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PERSONAL THEORY PAPER
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for
THEOLOGY/SPIRITUALITY IN COUNSELING
PACO-507
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I Introduction
In the prevailing society, people come across several situations that for them to
compromise their faith. In the 21st century, the level of uncertainty has increased considerably
due to various changes that have been taking place. When people face uncertainty and
adversity, they may feel scared and hurt. During such trying times, they may simply need a
voice that can assure them and give them hope that peace will prevail. Every single time a
Christian moves a step backward and makes a compromise to his faith, a voice of unrest arises
within him. At present, it has become imperative for biblical counselors to play a proactive role
and extend help to individuals so that their vision can expand beyond their temporal
possessions and they can move closer towards a spiritual dimension. A total of three books
have been covered as a part of the PACO 507 course. Each of these books has served as an
important resource that has offered unique points of view relating to biblical counseling
(Benner, 2015). The first book is titled ‘Effective Biblical Counseling: A Model for Helping
Caring Christians Become Capable Counselors’, and it is written by author Larry Crabb
(Crabb, 1977). In the book, he has advocated Christian maturity as it can enable a believer to
have an enriched experience relating to worship. Furthermore, a sincere believer can also lead
a more efficacious life of service. The next book that has been covered in the course is titled
‘The Biblical Counseling Movement: History and Context’ by author David Powlison. In the
book, the main emphasis has been laid on Jay Adams’ theoretical framework and approach
relating to nouthetic counseling (Powlison, 2010). The final book that has been covered is by
author Sandra Wilson, and it is titled ‘Hurt People Hurt People.’ She has presented her
personal counseling methodology (Ren et al., 2018). She has argued that individuals who have
been hurt by others may be healed through their trust in Jesus Christ. In this Personal Theory
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Paper, I have critically examined diverse methodologies relating to the effective integration of
psychology and theology.
Primary Goal
Spiritual counseling refers to the process of being motivated to extend help and support
to individuals so that they can find a way of reaching the place where God intends them to
reach. One of the integral aspects of the process is to comprehend that many individuals need
spiritual counseling even though there arise objections relating to the unification of Christianity
and psychology. The text from each of the books has been compared to gain a deeper insight
into the topic. A key element that has been highlighted is that all three authors have laid a
significant level of emphasis on common kinds of issues that affect mankind. For instance,
Crabb has mainly focused on counseling theory, and its ultimate aim is to promote spiritual and
psychological maturity in individuals. So, according to the author, counselors are likely to
become more mature only by establishing long-term character growth. It serves as the pathway
which helps them to be connected with Jesus Christ. In the theoretical model, the author has
highlighted that the spiritual element of maturity is linked to an individual’s growth because he
directly deals with his issues by referring to biblical resources.
Powlison, in his book, has shared ideas that mirror the ideologies and views of Crabb in
many ways. This is because he has focused on spirituality and psychology. However, the
author has laid high emphasis on the theory of nouthetic counseling by Adams. In the
counseling approach, Bible acts as the key component that is utilized by Christian counselors
to establish counseling on the pastoral foundation. According to the author, in nouthetic
counseling, Bible acts as the fundamental statute for faith as well as development. In the work,
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Powlison has given a basic insight into counseling by using examples of how individuals can
benefit by establishing a relationship with the Almighty.
Wilson, in her work, has shared her views on several aspects such as problem
development, the possibility for change, personality development, biblical scholarship, the
contribution of counseling, and its functions. The intention of the author is to strike a balance
between theology and spirituality within the context of counseling function as well as
personality development. In the book, she has further elaborated how emotional and spiritual
damage can lead to long-term scars in individuals. At the comprehensive level, all three authors
have presented a diverse range of strategies relating to scriptures, and each of the perspectives
is valuable as they can empower individuals to lead a fulfilling life.
Development of problems and personal need
In the current world, one comes across many views and suggestions relating to why
people suffer from several problems in their life. But from the biblical point of view, all issues
that human beings encounter in their life come from a single source, i.e., a place of sin and
selfishness. Crabb has identified diverse sources of sins, such as encountering hurtful situations
during childhood and adulthood, facing crisis and traumatic events (Powlison, 2010). In several
scriptures of the Bible, sin has been defined, which helps the readers to gain an in-depth insight
into what it is. The Hebrew and Greek words that have translated sin by using the Bible
revolves around two distinctive concepts. The first concept relates to transgression, which
means to go beyond a certain limit. A majority of the other words that have translated ‘sin’
have followed the second concept, i.e., ‘to miss the mark.’ 1 John 3:4 has presented the most
fundamental definition of sin. He has stated, ‘whosoever committeh sin transgresseth also the
law: for sin is the transgression of the law.’ It implies that God has defined a boundary that
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mankind must follow while leading life. He has said that sin is committed when an individual
transgresses His holy spiritual law. When a person breaks the law, he crosses the divine
boundary that has been set by the Almighty, and thus he ultimately commits sin. Crabb, unlike
many counselors, believes that when the importance and security of a person are threatened, it
gives rise to a wrong idea within him and the main root of the issue is wrong thinking. The
wrong thinking of an individual needs to be amended so that he can become aware of his true
personal value. In Prov. 23:7, it has been stated, ‘As a man thinketh in his hear, so is he’ which
implies that thinking shapes a man. The core message that Crabb has presented is solid as he
has argued that when the basic needs of human beings are not fulfilled, people will be driven
to meet their personal needs. While building upon Crabb’s ideas, it is necessary to consider
Powlison’s perspective as well. He has insisted that sin acts as the chief instigator relating to
human improvement issues. So, the presence of God must be treated as the ultimate solution by
mankind. Both the theories must be considered to be the foundation of the problem and
personal need in the prevailing times (Ren et al., 2018).
Biblical integration
When a person decides to follow Jesus Christ throughout his entire life, Bible can serve
as the ultimate element that can lead to spiritual wellness. This aspect must be taken into
consideration, and a biblical counselor must make sure to integrate scripture as an
indispensable instrument in his counseling sessions. It can serve as a valuable and effective
tool of counseling that can help the counselees to get closer to Christ. The Christian outlook on
science was not monolithic, and its outlook is similar to the rise of psychotherapy as well.
Adams had the firm belief that God played a dominating role within the human personality.
The people who were forgiven would also get help and support from the Holy Spirit to alter
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their thinking, behavior, and feeling. He supported a mixed or integrated strategy for
counseling in which the counseling technique can act as the pathway and help to arrive at the
correct outcome by focusing on the Biblical message. Biblical integration is instrumental to
fulfilling the needs of the counselee, and it can lead to effective pastoral counseling. d The three
distinct levels of counseling that are available to most Christians are ‘Encouragement,’
‘Exhortation,’ and ‘Enlightenment.’ Almost each and every Christian can be encouraged at a
certain level on a daily basis. The Christians who have a higher level of maturity may be
trained at the exhortation level (Benner, 2015). A few of them may even rise to the level of the
spiritual walk, where there will be the possibility of being trained at the enlightenment level. It
can enable them to effectively manage stubborn, complex, and deeper issues. d
Formula for change
Change is the only thing that is constant. It is necessary for individuals to accept the
fact that change is inevitable. In the counseling context, the acknowledgment of this fact is
vital for successfully progressing towards the counseling mission. A person will be able to
effectively move in the path of transformation and become the best version of himself by
recognizing that he is the creation of the Almighty. It is necessary for an individual to go to the
point of origin to understand where certain beliefs and behavior come from. The insight can be
extremely valuable as it can help in the learning process and aid in developing new beliefs and
behaviors that are rooted in the relationship with the Almighty (Benner, 2015). In the
counseling context, the counselor must use his role in such a way that can help the counselee
to identify the need for change in him. Several methods can be adopted to bring about change.
Jay Adams has laid emphasis on the confrontational approach, and he believes that it is the
only real biblical model that offers the core concept of Christian counseling. However, Crabb
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does not agree with his views. According to him, the method is not viable because it falls short
of optimally utilizing all the possible ways for achieving Christian maturity, which serves as
the ultimate goal of biblical counseling.
Balance of theology and spirituality
It is possible to find a gap between an individual’s comprehension of spirituality and
theology. The manner in which he acts can be derived from his knowledge of who God is to
him. Both theology and psychology require a certain degree of independence. However, both
cannot be separated from one another. d The ultimate goal of Christian counseling is to promote
and stimulate Christian maturity and growth. A person who serves as a Christian counselor
must make sure to promote such growth and maturity by sharing the biblical point of view with
others. Crabb has prompted the perspective (Benner, 2015). A biblical perspective is of
paramount importance as it sets forth only two basic directions to lead a life, i.e., for self or for
God. Balance s established between these two elements by using the scripture to speak the
truth. Such an approach displays that a counselor has Christian knowledge, and he is able to
disseminate the love of God. It reflects that a person has complete trust in the Almighty.
Human Personality
Humankind, by nature, is an imperfect creation of God. They are sinful creatures who
need redemption. It is possible for human beings to transform themselves by making use of
their personal relationship with Christ. Only by establishing a sincere and selfless bond with
Jesus, the option of redemption become available for them. There exist defects and flaws in
them until the point they have gained ample experience and established a solid relationship
with Jesus. The association with Him is the ultimate way to change the circumstances. In
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Christian spirituality, individuals need to completely surrender themselves to Christ as it serves
as the one and only path of Christ.
Functions and Role of Counselor
The interaction between a counselor and a counselee must be built on the foundation of
integrity, trust, and openness. It is essential that both individuals must be able to navigate
through the counseling relationship in an effective way. Similarly, both of them need to share
the feeling that the relationship is a safe haven (Benner, 2015). A counselor must make sure to
provide continuous and encouraging feedback to the counselee throughout the counseling
relationship. In such an environment, the counselee can develop feelings of optimism, hope,
and affirmation. The counseling of a counselee must not occur in the absence of the word of
the Almighty. It is highlighted in the Bible that scripture must be used as a key instrument to
share the message of God. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV), ‘All Scripture is breathed
out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in
righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.’
Major contribution to the counseling
The topics relating to spiritual and secular counseling have given rise to a lot of debates
relating to the definition of spirituality. Such a form of counseling may have a significant
implication in individuals as it has the potential to pull them towards Christian doctrine as well
as faith. The greater impact may also be felt when people are driven to adopt a more open
approach and extend help to others. This counseling is of high value as it can serve as the
pathway and ensure that individuals are willing to help others, both inside and outside of the
Christian faith, by showcasing love, understanding, and compassion.
Limitations of counseling theory
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There exist a number of limitations in the specific kind of counseling. In the vast
domain of counseling, psychological principles play an integral role. Some individuals may
have the view that psychology in the absence of spirituality can produce the best form of
counseling. The hostile attitude of some Christians towards the area of psychology is a serious
issue that has existed for a long time. For instance, during the outset of the 20th century, the
practice of psychoanalysis was considered to be a moral sin according to Catholic beliefs.
Classification
In my model of counseling, I will try to strike a balance between different elements so
that both counselors and counselees can be benefited. I will try to attain balance by ensuring
that Christian Spirituality along with the integration methods of counseling coexists by
respecting the biblical counseling movement. I will focus on integrating theology with
psychology so that value can be created at the comprehensive level throughout the counseling
session for individuals. d
II Practical Application
Integration of counseling model with other models
While assessing the issues of counselees, emphasis must be laid on philosophical truth
while coordinating theology and psychology. By focusing on philosophical truth, it will be
possible to use the counseling capacity to carry out a broad range of activities and reach the
desired end results, i.e., to achieve a healthy balance between the two components. Both of
them can play an instrumental role in designing an ideal treatment plan for a counselee. While
behaviorists can lay emphasis on the reduction of the symptoms, the psychoanalysts can focus
on aspects such as ego strength. Similarly, Christian counselors are the individuals who are
concerned about the spiritual growth, maturity, and mental health of counselees (Ren et al.,
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2018). While designing a suitable course of a treatment plan for a counselee, it is extremely
important for a counselor to give special attention to minute details relating to the
transformation path. Such an approach is necessary so that holistic support and assistance can
be extended to counselees, and they can derive value from the counseling session (McMinn,
2012). The role of a biblical counselor is extremely important because he carries out his
functions in the counseling landscape to help the client establish a relationship with the
Almighty. Similarly, it is also a fundamental necessity to strike a balance and understand when
it is time to refer the counselee to some other counselor if his situation is beyond the expertise
of a particular counselor.
Particular area of counseling and its effectiveness
The main proof that can help to see the precision and adequacy of a theoretical model
is the ‘transformed life of an individual.’ d The fundamental objective of a counseling session is
to transform the life of a counselee for the better. When a counselee decides to join a
counseling session, he is generally troubled and distressed. The counselor must have the
capability to see the underlying emotions that a counselee might be feeling. The proper focus
on such aspects must be given so that suitable counseling techniques and methods can be
implemented to extend valuable help to the troubled person. When a troubled client comes to a
counselor, the counseling session might move towards one of the many paths, depending on the
theoretical beliefs and models that the counselor lays emphasis upon. Other important factors
might also come into play and influence the path of the counseling session, such as the nature
of the association with the counselee, the level of trust, etc. (McMinn, 2012). The ultimate
intention of counselors is to change the lives of people for the better. It can help to accomplish
the goals of their ministry. When thinking about influential individuals, people typically think
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of the ones that have brought about a change in their life in one form or another. Counselors
play an important role to play an influential role in the lives of others. By combining their
knowledge and insight relating to counseling and combining elements relating to psychology
and theology, they can help people to move towards the path of Jesus Christ. In current times,
when individuals face a host of issues in their personal as well as professional lives, counselors
can combine theology and psychology together to offer counseling at an integrated level. Such
an approach can be of high value as it can empower counselees to identify the need for change
and move towards the intended path. The integration of biblical principles can play a critical
role in the counseling domain as it can help people to understand the importance of Jesus
Christ in their lives. It can act as the pathway and make sure that counseling is used to bring
about a positive and lasting change in the lives of people.
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References
Benner, D. G. (2015). Surrender to love: Discovering the heart of Christian spirituality.
InterVarsity Press.
Crabb, L. (1977). Effective biblical counseling: A model for helping caring Christians become
capable counselors. Zondervan.
McMinn, M. R. (2012). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Tyndale
House Publishers, Inc..
Powlison, D. (2010). The biblical counseling movement. Greensboro, NC: New GrowthPress.
Ren, D., Wesselmann, E. D., & Williams, K. D. (2018). Hurt people hurt people: Ostracism
and aggression. Current Opinion in Psychology, 19, 34-38.
