Running Head: BOOK SUMMARY i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i 1
Comparison Paper: Wilson Assignment
Liberty University
PACO 507
Dr. Marcus Tanner
November 28,2021
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Summary
In the book ‘Hurt People Hurt People,’ the author Wilson has summarized her counselling
methodology to the readers. She has shared her warmth and insight to make the readers understand
the value of compassion and healing (Wilson, 2010). Based on her years of experience as a
professional counselor, Wilson has written the book for the people who are suffering so that they
can explore healing trust with Christ. The author has argued that no living being can be excluded
from the truth of being wounded and hurting others. The paper revolves around Wilson’s biblical
counseling theory and approach. i
Primary Goal
The primary goal that has been exhibited in the book of Wilson is to offer healing to
Christians so that they could effectively recover from mental injuries. The reason for such injuries
could be their past experiences. By following the path that has been shown by the author, people
would be able to break the cycle of harming or hurting others. Wilson has identified that there is a
key association between adult issues and youth issues (Wilson, 2010). She has used Christian
assets and contemplations as the main motivation of her psychology as well as counseling theory.
The fundamental goal of counseling is to help others to discover healing from the authenticity of
the Almighty who has the power to conquer shame and hurt.
Development of problems and personal need
According to Wilson, adulthood issues are related to youth-related issues. Such issues can
drag a person down in his life and lead him towards a non-righteous path. Emotional conflicts that
might have existed in the past have the potential to damage future relations. This is because broken
individuals interact in a way that reflects their inner pain and sorrow. Negative encounters during
youth can affect how individuals grow up in the future and whether they are capable of managing
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their lives or not. When children grow in a hurtful environment, they grow up believing in certain
fantasies, such as the ability to change events (Wilson, 2010). The author has argued that
individuals who grow up in such negative or toxic environments could become future con artists.
Biblical integration
Wilson believes that there exists an important integration between psychology and
theological doctrine. The scriptures have been identified as an integral tool that can be used to help
people who have been hurt in their lives. i The author has herself used scriptures to extend help to
individuals who might be in need of healing. She has acknowledged that God is the ultimate
creator of change inside a human being (Wilson, 2010). However, there also exist other elements
such as duties relating to change that must be taken into consideration. Apostle Paul’s has been
used as an important example to explore childish thoughts. Paul’s words give a glimpse into how
individuals adopt youth ways of dealing with stress and challenging situations in life. i
Formula for change
The main formula of change is individuals make new decisions in an instance. Such a step
has the potential to alter the conduct and behaviour of humans. The initial phase that makes up
Wilson’s demonstration of change arises from differentiating injuries that have the ability to
impact an individual’s life. In the next step, individuals need to select new life-changing decisions.
The final step that Wilson has identified is substituting an incorrect childish perspective of God
with a perspective that is based on spirituality (Wilson, 2010). The author believes that Christ is
the ultimate healer for the sufferers of pain. Jerimiah 30:17 states, ‘I will give you back your health
and heal your wounds, says the lord.’ (NLT). The counselor can play an influential role to sow the
seeds to renew the trust in God.
Balancing theology and spirituality
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Spirituality acts as the foundation of Wilson’s theory. According to the author, Bible must
be used by counselors while deciding their value in Jesus Christ. Based on this theological
foundation, Wilson has pointed out that no one is worthless and no one is perfect. As per Wilson’s
counseling theology, religious philosophies must be hermeneutically stable in nature. But a strong
theology does not dampen the truth relating to spiritual experience. So, the Almighty would
always be experienced in the lives of human beings (Wilson, 2010). i
Human personality
Wilson has stated that human identity is the outcome of various encounters that an
individual experiences in his past and present lives. The elements that exist at the internal level and
external level come into play and influence an individual. The author believes that human beings
are the replica of God who are capable of experiencing enthusiasm as well as pain.
Function and role of Counselor
Wilson has stated in her book that the role of a counselor is of paramount importance. A
counselor serves as an important instrument that aids a client or counselee to understand the truth
and address doubts that might exist in his life. By focusing on these aspects, the client would be
able to progress towards the restorative path. A counselor is in a position to present the scriptural
truth to counselees and help them get closer to Christ. The author has further argued that
counselors need to create a sheltered space that can enable a client to distinguish the issues in his
life and discover the inspiration to bring transformation in his life. By consistently practicing new
alternatives, it is possible to bring change.
Major contribution to counseling
Author Wilson has written several books relating to a diverse range of subjects that can be
identified with biblical counseling. She has laid emphasis on family treatment. She also serves as
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an assistant educator at varying philosophical schools where she provides guidance on Christian
counseling. The information that she has shed in her book ‘Hurt People Hurt People’ can be used
by counselors to help hurt individuals have a proper healing process. By using scriptures,
counselors could help people to make change in their lives and overcome diverse issues. i i i
Limitations of this counseling theory
Even though the counseling theory that has been introduced by Wilson is highly useful, it
has several limitations as well. The spiritual guiding method that she has highlighted recognizes
Holy Spirit as the central figure who is responsible for the ‘change’ and ‘mend’ process. However,
she does not take into consideration the role of human beings to bring about a change in their lives.
The author has stressed the fact that a client or counselee must understand the truth to make the
counseling process a success. According to John 16:13, ‘When the Spirit of truth comes, he will
guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will
tell you about the future.’ It implies that the Holy Spirit acts as the ultimate guide to comprehend
the scriptures and reveal the heart’s truth (John 16:13. John 16:13, 2021). i
Classification
The theory of Wilson is categorized in the Christian Psychology sector. It has been
described as the biblical rooted practice that is capable of understanding an individual’s nature as
well as his psychological functioning. The theory of Wilson has been combined in the specific area
as it helps to blend the psychological and spiritual goals into a single directing model.
Practical application
Wilson’s theory is highly applicable and relevant to the ministry of counseling, especially
in areas that involve trauma and abuse victims. One of the main highlights of the model is its
simple nature. Its resourceful and simple approach helps to recognize issues, bring about changes
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and get to the truth. As responsible adults, it is necessary to correct any kind of distortion by
learning the ultimate truth about the Almighty. Wilson has pointed out that the individuals who
have sinned are likely to sin against others as well. The theory has been proven to be accurate by
conducting a law enforcement experiment for students. The theory can be used in the practical
setting to adopt collaborative approaches to deal with youth issues due to mischievous actions. i
Brief example of impact on a counseling moment
A suitable case of Wilson’s hypothesis impacting a counseling moment is when a
counselor helps his client to distinguish youth sexual misconduct. According to the author,
individuals who are harmed would use outrage to obscure sadness and/or blame relating to the past
life experience. A counselor could play an instrumental role and help the client to understand the
reality of the blame or sadness so that the truth from the scriptures can be used to deal with the
issue. i
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References
John 16:13 . John 16:13. (2021). Retrieved November 25, 2021, from
https://biblehub.com/john/16-13.htm.
Wilson, S. D. (2010). Hurt people hurt people: Hope and healing for yourself and your
relationships. Our Daily Bread Publishing.
