing
relationship for the client? When clients see pain and brokenness in their lives, they become
aware of a more accurate sense of themselves, others, and God. This provides an opportunity for
the counselor to promote an interest in spiritual growth for the client as well as mental health.
Furthermore, McMinn (2011) suggests the importance of counselors needing to commit
to ongoing assessment to determine the goals, needs, and effectiveness of the therapeutic
relationship while using an integrative approach. It is important to establish ethical standards and
a scientific base or the “language of science” to effectively minister to clients (McMinn, 2011).
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McMinn (2011) describes the use of prayer and how asking questions to determine which
clients, in what ways, and under what circumstances prayer should be used. Not all clients will
benefit from the direct use of prayer in a counseling session. Some may benefit from a more
covert approach. Prayer is an important agent for transformation, yet clients who are unaware of
their personal need or brokenness may not be ready to incorporate it in their sessions with a
counselor or their daily life. Wise counselors practice ethical standards for best practice using
informed consent and the previous questions McMinn (2011) established already concerning
sense of self, sense of need, and healing relationships.
McMinn (2011) explains the use of scripture and how it provides a way of knowing God
and oneself. This is referred to as the hermeneutic circle. Scripture can be used with the same
questions as used in prayer to determine which clients, in what ways, and under what
circumstances when determining its use. Scripture may address faulty core beliefs within a client
and provide an opportunity to use theories of psychology in a way that can provide healing. The
same care must be taken when assessing the use of scripture in therapy, and the client’s needs
must be considered.
In Christian counseling confronting sin can be done with grace and humility and in a
manner that will lead clients to inner healing and transformation. Most of the time, this includes
silence, pondering, or questioning. Although direct censure is rarely effective, this may be used
as well. Counselors can offer clients empathy and help them understand the universal human
condition of sin. They can also present an adequate theological and spiritual understanding, so
their clients will stop trying to manage sin and instead search for God to bring inner change and
healing (McMinn, 2011).
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Confession and forgiveness are the longings of the heart, to be authentic in our
relationship with God and others. It is the heartfelt desire of every person to be known as we are
and forgiven. It is the longing to be one with God and others. Christian counselors understand
this is a God-inspired activity and one that is at the heart of psychological healing and
transformation. Humility is a necessary part of the Christian counselor’s life. As one seeks to
help others, they must identify with the reality that we are all in need of forgiveness, and there
cannot be a sense of superiority in the counseling room (McMinn, 2011).
After the fall of humanity, God’s plan has been to bring humankind back into relationship
with him. The Christian counselor has the privilege of partnering with God to be part of this
work of redemption and should identify themselves when meeting with the client for the first
time. When one has been redeemed, they are able to offer compassion and acceptance from a
firsthand experience of grace. The counselor can accept this role in humility and gratitude and
offer the healing, therapeutic relationship that is needed. They must also share their redemptive
worldview and the reality of how they approach sin, growth, and grace (McMinn, 2011).
Personal Reflection
The concept that stood out to me the most during the reading of McMinn’s book is the
continual reference back to the inner life of the counselor and the humility one must emulate as a
disciple. In all respects, the Christian counselor must never imagine they have the answers or the
resources to be superior in any way. It is only when our posture is one of humility and lowliness
that we can receive the resources and knowledge that we need from our time spent in the
presence of the Lord. We can do nothing without him; we become living conduits of his grace
that spills over into healing relationships, this includes the counseling room.
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It is the blurred professional and personal relationships that he mentions in each chapter
that speak to me the most. The Christian counselor cannot separate themself from the personal
and professional role they hold in tandem. This seems almost overbearing and weighty. How
does the Christian counselor find rest when the demands are so high? McMinn (2011) suggests
ongoing professional and spiritual training, supervisory relationships, strong ethical safeguards,
and the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit. While I find this helpful, I am still concerned about
how to sit with clients in their struggles and not only represent Christ to them but also co-labor
with them as partners on a journey, all the while remembering that, I too, am on the very same
journey. This reminds me of what McMinn (2011) described as the incarnational atonement of
redemption. This speaks to me. I find I want to follow Jesus in the places where people need
healing the most. Jesus entered the world to show us a new way of living as a human, but he
came to where we are. He entered the brokenness of my world to show me I could come out of
the darkness. When I sit with clients in a counseling session, I pray I am so at one with Christ
that I am bringing his presence to those who need him and modeling the depth of my need for
him as well.
Analysis
I found three elements in McMinn’s (2011) approach to integrative counseling that
should be part of the Christian counselor’s practice. The first element has to do with providing
the truth to the client that forgiveness is part of God’s will for their life. It is a striking suggestion
that through empathy and humility one can see the human condition and offer forgiveness. When
a person recognizes they are continually offered forgiveness from a loving and merciful God,
they can relate to the one who has transgressed against them and is also in need of forgiveness.
This is quite different from some psychological theories which suggest forgiveness is not a
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requirement for psychological healing. From a Christian worldview we know forgiveness brings
life, and it is from an inner character change that one has the capacity to forgive. To me,
forgiveness is the essential element that cannot be ignored or forgotten in counseling.
The second element goes along with the first. It is the use of prayer in the counseling
office as well as an effective strategy to promote forgiveness. McMinn (2011) describes how
prayer helps one turn away from a self-centered focus and look to God. In prayer, we find
communion with God, the one who has forgiven us. We also find ourselves less occupied with
the pain others have caused. When pain arises, practicing calling out to God and sharing the hurt
with him in open conversation can be helpful. Then, asking God to calm the body and the mind
and attending to his goodness brings an alignment to his will that encourages forgiveness. Using
prayer in the counseling office is a technique that is one of the most clearly integrative methods
of McMinn’s approach to counseling. It encompasses the whole person and uses psychological,
theological, and spiritual insight to train the client to look to God and worship. The Christian
counselor must be diligent in determining the best practice of prayer in the office, but prayer is
certainly part of the healing process for clients.
Finally, the last element I will discuss is the use of McMinn’s (2011) questions for a
pattern for healing. The questions that will help me determine how I am integrating a
psychological, theological, and spiritual foundation in the life of my clients include the
following: does this develop a healthy sense of self, does this develop a healthy sense of need,
and does this help establish a healing relationship? These questions are the basis for determining
what strategies and -ologies I will pull from to understand my clients and what they need. I must
be aware of “psychological symptoms, theological principals, and spiritual formation” (McMinn,
2011, Chapter 1) as I work to bring all three together under the leading of the Holy Spirit.
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Application
I am a Family Life Pastor in a church in Columbia, Tennessee. Often, I have families
who stop in for help with issues concerning family relationships and marital counseling. As a
Pastoral Counselor in my church setting, I will apply McMinn’s (2011) concepts in the following
ways.
Prayer in Counseling
I will pray for my clients and remain in an attitude of prayer for my clients during all
sessions seeking the counsel of the Holy Spirit as I interact with them. I will allow the Spirit to
lead me and seek his direction for the implementation of techniques and strategies that will open
their hearts to worshipping God. At times, I may pray for the client openly if it is appropriate to
the time and context of the individual depending on what circumstances and in what ways prayer
might benefit them the most.
Scripture in Counseling
Scripture will be used as the Word of God to apply a theological foundation to the
understanding of the human condition, sin, and redemption. Scripture may also be used to correct
any faulty beliefs about a client’s core identity or the image of God within them. At times, I will
incorporate key scriptures for guidance or clarity about God’s will in the life of the client.
Humility
Humility will be a key component in my practice. I must recognize the need I have for
God in my own life and as a counselor to others. I will seek to know Christ by submitting to the
known will of God, and I will endeavor to offer myself as a sacrifice to his work through me and
in me. Part of humility requires that I seek the counsel of other Supervisors and/or colleagues,
and I remain open, honest, and accountable to them.
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Theoretical Map
Using a theoretical map is also part of helping clients. Assessing the desires, goals, and
needs of the client will help set a map toward progress. During an intake session, I will establish
a working understanding of terms and vocabulary with the client. I will also provide a statement
of informed consent. During this time, I will identify as a Christian counselor who practices a
redemptive worldview in my work with clients.
Confronting Dominant Views of Mental Health
In my work with clients, I will be sure to address any dominant views of mental health
that do not align with scripture and a Christian worldview. I will be sure to explain the use of any
techniques and how they might align with Spiritual disciplines and practices that build a solid
foundation for life in Christ.
