Christian Spirituality focuses on cultivating an intimate relationship with Jesus
Christ that progressively transforms one's values, a sense of purpose, belief, and
lifestyle in the context of a faith community (Garzon, 2011)
The secular use of Spirituality with Christian spirituality has been a rapid transition
from outcast to important treatment. a Garson stated that 90% of citizens in the
United States believe in a God, and more than 80% try to live according to their
faith (Garzon, 2011). a With that statement, if secular and religious therapists are
sincere at helping others, we will find approaches and means to assist our clients.
Religion and spirituality have become important aspects of a client's culture
(Garzon, 2011). a Christian counselors are too careful to make assessments and
use informed consent with clients to incorporate spirituality in therapy (Garzon,
2011). a a a
Studies have shown the positive impact of spirituality on physical and mental
health. (Koenig, 2004). a Studies have shown that involvement in the church
provides critical support that decreases loneliness (Garzon, 2011). Devotion and
mediation have helped treat hypertension, cardiac conditions, and anxiety (Garzon,
2011). Clients deeply committed to their faith appeared to prefer clinicians who
could incorporate prayer, scriptures, and other faith resources in therapy.
Using Dr. Watts' article, give your appraisal of the effectiveness of secular
therapists using spirituality in counseling with a Christian client. a Would this be
effective? a Could a secular therapist give thoughtful attention and respect to a
Christian client?
a It is very effective for the secular therapist to use spirituality in counseling with
Christian clients. a a Spirituality refers to the relationship between the person and a
higher force, being power or God (Mahrer, 1996). a Secular therapists must have a
personal, intimate relationship with the Lord. a The therapist should be engaging in
the sanctification process of being conformed to the image of God for the sake of
other (Watts, 2000). a Therapists share core beliefs with clients' biblical beliefs on
faith and spirituality. a Therapists are healthy and mature to trust in God's saving
grace God. a The Adlerian therapist may need to become more conversant with the
conservative theology and spirituality literature (Watts, 2000). a Therapists can
integrate theology and spirituality with psychology and counseling. (Watts, 2000). a
Adlerian Therapy parallels with the Bible.
a a a a a I think a secular therapist can give thoughtful attention and respect to a
Christian client if the therapist has a personal relationship with the Lord and is led
by the spirit of the Lord. When in a therapeutic relationship with a client, the
therapist values the client's perspective regarding spirituality and can meet the
client where they are. a a
Watts talked about the importance of valuing a client's spirituality. He stated,
"Without understanding clients' spiritual perspectives, therapists are "operating
with a vital value system and possibly even a member of the family, God, left at
home and ignored" (Grizzle, 1992). a Spirituality is vital for therapists because
clients' spiritual beliefs typically provide the value system by which they view
themselves, others, and the world (Watts). When a therapist offers thoughtful
attention to and respect for clients' spiritual beliefs, psychology approaches are
amenable to working with clients who hold a biblically-based view of Christian
Spirituality (Watts)
What would be the limitations of this type of counseling relationship?
Jay Adam was a nothing buttery guy. a His counseling philosophy was nothing but
the scripture, faith, and Jesus (Video presentation). Watts stated," The Bible was
never meant to be God's sole revelation about people helping (McMinn, 1996,
p.99). a In addition, spirituality is vital for a therapist to understand because clients'
spiritual beliefs typically provide the value system, they view themselves, others,
and the world. To ignore or discount clients' spiritualities is to close one's eyes to
a vital therapeutic factor (Watts, 2000). a
Reflect your reading, viewing of presentations, and convictions in your response
We are called to be a representation of God. Each person can relate to the image
of God only within the context of life in a community with others.
Reference
Watts, R. E. (2000). Biblically-based Christian spirituality and Adlerian
psychotherapy. The Journal of Individual Psychology, 56(3), 316–328.
Garzon, Fernando L., "Spirituality in Counseling" (2011). Faculty Publications and
Presentations. 62.
