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. c
The secular therapist could give thoughtful attention and respect to a Christian
client with certain forms of therapy. 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). c 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
