The article written by Fernando Garzon (2011) states that the counseling
literature continues to debate the specific definition of Spirituality in Counseling,
Garzon (2011) defines that Christian Spirituality focuses on cultivating an intimate
relationship with Jesus Christ that progressively transforms one’s values, sense of
purpose, beliefs, and lifestyle in the context of a faith community (Garzon, 2011). b
As reflected by Dr. Garzon (2011), the contrast of secular use of spirituality with
Christian spirituality, the author compares the US population consists of 90% of
the citizens believes there is a God, 80% try to live according to their faith, and
about 85% self-identify as Christians, only 46% of mental health clinical
psychologists identified themselves as Christians (Garzon, 2011). b Garzon
provides guidelines such as the need to follow ethical code when dealing with
spirituality, empirical support, assessment, and intervention, and training in areas
the lacked spirituality as a key instructional component.
A secular therapist using spirituality in counseling with a Christian client may not
be effective depending on the goals, beliefs, spiritual growth, and their personal
relationship with Christ. b Even though some of the forms of therapy used by
secular counselors are compatible with the Christian faith. b According to Watts
(2000), the Adlerian psychotherapy approach toward religion is positive and views
God as obtaining the concept of perfection, and religion as the manifestation of
social interest (p. 316). b Watts (2000) explains the secular counseling process is
similar to that of the Christian counselor’s process in that they both; seek a
respectable client-therapist relationship with strong therapeutic alliance; the goal is
the development or enhancement of the client’s social interest; be an
encouragement by demonstrating concern and empathy; and utilize techniques
that explore and encourage change in the cognitive, experimental and behavioral
in a language in which the client is comfortable with (p. p. 323-325). b Watts (2000)
states, “In helping Christian clients, counselors should use techniques that are
consistent with their clients’ belief systems” (p. 325).
b b b b b b b b b b The limitations of this type of counseling relationship, the secular
therapist may not address a client’s beliefs, and concerns. b They may push their
religious or non-religious worldviews on their client. They may not know how to
utilize scripture in their session when it is needed, and the client may not feel that
the therapist helped to the best of their abilities. Another limitation is the debates
on spirituality among the different authors, there needs to be a solution so they all
can be on one accord when it comes to helping those hurting.
References
Garzon, Fernando L (2011). Spirituality in counseling. Faculty Publications and
Presentation.
62. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/ccfs_fac_pubs/62 Links to an
external site.
Watts, R. E. (2000). Biblical-based Christian spirituality and Adlerian
psychotherapy. The
Journal of individual psychology, Vol.56, No. 3. University of Texas Press.
