There exists a contrast between the religious aspects of the public and the
mental health professionals while discussing Christian spirituality in
counseling context. Garzon (2011) has defined Christian spirituality as the
area that focuses on the cultivation of an intimate bond with Christ which
can ultimately transform an individual’s values, beliefs, the sense of
purpose and lifestyle in the community setting.
Secular use of Spirituality
Dr Garzon has shown concrete evidence relating by drawing a comparison
between the secular use of spirituality and Christian spirituality. It seems
that a considerable number of people who seek counseling identify
themselves to be spiritual individuals. It is because 90 % of them believe
in God, 80 % lead their lives as per their beliefs, and 85 % consider
themselves to be Christians (Garzon, 2011). According to ethics code that
has been designed for professional mental health facilities, there is an
integration of religion and spirituality and it is considered to be important
while treating others.-
Effectiveness of a Secular therapist who uses spirituality in
counseling
The study by Watts (2000) gives an insight into the perspective of clients
relating to secular therapists. The clients, who are more conservative
when it comes to their Christian perspective, hesitate to seek counseling
from a secular therapist. This is because they fear that their faith and
beliefs will not be appreciated or sneered by the professionals (Garzon,
2011). However, a number of secular therapists are combining spirituality
with their counseling approach. The Adlerian psychotherapy approach has
a positive outlook towards religion as God is viewed as the ultimate
concept of perfection, and religion is seen as something that is of social
interest. Watts believes that there exists considerable common ground
between individual psychology and spirituality.
Christian client and Secular therapist
The association between a client and a therapist is considered to be
extremely unique. The interaction between both of them is extremely
pure as the client gets the opportunity to lose his inhibitions and speak his
mind. The depth of thoughts, and conversation that is linked to counseling
requires a personal, insightful as well as professional relationship (Garzon,
2011). Therapists following the Adlerian psychotherapeutic approach lay
emphasis on relationships that are based on respect, and collaboration.
They make sincere attempts to establish an egalitarian therapeutic
relationship with the clients who seek counseling.-- -
Limitations of this kind of counseling
In the context of the Christian counselee and secular therapist
relationship, there could be times when the two do not get along with one
another and they cannot see eye to eye. In case the ultimate goal of the
secular therapist for the Christian client is to find emotional stability that
is not based on the Almighty, there is the possibility of disconnect. If a
secular therapist has limited insight into Scriptures and its power, they
might fail to fulfill the spiritual needs and expectations of a Christian
counselee (Garzon, 2011). The perspective of a Christian counselee must
be given due importance so that they can be provided necessary help and
support throughout the counseling sessions. Sometimes it might be
daunting even for a Christian counselor to integrate secular elements in
Christian counselees.
-References
Garzon, Fernando L. (2011). “Spirituality in Counseling.” Faculty
Publications and Presentations. Paper 62.
