Fernando Garzon (2011) suggests that counseling literature “continues to debate
specific definitions of spirituality.” Garzon defines Christian Spirituality as “the
cultivating an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ that progressively transforms
one’s values, a sense of purpose, beliefs and lifestyles, and the context of a faith
community. Dr. Glenn Scorgie says Christian spirituality is the domain of lived
Christian experience, living all of life, not just the esoteric portion of it before God,
through Christ in the transforming, empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
Succinctly Define Christian Spirituality
Thus, Christian Spirituality is defined as cultivating and living a transformed life in
an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ by the empowering presence of the
Holy Spirit.
Contrast the Secular Use of Spirituality with the Christian Spirituality
Garzon (2011) contrasts the 85% of the United States population, who self-identify
as Christians with 46% of Christian clinical psychologists. The gap highlights the
importance of counselors in increasing their sensitivity to spiritual matters.
Secular therapists using spirituality in counseling with a Christina client may be
somewhat effective. There are forms of secular therapy that are potentially
compatible with Christianity. Richard Watts (2000) suggests that Adler’s Individual
Psychology aligns with Christianity by emphasizing human responsibility, cognitive
development, relational connections, and the capacity for human transformation.
The most important connection between Individual Psychology and Christianity is
the relational aspect that Adler terms “social interest” (Watts, 2000). Individual
Psychology highlights the importance of valuing others, and their Christian
counterparts hinge on a person’s relationships with God, others, and themselves.
The secular counselor using a compatible form of therapy can effectively use
spirituality in counseling with a Christian client. b
The secular therapist could give thoughtful attention and respect to a Christian
client with certain forms of therapy. b Watts (2000) identified four respectful
aspects of the Adlerian psychotherapeutic process. 1) the alliance between the
counselor and the client is of utmost importance (Watts, 2000, p. 323). 2) the
goal of facilitating new cognitive structures is maintained (Watts, 2000, p. 323). 3)
an emphasis on encouragement is promoted (Watts, 2000, p. 324). 4) several
techniques that align with Scripture, such as listening, teaching, and challenging
are encouraged (Watts, 2000, 325). When utilizing these four techniques, the
counselor can provide an environment of thoughtfulness and respect.
Limitations
The primary limitation found in Individual Psychology and all secular psychologies
is that they lack a solution to the human condition. Dr. Larry Crabb (2013)
suggests that humans overcome inferiority by finding significance and security by
understanding their identity in Christ within an environment of unconditional love
(pp. 71-72). Benner believes healing involves efforts to help someone overcome
an impairment. Benner suggests having empathy for the individual, demonstrating
care and love, active listening, emphasizing positive regard and God in the
process (Baker, Liberty). A limitation of Benner’s theory of counseling is built
around the “inability or unwillingness of a counselor to openly demonstrate the
love of God” (Baker). b While Christian counselors gain high marks for helping a
person to trust in the process, secular psychologies ultimately fail.
References
1. Baker, David. Spirituality in Counseling.
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/117942/pages/watch-spirituality-in-
counseling?module_item_id=17061620
2. Crabb, L. (2013). Effective biblical counseling: A model for helping
caring Christians become capable counselors. Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan.
3. Garzon, F. L. (2011). Spirituality in counseling. Faculty Publications and
Presentations, 62.
4. Watts, R. E. (2000). Biblically-based Christian spirituality and Alderian
therapy. Journal of individual psychology, 56(3), 316–328.me-
cure/201302/hurry-sickness
