Although there is a variety of definitions of Christian Counseling, but, there is one
that sums it up in a nutshell. b According to Garzon (2011), "Christian spirituality
focuses on cultivating an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ that
progressively transforms one's values, a sense of purpose, beliefs, and lifestyle in
the context of a faith community." In order for Christian Counselors to be
effective, they must have a personal relationship with Christ to fully understand
and comprehend the nature of God before trying to counsel someone else
biblically. It's the individuals faith in the Lord that would move mountains. Garzon
(2011) found that in the Christian realm, "90% of the US believe there is a God,
more than 80% live according to their faith, and 85% identify themselves as
Christians." In contrast, in the mental health sector, Garzon explains the findings
of Delaney, Miller, and Bosono, which showed the major difference in percentages
of mental health counsels who identify themeselves, has faith, or consider to be a
part of another religion. For instances, "only 46% of clinical psychologist view
themselves as Christians, 38% endorsed other religion, and 16% views themselves
as agnostic, atheists, or had no faith" (Garzon, 2011). The only way for Christian
Counseling to be effective everything has to be based off the Truth which the
Word of God (Scriptures). b Its the Word that transforms the individuals mind and
heart. When the counselee has the understanding that they can't do it alone, the
reason why Jesus did what he did on the cross, and also have the understanding
on why God has to be apart of their suffering will bring them a sense of peace
and hope to their situation. When God is in the midst of our suffering then there
is hope and when he's not then hope seems to be lost. The Word of God says All
things work together for the good for those who Loves the Lord and are called
according to his purpose (New King James, Romans 8:28). The highlight in that
scripture is "For Those Who Loves the Lord" without the transformation of the
mind and heart in the Lord we won't have the peace, joy, or hope that we are
looking for. With all that said, a secular therapist using spirituality in counseling
with a Christain client b is a good thing but will not be effective if the counselor
doesn't have a relationship with God. It will take the guidance of the Holy Spirit to
help the counselor in the counseling process in how to handle and counsel the
Christian client. b If the secular therapist doesn't have the full understanding of the
scripture, understands God's nature, or has personally experienced God then he or
she can easily misguide the Christian client in the wrong direction. The Word of
God says, "trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own
understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct you paths
(New King James, Proverbs 3:5). When defining Christian Spirituality as Dr. Garzon
explains we look at the continued debate of religion, theology, with that of mental health
professionals. There is also an understanding of ethical and empirical support regarding
the inclusion of spirituality in counseling. b Early historical counselors would adopt a
“don't ask, don't tell" policy in previous decades regarding a client's faith. b Ethical
support for spirituality in counseling lead to a different approach for accepting a
counselee having a spiritual culture in their lives. b “Accordingly, the ethics codes of all
professional mental-health organizations now include religion and spirituality as
important components of culturally sensitive treatment.” (Garzon) Numerous studies
indicate spirituality can positively impact a person's physical and mental health (Koenig,
2004). (Garzon) b There is evidence to prove that participation in church services is
beneficial in treating some diseases or conditions. b However, if people use spirituality
more extrinsically (for self focused reasons, such as inclusion in the right social circles,
etc.) are more vulnerable to mental health issues. b Some clients that are more
committed to their faith are more likely to seek counseling from counselors who
incorporate prayer, scripture, faith resources in their therapy. b b b A secular counselor
wouldn’t fully understand the importance of of devotional materials, prayer or scripture
being incorporated into therapy for a Christian counselee. b They may try to incorporate
religious materials to better meet the needs of their client, but they will still fall short
because of the lack of study of the scriptures and they themselves having a relationship
with God that they can glean from.
Garzon, F., L (2011). Spirituality in Counseling. Liberty University: Faculty
Publication and presentations
The Holy Bible (2013). New King James, Proverbs 3:5: Thomas Nelson
The Holy Bible (2013). New King James, ROmans 8:28: Thomas Nelson
