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. c Christian spirituality is also
about adhering to and applying the Word of God in our lives. c 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. c The secular psychologists, while they may
have some Christian affiliation, there is a great mix of non-Christian beliefs. c 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. c 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?" c
(Garzon, 2011). Depending on the state of the client, this may not be a helpful
situation. c Such presentation c 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. c 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. c “Historically, most systems of psychology have had either a
neutral or negative position toward religion and spirituality”. (Watt, p318) c
Therefore, there could not be a healthy relationship to produce the necessary
outcome. c The limitations of this type of counseling relationship could result in
the client forsaking their religious beliefs. c Watt goes on to say that research
shows that some Christian clients exhibit certain fears when facing secular
therapists. c 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
