Definition
Christian Spirituality places the emphasis on educating and developing an
awareness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and acknowledge the work of the
Holy Spirit in every situation. This brings about the connections of sins in our
lives, who are, and who we are to become. b Christian spirituality is also about
adhering to and applying the Word of God in our lives. b This facilitates healing
and changes that takes place from the inside out.
Contrast the secular use of spirituality with the Christian Spirituality as reflected
by Dr. Garzon.
The polls show that there is a greater amount of people with a Christian affiliation
than clinical psychologists. b The secular psychologists, while they may have some
Christian affiliation, there is a great mix of non-Christian beliefs. b Dr. Garzon
states, “46% of clinical psychologists identified themselves as Christian, 38%
endorsed other religions, and 16% stated they were agnostic, atheists, or had no
religious faith” (Garzon, 2011). With this diverse degree of non-Christian beliefs,
secular use of spirituality cannot be incorporated with any substance to any
clients, Christians or not. b On the other hand, Christian spirituality fully incorporate
the uncompromised Word of God to clients who often prefers Christian principles
such as, prayer and scripture without a request made. Dr. Garzon says of secular
counselors attempting to use spirituality with their clients: “therapists who
misjudge a client's spirituality or impose their values on clients jeopardize the
therapeutic relationship. Consequently, careful assessment and informed consent
are needed before incorporating spirituality in therapy. Such assessment can
begin with two simple questions: 'is spiritual resources important in your coping?"
If the answer is yes, the second question is appropriate. "Would you like to
discuss them in treatment when relevant?" b (Garzon, 2011). Depending on the
state of the client, this may not be a helpful situation. b Such presentation b lacks
passion and desire to impart such important information that can bring about
lifelong remedy.
Appraisal of the effectiveness of a secular therapist using spirituality in
counseling with a Christian client. Would this be effective?
A secular therapist using spirituality in counseling with a Christian client could not
be effective. b Watts says, “Without understanding their clients’ spiritual
perspectives, therapists are operating with a vital value system and possibly even
a member of the, God, left at home and ignored” (Watts, p. 316)
A secular therapists could not give thoughtful attention and respect to a Christian
client. b “Historically, most systems of psychology have had either a neutral or
negative position toward religion and spirituality”. (Watt, p318) b Therefore, there
could not be a healthy relationship to produce the necessary outcome. The
limitations of this type of counseling relationship could result in the client
forsaking their religious beliefs. b Watt goes on to say that research shows that
some Christian clients exhibit certain fears when facing secular therapists. b This
could compound their issues rather than help them.
References
Garzon, Fernando L., "Spirituality in Counseling" (2011). Faculty Publications and
Presentations. 62. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/ccfs_fac_pubs/62 Links
to an external site.
Watts, R., “Biblically-based Christian spirituality and Adlerian therapy” (2000).
Journal of Individual Psychology Journal of Individual Psychology,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265161440
