This articles is a broad survey psychological literature and therapeutic
treatment for dissociative identity disorder from a Christian perspective
(Badgett, 2018). The purpose of the article is to explore how the integration
of theology and psychology can be applied when treating patients with
dissociative identity disorder. The author argues that psychological treatment
for dissociative disorder patients, from a Christian perspective, should focus
on the integration of patient's alternate identities. He uses Psalm 86:11
where David prays for an undivided heart to support this conclusion. The
author explains that these alternative identities may have different opinions
on important aspects of life such as purpose, value, identity, meaning, and
religious views. Counselors must remember that those who are resistant to
the integration of these alternative identities are often resistant due to the
trauma that they have endured and not because of an aspect of the
identities themselves. The author states that these is a disorder of the soul
and true healing can only come from the Holy Spirit. This author clearly
follows the Allies model as described by Entwistle as he is attempting
explore psychological treatment for dissociative identity disorder from the
perspective of a Christian counselor (Entwistle, 2015).
d d d d d d d d d I chose this article as this author attempts to address a
complex disorder from a Christian counselors perspective (Badgett, 2018). I
agree with the author's point that therapeutic healing will not be fully
accomplished without the work of the Holy Spirit. Dissociative identity
disorder occurs as the result of trauma, most commonly sexual trauma,
where the one that is experiencing the trauma unconsciously creates
alternate identities in order to cope with the trauma. The soul of this person
is injured early on as a result of this trauma. In order to therapeutically
treat these clients, Christian counselors should help them understand their
disorder from a Christian perspective. Furthermore, counselors should
encourage them towards the integration of their alternate identities. I believe
that it would be extremely difficult to be unified with Christ and become one
with Christ, without first being unified with each alternate identity. Addressing
dissociative identity disorder from a non-Christian perspective is complex as
there is a lack of hope and restoration that comes with Christianity.
Furthermore, Christianity helps in explaining why these things happen, relating
to the sin nature of all humans. Sin is not an excuse but an explanation.
More research needs to be done on psychological therapeutic treatments
that are effective for complex traumatic stress disorders from a Christian
perspective.
References
Badgett, J. P. (2018). Child Sexual Trauma, Dissociation, and the Soul: A
Christian Psychology Conceptualization. Journal of Psychology and Theology,
46(3), 199-214. http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1177/0091647117750659
Links to an external site.
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology nd Christianity:
An introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of
integration. Cascade Books.
