There exists a contrast between the religious aspects of the public and the mental
health professionals while discussing Christian spirituality in counseling context.
Garzon (2011) has defined Christian spirituality as the area that focuses on the
cultivation of an intimate bond with Christ which can ultimately transform an
individual’s values, beliefs, the sense of purpose and lifestyle in the community
setting.
Secular use of Spirituality
Dr Garzon has shown concrete evidence relating by drawing a comparison
between the secular use of spirituality and Christian spirituality. It seems that a
considerable number of people who seek counseling identify themselves to be
spiritual individuals. It is because 90 % of them believe in God, 80 % lead their
lives as per their beliefs, and 85 % consider themselves to be Christians (Garzon,
2011). According to ethics code that has been designed for professional mental
health facilities, there is an integration of religion and spirituality and it is
considered to be important while treating others.
Effectiveness of a Secular therapist who uses spirituality in counseling
The study by Watts (2000) gives an insight into the perspective of clients relating
to secular therapists. The clients, who are more conservative when it comes to
their Christian perspective, hesitate to seek counseling from a secular therapist.
This is because they fear that their faith and beliefs will not be appreciated or
sneered by the professionals (Garzon, 2011). However, a number of secular
therapists are combining spirituality with their counseling approach. The Adlerian
psychotherapy approach has a positive outlook towards religion as God is viewed
as the ultimate concept of perfection, and religion is seen as something that is of
social interest. Watts believes that there exists considerable common ground
between individual psychology and spirituality.
Christian client and Secular therapist
The association between a client and a therapist is considered to be extremely
unique. The interaction between both of them is extremely pure as the client gets
the opportunity to lose his inhibitions and speak his mind. The depth of thoughts,
and conversation that is linked to counseling requires a personal, insightful as well
as professional relationship (Garzon, 2011). Therapists following the Adlerian
psychotherapeutic approach lay emphasis on relationships that are based on
respect, and collaboration. They make sincere attempts to establish an egalitarian
therapeutic relationship with the clients who seek counseling. a a a
Limitations of this kind of counseling
In the context of the Christian counselee and secular therapist relationship, there
could be times when the two do not get along with one another and they cannot
see eye to eye. In case the ultimate goal of the secular therapist for the Christian
client is to find emotional stability that is not based on the Almighty, there is the
possibility of disconnect. If a secular therapist has limited insight into Scriptures
and its power, they might fail to fulfill the spiritual needs and expectations of a
Christian counselee (Garzon, 2011). The perspective of a Christian counselee
must be given due importance so that they can be provided necessary help and
support throughout the counseling sessions. Sometimes it might be daunting even
for a Christian counselor to integrate secular elements in Christian counselees.
References
Garzon, Fernando L. (2011). “Spirituality in Counseling.” Faculty Publications and
Presentations. Paper 62.
