From the perspective of religious culture, this discussion will define, and contrast
secular spirituality versus Christian Spirituality as reflected by Garzon 2011 in his
Spirituality in Counseling article. Whereas counseling literature debates the
definition of spirituality and separates this concept from religion, Christians
“intertwine” the two. Garzon suggests that Christian spirituality means focusing on
developing an intimate relationship with Christ “that progressively transforms one’s
values, sense of purpose, beliefs, and lifestyle in the context of a faith community”
Garzon (2011) contrasts the United States population, who are 85% Christian, with
clinical psychologists who are 46% Christian (p. 62). These statistics reflect how
Christianity continues to predominate though out our land, in spite of the
counterculture. b b
Garzon (2011) states that secular spirituality promotes meditation and church
participation for social reinforcement, focusing on an individual’s emotional and
physical fitness. b This is also true of the Christian life. b Proverbs 4:20-22 reads:
“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not
depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.” b God desires for us
to be active in worship, meditation, and prayer and this builds our faith and
physical well-being. b This helps solidify and mold our values, as well as clarify
Christian Spirituality so that we can assist those who are in need.
Christian spirituality is required and can be used by qualified clinicians to
successfully promote the values of those they are attempting to assist. b
Psychologists who historically practiced the separation of faith from therapy have
now modified their belief system and are more receptive to the view that clients
deserve to trust in something greater than themselves. b Garzon’s (2011) article
reflects that spirituality has been shown to have a significant effect on physical
and mental health in several studies. b At a minimum, church participation helps
people feel less alone and provides social support and encouragement and
additionally serves to meet deeper spiritual needs. b b Clients of faith favor
therapists who implement prayer, Scripture, and other faith tools into counseling
sessions.
A secular therapist using spirituality in counseling with a Christian client may be
“somewhat effective”. b Further, some forms of secular therapy may potentially be
compatible with Christianity. Richard Watts (2000) asserts that Adler’s Individual
Psychology conforms with Christianity by emphasizing human responsibility,
cognitive development, relational connections, and the capacity for human
transformation (p. 319). An important connection between Individual Psychology
and Christianity is Adler’s “social interest” theory (Watts, 2000, p. 320). Both
Individual Psychology and Christianity value others; however, a primary difference
is Christianity requires a work of grace, a transforming and intimate relationship
with Jesus Christ.
A secular therapist could give thoughtful attention and respect to a Christian client
with certain forms of therapy. Watts (2000) identifies four respectful aspects of the
Adlerian psychotherapeutic process: the alliance between the counselor and the
client (Watts, 2000, p. 323); the goal of facilitating new cognitive structures are
maintained (Watts, 2000, p. 323); an emphasis on encouragement is promoted
(Watts, 2000, p. 324); and several techniques that align with Scripture, such as
listening, teaching, and challenges are encouraged (Watts, 2000, 325). By utilizing
these techniques, the therapist can provide an environment of thoughtfulness and
respect.
The primary limitation of Individual Psychology and secular psychologies is a lack
of a viable solution to the human condition. T. L. Brink (1999), “Individual
Psychology”, asserts that the central problem of humanity is a feeling of inferiority
(pp. 614-615). Adler’s solution to compensating for inferiority is through
enhancement of social interest through friends, family, and career (Brink, 1999, p.
615). Friends help overcome inferiority by allowing one to be important to
someone else (Brink, 1999, p. 615). Larry Crabb (2013) provides the Biblical
response by suggesting that individuals overcome inferiority by finding significance
and security through an understanding of their identity in Christ within an
environment of unconditional love (pp. 71-72). Adler’s compensation for inferiority
by finding worth and value in friends, family, and career undermines the Gospel,
causing clients to be misguided to seek a counterfeit substitute for God by
engaging in social programs. This is not a reasonable solution compared to the
peace and satisfaction that only God can give. b Friendships and social interaction
may be enjoyable for a season but ultimately people disappoint, and secular
psychologies fail.
In conclusion, although a secular therapist applying spirituality in counseling with a
Christian client may appear thoughtful and respectful, and “somewhat effective”,
this approach has limited benefit. b However, accepting God’s Biblical truths and
having a personal relationship with Him is mutually beneficial for the well-being of
both the counselor and the client. b Accordingly, psychologists are advised to
develop a better understanding of the Word of God and apply it to their own
hearts and lives prior to providing effective Christian therapy. John 6:63 reads: “It
is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto
you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
References
Crabb, L. (2013). Effective biblical counseling: A model for helping caring
Christians become
b b b b b b b b b b capable counselors. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Garzon, F. L. (2011). Spirituality in counseling. Faculty Publications and
Presentations, 62.
Watts, R. E. (2000). Biblically Based Christian Spirituality and Adlerian Therapy.
Journal of
b b b b b b b b b b individual psychology, 56(3), 316–328.
