Defining Christian Spirituality
Dr. Garzon's article succinctly defines Christian Spirituality and contrasts
the secular use of spirituality with the Christian Spirituality as reflected by
Dr. Garzon.
Christian Spirituality focuses on cultivating an intimate relationship with
Jesus Christ that progressively transforms one's values, a sense of
purpose, belief, and lifestyle in the context of a faith community (Garzon,
2011)
The secular use of Spirituality with Christian spirituality has been a rapid
transition from outcast to important treatment.) Garson stated that 90% of
citizens in the United States believe in a God, and more than 80% try to
live according to their faith (Garzon, 2011). )With that statement, if
secular and religious therapists are sincere at helping others, we will find
approaches and means to assist our clients. )Religion and spirituality have
become important aspects of a client's culture (Garzon, 2011).) Christian
counselors are too careful to make assessments and use informed
consent with clients to incorporate spirituality in therapy (Garzon, 2011).)
Studies have shown the positive impact of spirituality on physical and
mental health. (Koenig, 2004).) Studies have shown that involvement in
the church provides critical support that decreases loneliness (Garzon,
2011). Devotion and mediation have helped treat hypertension, cardiac
conditions, and anxiety (Garzon, 2011). Clients deeply committed to their
faith appeared to prefer clinicians who could incorporate prayer,
scriptures, and other faith resources in therapy.
Using Dr. Watts' article, give your appraisal of the effectiveness of secular
therapists using spirituality in counseling with a Christian client. ) Would
this be effective? ) ) )Could a secular therapist give thoughtful attention and
respect to a Christian client?
) It is very effective for the secular therapist to use spirituality in
counseling with Christian clients. ))Spirituality refers to the relationship
between the person and a higher force, being power or God (Mahrer,
1996).) Secular therapists must have a personal, intimate relationship with
the Lord.) The therapist should be engaging in the sanctification process
of being conformed to the image of God for the sake of other (Watts,
2000). )Therapists share core beliefs with clients' biblical beliefs on faith
and spirituality. )Therapists are healthy and mature to trust in God's
saving grace God.) The Adlerian therapist may need to become more
conversant with the conservative theology and spirituality literature
(Watts, 2000).) Therapists can integrate theology and spirituality with
psychology and counseling. (Watts, 2000). )Adlerian Therapy parallels with
the Bible.
))))) I think a secular therapist can give thoughtful attention and respect to
a Christian client if the therapist has a personal relationship with the Lord
and is led by the spirit of the Lord. When in a therapeutic relationship with
a client, the therapist values the client's perspective regarding spirituality
and can meet the client where they are. ))
Watts talked about the importance of valuing a client's spirituality. He
stated, "Without understanding clients' spiritual perspectives, therapists
are "operating with a vital value system and possibly even a member of
the family, God, left at home and ignored" (Grizzle, 1992).) Spirituality is
vital for therapists because clients' spiritual beliefs typically provide the
value system by which they view themselves, others, and the world
(Watts). When a therapist offers thoughtful attention to and respect for
clients' spiritual beliefs, psychology approaches are amenable to working
with clients who hold a biblically-based view of Christian Spirituality
(Watts)
What would be the limitations of this type of counseling relationship?
Jay Adam was a nothing buttery guy.) His counseling philosophy was
nothing but the scripture, faith, and Jesus (Video presentation).)Watts
stated," The Bible was never meant to be God's sole revelation about
people helping (McMinn, 1996, p.99). )In addition, spirituality is vital for a
therapist to understand because clients' spiritual beliefs typically provide
the value system, they view themselves, others, and the world. To ignore
or discount clients' spiritualities is to close one's eyes to a vital
therapeutic factor (Watts, 2000). )
Reflect your reading, viewing of presentations, and convictions in your
response
We are called to be a representation of God. Each person can relate to the
image of God only within the context of life in a community with others.
)
Reference)
)Watts, R. E. (2000).)Biblically-based Christian spirituality and
Adlerian)psychotherapy. The Journal of Individual Psychology, 56(3), 316–
328.
Garzon, Fernando L., "Spirituality in Counseling" (2011). Faculty
Publications and Presentations. 62.
