Definition
Christian Spirituality places the emphasis on educating and developing an
awareness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and acknowledge the work
of the Holy Spirit in every situation. This brings about the connections of
sins in our lives, who are, and who we are to become. Christian
spirituality is also about adhering to and applying the Word of God in our
lives. This facilitates healing and changes that takes place from the inside
out.
Contrast the secular use of spirituality with the Christian
Spirituality as reflected by Dr. Garzon.
The polls show that there is a greater amount of people with a Christian
affiliation than clinical psychologists. The secular psychologists, while
they may have some Christian affiliation, there is a great mix of non-
Christian beliefs. Dr. Garzon states, “46% of clinical psychologists
identified themselves as Christian, 38% endorsed other religions, and 16%
stated they were agnostic, atheists, or had no religious faith” (Garzon,
2011). With this diverse degree of non-Christian beliefs, secular use of
spirituality cannot be incorporated with any substance to any clients,
Christians or not. On the other hand, Christian spirituality fully
incorporate the uncompromised Word of God to clients who often prefers
Christian principles such as, prayer and scripture without a request made.
Dr. Garzon says of secular counselors attempting to use spirituality with
their clients: “therapists who misjudge a client's spirituality or impose
their values on clients jeopardize the therapeutic relationship.
Consequently, careful assessment and informed consent are needed
before incorporating spirituality in therapy. Such assessment can begin
with two simple questions: 'is spiritual resources important in your
coping?" If the answer is yes, the second question is appropriate. "Would
you like to discuss them in treatment when relevant?" (Garzon, 2011).
Depending on the state of the client, this may not be a helpful situation.
Such presentation lacks passion and desire to impart such important
information that can bring about lifelong remedy.
Appraisal of the effectiveness of a secular therapist using
spirituality in counseling with a Christian client. Would this be
effective?
A secular therapist using spirituality in counseling with a Christian client
could not be effective. Watts says, “Without understanding their clients’
spiritual perspectives, therapists are operating with a vital value system
and possibly even a member of the, God, left at home and ignored”
(Watts, p. 316)
A secular therapists could not give thoughtful attention and respect to a
Christian client. “Historically, most systems of psychology have had
either a neutral or negative position toward religion and spirituality”.
(Watt, p318) Therefore, there could not be a healthy relationship to
produce the necessary outcome. The limitations of this type of counseling
relationship could result in the client forsaking their religious beliefs. Watt
goes on to say that research shows that some Christian clients exhibit
certain fears when facing secular therapists. This could compound their
issues rather than help them.
References
Garzon, Fernando L., "Spirituality in Counseling" (2011). Faculty
Publications and Presentations.
62. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/ccfs_fac_pubs/62
Watts, R., “Biblically-based Christian spirituality and Adlerian
therapy” (2000). Journal of Individual Psychology Journal of Individual
Psychology, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265161440
