The Art of Christian Counseling: Working Outline
Stephen N Jackson
Liberty University
Course and Section: PACO 507-B02 LUO: Theology and Spirituality in Counseling
Instructor:
Jaeduk Kim
I. Introduction
The most important influences in any approach to should be Christian counseling
theology, psychology, and Scripture. Utilizing these three with priority being given to Scripture
along with multitasking will insure that the client will receive the best care possible. This paper
will attempt to lay out an approach to Christian counseling that will encompass the following: a
delineation of personality structure; an explanation of motivation; a description of human
development; an accounting for individual differences; a definition of health; a definition of
illness; a definition of the elements in a comprehensive theory of cure; a development of the
techniques that govern/guide the therapeutic process; a demonstration of effectiveness; and an
explanation of how the overall theory relates to a comprehensive worldview.
It is necessary within the counseling context to ask “What is happening?” rather than
“Why is it happening?” in order to focus on finding a solution to the problem rather than the
reason behind the problem. Understanding the total aspect of a human being and every physical,
emotional, and spiritual influence can allow the counselor to “source problems and co-create
solution(s) which facilitate counselees’ ‘relocation’ ” (Rice 2009).[1]
II. Personality
The structure of personality is important in understanding how to help the client. Crabb
states the human personality is best described as being composed of two parts, the physical or
material and the personal or non-material. “The body belongs to the physical side and the spirit
and soul to the personal.” However within Hawkins’ model the personality is more structured[2]
as he takes into account the many forces that shape personality. He proposes the personality is
made up of the core self, the connected self, the covered self, the constrained self, and the
cycling self all of which are influenced by inside and outside factors. Some of these factors
include: the sin nature as well as the influence of the Holy Spirit within the core; feelings, will,
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and thoughts within the soul; the relationship of the body with the challenges and problems
people face; temporal systems that include family, friends, education, government, and church;
and supernatural systems which include God, angels, Satan, and demons. All of these
factors an important role in shaping personality and perceptions of reality, while at the sameplay
time present an understanding the sourcing of human problems.
III. Motivation
Crabb states that “motivation, as a generalized drive to meet personal needs, is also a
normal, necessary part of personality.” Human behavior can be influenced in many [3]
ways. Beliefs, thoughts, experiences all play a part in directing and motivating human
behavior. There are many of thought that give depth to this argument and however schools
effective they may be individually, the counselor who is able to incorporate all of them within a
counseling model will be ready for anything. All throughout his book Crabb emphasizes
significance and security in relationships and how every problem a counselor might encounter
could be boiled down to one of these two concepts. He believes it is through significance and
security an individual’s one basic need of personal worth will be satisfied. Sandra Wilson, in [4]
her book “ approaches the issue of motivation by emphasizing the Hurt People Hurt People”,
importance of outside influences.
She believes the experiences individuals have encountered in the past as well as daily
experiences create unseen wounding. Wilson supposes that the root of these unseen wounds are
the result of the conviction that human beings should be able to take whatever comes their way
without feeling anything. It is this belief that leads one to the assumption that they are flawed if
they cannot handle situations in this manner, and it is the shame of being different that results in
motivation.[5] Backus and Chapian take a different route deeming that the thoughts and beliefs
one has about his past, present, or future will have a direct impact on the way he behaves. They
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draw this assumption from the Scriptures that teach “man’s feelings, passions, and behaviors are
subject to and conditioned by the way he thinks.” Lastly, Neil Anderson’s “[6] The Bondage
Breaker” highlights the belief, whether real or imagined that people are their own gods. It is this
belief that is the driving force of the world and lends to their spiritual bondage to the kingdom of
darkness. He states man is born into the world physically alive but spiritually dead according to
Ephesians 2:1. This separation from God has caused man to seek to make a name for himself in
an attempt to have purpose. Through pride, self-exaltation, and independence from God, man
proclaims himself god over his own life, thereby agreeing with and giving control to the
kingdom of darkness. The understanding and implementation of each of these theories would [7]
be a great foundation approach for a pastoral counseling context in which brings freedom and
behavioral change.
IV. Human Development
The idea that personality changes across one’s lifespan is not a new concept, theorists have been
grappling with this issue for years. During the 1800- 1900s Freud introduced his concept of the
infantile, latency, genital, and maturity stages of personality development. Around the same [8]
time Carl Jung introduced his stages of development believing that personality develops through
a series of stages that culminate in individualism. These stages included: childhood, youth,
middle life, and old age. Eric Erickson also developed his own theory as he expanded Freud’s[9]
concepts, “assuming a linear view of existence; that is, one stage leads to the next.” Kollar [10]
suggests a Biblical view of personality development that is founded on sin, separation from God,
redemption, and new life, emphasizing the starting point being God’s intention. He believes
humanistic theories of development are lacking in that they paint a picture of development apart
from God and stresses that psychology and anthropology must be enlighten by theology.[11] It
is clear from these views that as a person matures the experiences felt in life will alter his/her
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personality. Sometimes this change can be good leading to normal development and growth. At
other times however, experiences in life can be traumatic and hurtful leading to abnormal
development and destructive behavior.
V. Individual Differences
Hawkins states that it is important that as counselors we understand the “shaping
influences that have contributed to the development of the ideas, feelings, and choices of the
client.”[12] These influences result in individual differences and can stem from many places as a
human being matures. Personality traits such as discussed in Hart’s book “The Anxiety Cure”,
can influence how a person perceives events, people, and life. Family dynamics and [13]
generational issues are addressed by Sandra Wilson as she discusses the issue of childhood hurts
that lead to destructive behavior as an adult. As we develop we learn destructive behaviors from
our parents who learned from their parents and so on. She states, “Whatever our childhood
circumstances, because of normal developmental limitations, we had no option except to receive
everything our parents and other adults modeled and told us was true.” Crabb suggests that [14]
personality differences can be seen in children as they develop from one stage to the next trying
to meet his/her personal needs.[15]
A. Definition of Health
There must be a goal to work toward within every counseling model. For the Christian
counselor the overarching goal must be to bring the client to a place where they become the
image bearer of God, as was intended in the first place. In order to achieve this goal a strategy of
intervention must be implemented. Hawkins clearly defines his strategy of intervention within
his grid for tracking progress. He states, “There are areas that need to be investigated that
contribute to the shaping of the self and it is these areas in which the strengths or weaknesses
will be discovered. They are the areas of the Spiritual, the thoughts, the decision, the feelings,
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the relationships (system) and the body.” It is within these areas that the counselor would [16]
seek to help the client come to a place of wholeness and closeness to God. Cloud and Townsend,
in “ state that a person who is healthy displays certain characteristics: Boundaries in Marriage”,
they are open to feedback and correction; are not defensive; take ownership of own problems,
choices, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors; can see themselves and observe their behavior; value
relationships; value the individuality of others; allow others to be different; respect other’s
differences; and see their own need for growth. When all of these attributes are in place then[17]
an individual can live out of a place of obedience to the two greatest commandments; “love the
Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul and love your neighbor as yourself.”(Matthew 22:37-
39) This truly is being an image barer of God.
B. Definition of Illness
There are many theories on mental illness and its parameters. Many theorists consider
illness to be anxiety, compulsive disorders, personality disorders, psychological disorders,
behavioral disorders, and the list can go on and on. Both Christian and secular psychologists
agree illness is a break from the socialistic norms that are in place. Alfred Adler spent the
majority of his early career writing almost exclusively on the inadequate personality. He
formulated a theory which suggested that an underdeveloped social interest was the cause of all
maladjustments in personality. He explains further that these individuals are “failures in life
because they are over concerned with themselves and care little about others.” Although this [18]
definition may be a little vague and not fully take into consideration all the nuances of
personality, experience, trauma, and relationships; it does appear to be the opposite of the image
of God and therefore can clearly be a viable option for consideration as that is our goal. Illness
has many causes; as noted earlier Wilson emphasizes outside influences as well as hereditary
make up, while Hart singles out personality type and drive that cause burnout.
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Cloud and Townsend contend illness stems from a lack of boundaries, while Backus and
Chapian hold to thoughts and beliefs to which the individual agrees. All of these theories have
their place and are valid expression of causes, however as a Christian I must fall back to the
beginning when sin entered the garden and Adam and Eve were deceived. Sin is at the very
heart of illness, it is Satan’s intent to steal, kill, and destroy mankind and he will use every
opportunity available. (John 10:10) Andy Reece in his book Freedom Tools, he states, “The
pain, failure, hindrance, sin or demonic torment in a person’s life had a source, a beginning point,
and origin. It may not have been the person’s doing at all, but that of someone against
them.”[19] He goes on to explain the principle of sowing and reaping found in Galatians 6:7-
8. Whether illness is a result of reaping from our own sin or the sin of others, it still originates
from sin.
VI. Elements in a Comprehensive Theory of Cure
In Hawkins’ model of strategic intervention he clearly lays out a plan of action that leads
to freedom for the entire person. He proposes each part of the self is in need of a cure and must
be included in any comprehensive model of counseling. Starting with the core self he advises a
spiritual strategy of restoring the image of God within the individual. Next working with the
connected self one must think soulically, making sure spiritual disciplines are in place. Following
this the covered self must be addressed by thinking somatically. Is the body being taken care of
through exercise and eating right? With the constrained self, one must think systematically.
What are the things in the natural and supernatural world that are affecting the life of the client
either negatively or positively? Lastly, the cycling self where one thinks synergistically, taking
into consideration every aspect of life. The entire person must be addressed with looking for[20]
a cure as dysfunction in one area will have an impact on other areas of the self.
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When addressing each part of the person, it is important for the cure to entail strategies
that will be most beneficial for each area. Within the core and connected self, Backus and
Chapian propose taking the client through a three step approach of locating the misbelief,
removing the misbelief, and replacing the misbelief with truth in order to bring the individual
back in line with their identity of being an image barer of God. For the covered self Hart [21]
proposes rest and relaxation to combat anxiety, stating, “There is no tool more crucial to
recovery from anxiety than the ability to produce a relaxation response.” The constrained [22]
self is affected by natural and supernatural forces and according to Anderson must be confronted
with truth in order for the client to be set free from the bondage of them. He states, “Freedom
from spiritual conflicts and bondage is not a power encounter; it’s a truth encounter.” Lastly, [23]
the cycling self takes into account all of these strategies in order to form a comprehensive
counseling model, that brings complete healing for the individual.
VIII. Development of the Techniques that Govern/Guide the Therapeutic Process
When developing a therapeutic model of counseling one of the first steps toward success
is making sure the counselee feels comfortable and safe. Every counselee is different and will
have varying needs, so it is important that the counselor build a rapport at the beginning that will
open the door for cooperation and healing. Crabb states, “Counseling is a relationship.
Relationship interactions vary depending on the temperaments, problems, or personalities of the
people involved. A counselor that can establish relationship from the very beginning will [24]
have better success in the long run. One of the common threads found throughout the resources
used for this paper is the concept of truth. Wilson, Backus and Chapian, Reece, and Anderson all
agree that helping the client to understand the truth and let go of misbeliefs is one of the most
important steps in any therapeutic process. Reece appears to incorporate the methodologies of
all the others to come up with a five phase process. He calls it “the fruit loop” and it includes the
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following: (1) Fruit – What is going on? The goal of fruit is to bring some definition to current
events, in a gentle and noncategorizing way. (2) Root – Where did it come from and
why? Question the client about the first occurrences, origins, and reasons. (3) Boot – Clear out
the problems using techniques of forgiveness and releasing judgment, renouncing lies and
agreeing with truth, and taking authority over demonic oppression. (4) Loot – Take back what
was stolen by looking for God’s intention in the situation both current and past, as well as God’s
destiny objective of blessing and for what has been stolen. (5) Scoot – Make life choices and
changes by identifying steps, decisions, and actions that should be taken to make the advance of
the Kingdom in the client’s life permanent.[25]
Hawkins’ analysis grid for guiding Biblical counseling is similar and would be helpful as
well. He incorporates a strategy through a four phase process. This process includes: (1)
Listening well to the presenting story. (2) Develop with the counselee a preferred future. (3)
Develop an action plan. (4) Connect the counselee to the community for the purpose of receiving
support, encouragement, and accountability.[26]
Lastly, Benner, in “ approaches the therapeutic process Strategic Pastoral Counseling”,
by incorporating specific characteristics that he considers to be imperative for the counselee’s
freedom. These characteristics include: (1) Brief and time-limited sessions. (2) A holistic
approach. (3) A structured approach. (4) Involvement of assigned homework. (5) A church- based
approach. (6) A spiritually-focused approach. (7) An explicitly Christian approach.[27]
As the counselor approaches the counseling session and implements the elements listed above
the experience can be maximized or compromised according to the extent the counselee becomes
involved in the process. Cloud and Townsend refer to those individuals who cooperate with the
process as boundary lovers and those who don’t as boundary resisters. Sometimes there are [28]
misconceptions about the problems the counselee may be facing. Anderson addresses this when
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he discusses common misconceptions about bondage. He states by moving from a Western
worldview to a Biblical worldview the counselee will be able to dispel the wrong beliefs about
the spiritual world that keeps him/her in darkness.
A. Demonstration of Effectiveness
The most convincing evidence to support the accuracy and effectiveness of any
theoretical assumption is a changed life. When a counselee comes into a counseling session
distraught and in pain, if the counselor can see a visible change in their countenance as they
leave then they can know their methods were affective. When there is visible evidence of a
destructive behavior being turned into a constructive behavior the counselor can be assured they
are doing something right. When a couple comes into a counseling session on the brink of
divorce and a few months later are happily married again the counselor can know they are on the
right track. If the methods being incorporated within the counseling model are in line with the
Word of God and bring hope for change to the counselee results will be seen. By following the
leading of the Spirit first while applying Biblical techniques one can be assured success. Reece
states it this way, “God’s solutions are few and simple, depend on honest, humble hearts, require
that we listen to Him in the midst of ministry and rely on faith in His power and willingness to
help us.”[29]
B. Explanation of How the Overall Theory Relates to a Comprehensive Worldview
It was not God’s intent for Christians to tolerate bondage and unhealthy restraints in their
lives, because what is tolerated eventually dominates. Jesus was the example on earth for us to
follow even stating, “…He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and
greater than these he will do…” (John 14:12) The freedom found in following after the works
example of Jesus and living out the promise of His word is the true inheritance Jesus left for all
who believe on Him. The reality of sin and a sin nature is something to contend with on a daily
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basis but its power over the Christian is only as strong as it is perceived. (Romans 5:12
-21) Jesus came to earth, suffered, died, and rose again so every Christian could walk in
authority and freedom from sin and oppression. (Luke 10:19) Sin will always be a part of this
world, but it doesn’t have to be a part of the world of the Christian. Believers live in a new
Kingdom, one of provision (Matthew 6:33), one of authority over demons (Matthew 12:28, Luke
11:20), one of the sick being healed (Luke 10:9), and one of “righteousness and peace and joy in
the Holy Spirit.”( Romans 14:17)
C. Conclusion
The model proposed within the context of this paper will be one of generating solutions
that will be effective in producing freedom for any individual as it is based on the premise that
God does supply resources and solutions that can be expressed and simplified, working alongside
the church to bring about a collaborative process of change. In an effort for freedom the [30]
model will be a facilitator of the restoration of the client’s relationship with Father God and
therefore re-establish his/her identity and destiny, working toward the removal of the deception,
sin, and resulting emotional pain that hinders the abundant life that Jesus died for every believer
to live. (Romans 5:17) Within this context the counselor will give attention to nine elements of
the person in an attempt to offer a complete and extensive counseling experience, whereby no
part of the person is left out of the process. The nine elements would include: body, cognition,
feelings, volition, human spirit, Holy Spirit, sin, temporal systems, and supernatural systems.
A complete counseling session would also incorporate concepts drawn from theology,
psychology, and spirituality, giving weight to theology as the foundational truth from which to
build as well as bring balance to the model. Proverbs 1:2 instructs us “To know wisdom and
instruction, to perceive the words of understanding” The Hebrew term for wisdom, perceive .
and understanding used here is yada. This word has been translated ‘to know’ but in reality it
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means so much more. According to Paul Cox, “The meaning includes considered knowledge,
learning, to consider, ability to distinguish, to possess a developed sense of awareness,
professional skills, heightened consciousness, perception, intuition, and discernment.” This [31]
understanding gives new meaning to counseling and being led by the Holy Spirit. With further
study this Hebrew word can be found many other places within Scripture incorporating into its
meaning every aspect of our lives by means of the five physical senses and not just our
intellectual knowing. This understanding shows that God wants us to know Him within every
part of our being. In this one word God has incorporated not only the counselor’s job of hearing
God, but also His job of drawing the counselee to Himself body, soul, and spirit.[32]
[1], Dwight C. Rice. 2009. An overview of solution-focused pastoral counseling
influenced by
solution-focused brief therapy: PowerPoint Presentation. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University.
[2] Lawrence J. Crabb, Jr. Effective Biblical Counseling: A Model For Helping Caring
Christians Become Capable Counselors,(Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 1977), 88.
[3] Lawrence J. Crabb, Jr., (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Effective Biblical Counseling,
Publishing, 1977), 139.
[4] 61.Effective Biblical Counseling,
[5] Sandra D. Wilson, Hurt People Hurt People, Hope and Healing for Yourself and
Your Relationships, (Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House Publishing, 2001), 16-18.
[6] William Backus and Marie Chapian. Telling Yourself The Truth, (Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan Publishing, 1977), 16.
[7] Neil T. Anderson, The Bondage Breaker: Overcoming Negative Thoughts, Irrational
Feelings, and Habitual Sins, (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2000), 37.
[8] Jeff Feist & Gregory J. Feist, Theories of Personality, 5thed. (Boston, MA: McGraw
Hill, 2002), 39-47.
[9] Theories of Personality, 114-116.
[10] C. A. Kollar, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Solution-focused pastoral counseling,
Publishing House, 1997), 54.
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[11] 55.Solution-focused pastoral counseling,
[12] Ron. Hawkins, Pastoral Assessment Model: PowerPoint Presentation. Lynchburg,
VA: Liberty University, 2008.
[13] Archibald D. Hart, The Anxiety Cure, (Nashville, TN: Word Publishing, 1999), 3.
[14] Hurt People Hurt People, Hope and Healing for Yourself and
Your Relationships, 81.
[15] 117.Effective Biblical Counseling,
[16] Ron. Hawkins, Pastoral Assessment Model: PowerPoint Presentation. Lynchburg,
VA: Liberty University, 2008.
[17] Henry Cloud and John Townsend, (Grand Rapids, MI: Boundaries In Marriage,
Zondervan Publishing, 1999), 196.
[18] Theories of Personality,76.
[19] Andy Reece, Freedom Tools: For Overcoming Life’s Tough Problems,(Grand
Rapids, MI: Baker, 2008), 67.
[20] Ron. Hawkins, Pastoral Assessment Model: PowerPoint Presentation. Lynchburg,
VA: Liberty University, 2008.
[21] Telling Yourself The Truth, 16.
[22] The Anxiety Cure, 126.
[23] The Bondage Breaker: Overcoming Negative Thoughts, Irrational Feelings, and
Habitual Sins, 23.
[24] 148.Effective Biblical Counseling,
[25] Freedom Tools: For Overcoming Life’s Tough Problems,112-113.
[26] Ron. Hawkins, Pastoral Assessment Model: PowerPoint Presentation. Lynchburg,
VA: Liberty University, 2008.
[27] David G. Benner, Strategic Pastoral Counseling: A Short-Term Structured
Model. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2003), 48.
[28] 193-232.Boundaries In Marriage,
[29] Freedom Tools: For Overcoming Life’s Tough Problems,96.
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[30] An overview of solution-focused pastoral counseling influenced by
solution-focused brief therapy, 2009.
[31] Aslan’s Place. “Yada and the Gift of Discernment.” http://aslansplace.com/articles/?
0000000014.
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MI: Zondervan.
Anderson, N. T. (2006). The bondage breaker. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers.
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anxiety, fear, anger, and other common problems by applying the principles of misbelief therapy.
Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers.
Cloud, H. & Townsend, J. (1999). Boundaries in Marriage. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Crabb, L. (1986). Effective biblical counseling: A model for helping caring Christians become
capable counselors. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Hart, A. D. (2001). The anxiety cure. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
Hawkins, R. (2006). Hawkins’ model for guiding the counseling process. Lynchburg, VA:
Liberty University, Counseling Department.
McMinn, M. (1996). Psychology, theology and spirituality in Christian counseling. Wheaton,
IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Wilson, S. (2001). Hurt people hurt people: Hope and healing for yourself and your
relationships. Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House Publishers
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