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Fernando Garzon (2011) suggests that counseling literature “continues to
debate specic denitions of spirituality.” Garzon denes Christian
Spirituality as “the cultivating an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ
that progressively transforms one’s values, a sense of purpose, beliefs
and lifestyles, and the context of a faith community. Dr. Glenn Scorgie
says Christian spirituality is the domain of lived Christian experience,
living all of life, not just the esoteric portion of it before God, through
Christ in the transforming, empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
Succinctly Dene Christian Spirituality
Thus, Christian Spirituality is dened as cultivating and living a
transformed life in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ by the
empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
Contrast the Secular Use of Spirituality with the Christian
Spirituality
Garzon (2011) contrasts the 85% of the United States population, who
self-identify as Christians with 46% of Christian clinical psychologists. The
gap highlights the importance of counselors in increasing their sensitivity
to spiritual matters. Secular therapists using spirituality in counseling with
a Christina client may be somewhat e4ective. There are forms of secular
therapy that are potentially compatible with Christianity. Richard Watts
(2000) suggests that Adler’s Individual Psychology aligns with Christianity
by emphasizing human responsibility, cognitive development, relational
connections, and the capacity for human transformation. The most
important connection between Individual Psychology and Christianity is
the relational aspect that Adler terms “social interest” (Watts, 2000).
Individual Psychology highlights the importance of valuing others, and
their Christian counterparts hinge on a person’s relationships with God,
others, and themselves. The secular counselor using a compatible form of
therapy can e4ectively use spirituality in counseling with a Christian
client.::
The secular therapist could give thoughtful attention and respect to a
Christian client with certain forms of therapy. :Watts (2000) identied four
respectful aspects of the Adlerian psychotherapeutic process. 1) the
alliance between the counselor and the client is of utmost importance
(Watts, 2000, p. 323). 2) the goal of facilitating new cognitive structures is
maintained (Watts, 2000, p. 323). 3) an emphasis on encouragement is
promoted (Watts, 2000, p. 324). 4) several techniques that align with
Scripture, such as listening, teaching, and challenging are encouraged
(Watts, 2000, 325). When utilizing these four techniques, the counselor
can provide an environment of thoughtfulness and respect.
Limitations
The primary limitation found in Individual Psychology and all secular
psychologies is that they lack a solution to the human condition. Dr. Larry
Crabb (2013) suggests that humans overcome inferiority by nding
signicance and security by understanding their identity in Christ within
an environment of unconditional love (pp. 71-72). Benner believes healing
involves e4orts to help someone overcome an impairment. Benner
suggests having empathy for the individual, demonstrating care and love,
active listening, emphasizing positive regard and God in the process
(Baker, Liberty). A limitation of Benner’s theory of counseling is built
around the “inability or unwillingness of a counselor to openly
demonstrate the love of God” (Baker).: While Christian counselors gain
high marks for helping a person to trust in the process, secular
psychologies ultimately fail.
:
References
1. Baker, David. Spirituality in
Counseling.:https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/117942/pages/wat
ch-spirituality-in-counseling?module_item_id=17061620
2. Crabb, L. (2013). E4ective biblical counseling: A model for
helping caring Christians become capable counselors. Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
3. Garzon, F. L. (2011). Spirituality in counseling. Faculty
Publications and Presentations, 62.
4. Watts, R. E. (2000). Biblically-based Christian spirituality and
Alderian therapy. Journal of individual psychology, 56(3), 316–
328.me-cure/201302/hurry-sickness
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