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Everyone who subscribes to Christianity is expected to be a missionary wherever they are. However, there is a challenge in applying related beliefs while counseling clients as a psychologist. Consequently, the paper thoroughly analyzes chapters four through six of the book Embodying integration: A fresh look at Christianity in the Therapy Room. The first section is a summary of each chapter, which discusses the highlights of the individual segments in detail. The second section is a reflection of the relationship between the main concepts of the three chapters with my experiences and interpretations of the same. Finally, the paper gives a brief narration of the lessons learned from the reading in connection to my spirituality. Christianity is a journey and the chapters read have equipped me with knowledge crucial in exercising my faith as a counselor.
Embodying integration: A fresh look at Christianity in the Therapy Room Review
Chapter Summaries
Chapter four focuses on atonement and understanding the components and intentions of salvation. The section begins by Megan Anna narrating her interactions with Maria, who had been in and out of an abusive marriage for the longest time. The client felt that it was her Christian duty as a wife to obey her husband and to forgive those who wronged her. Although people have religious obligations, ones beliefs should not hinder good decision-making but instead enhance it. The chapter also demonstrates the philosophy that peoples stories define them, which is crucial in helping clients. For instance, Marias narration of Christian-self can either be a cause for harm or good in her life. If she has a wrong interpretation of biblical concepts, then it is more than likely that her beliefs will lead to her suffering (Neff & McMinn, 2020). Finally, the chapter mentions the Christian complexity of believing in God the Father. She admonishes counselors to present God as sins solution, because no one can eliminate sin by themselves apart from believing in the Father.
As a continuation of the previous section, chapter five intends to evaluate the purpose of God in the universe. Most believing counselors fail to understand the role of faith in their profession. Consequently, the authors of the book attempt to give a solution to this challenge. The text cites that Christian psychologists are always too cautious during the sessions not to overstep, thinking they would impose their beliefs on the patients (Neff & McMinn, 2020). However, ethics and Christianity cannot be separated, and therefore, there is a need to balance the two. For instance, while delivering services, counselors are expected to follow practices and principles outlined by the American Psychological Association (APA). However, this should not prevent one from introducing Christian conversations during therapies. Friendship evangelism is one of the strategies psychologists can use in sharing Gods word. Getting closer to clients makes it easier for the counselor to start talking about Jesus.
Participating in missionary work as a psychology professional needs a direct approach. Therefore, when introducing biblical concepts during therapies, clients should understand that God is not far away because His spirit and work can be felt. Chapter six discusses how psychologists can integrate the concept of Gods connection to various human challenges (Neff & McMinn, 2020). Gods inspiration for loving the world as stated in John 3:16 has always been compassion. It is His affection towards people that pushed Him to send Jesus Christ to save humanity. Consequently, in choosing therapies, counselors should select those that introduce the presence of God in clients lives. John 1:1 states that God became flesh through Jesus, which means He understands the pain humans go through (King James Bible, 2021). Therefore, this concept makes it easy for counselors to explain to patients the value of God in peoples lives.
Final Conversation
I have experienced the presence of God in my life as a professional in the psychology field severally. I once interacted with a client who kept moving from one toxic romantic relationship to another. She had lost hope in love, hated men, and swore never to get married again (Neff & McMinn, 2020). However, in our sessions, I explained to her that there is someone more loving and dependable than humans. Instead of hating men, I admonished her to replace hatred with God, who is caring and compassionate. Overtime, the client learned to control her emotions and got into another relationship eventually.
Addressing Guilt
Guilt is one of the primary mental issues that faces majority of clients I have met. Regretting wrong choices in life is not an issue but as pointed in Marias story, thinking about the same issue every time is dangerous. She developed negative thoughts of depression and shame because she felt inadequate. I once encountered a client who believed that his terminal illness was a result of her careless life. Consequently, the authors indicate that minimizing negative thoughts might inspire the clients to change while excess guilt can lead to depression (Neff & McMinn, 2020). I differ a little bit with this theory because I believe that any level of self-blaming can trigger anxiety, stress, and related disorders (Vandenberg, 2021). Negative thoughts of any degree should not be tolerated but rather clients should be taught how to contain these feelings.
Extreme Theological Perspectives
Humans are created and born to be spiritual beings and regardless of whether someone is a Christian or not, they have faith in something. Consequently, as a counselor it is my duty to understand a clients religious foundation before suggesting interventions (Hawkins & Clinton, 2015). Marias example in chapter four demonstrates why therapists should study their patients levels of belief. Maria was in an abusive marriage but could not leave because of her Christianity. Logically, one would expect her to divorce the husband if the instances of domestic violence reoccurred (Neff & McMinn, 2020). However, the power of faith and religion can act as hindrance to reasoning. There is the danger of being an extreme believer as illustrated in both cases. Maria kept forgiving her husband and avoiding divorce as written in the bible at the expense of peace and good health. Clients should be taught the potential faith has in sustaining and enhancing mental wellness.
Ethics vs. Faith
I have always wondered the possibility of balancing ones religious beliefs and professional requirements. There are instances where an action is ethically correct but immoral according to Christianity (Mogra, 2017). Similarly, as discussed in chapter five, there are occasions where professional guidelines in psychology prevent counselors from representing their faith. A perfect example is when interacting with a client who has not indicated that they are not Christians ( Code of Ethics AACC , n.d.). The ethical guidelines in psychology expects me to respect the patients rights including those related to religious affiliation. Although I might be convinced that integrating Christian concepts is crucial to the preferred therapy, I am professionally obliged to do otherwise. There are several questions that emerge when deciding to integrate faith into counseling sessions. Does ethics supersede my Christian obligations and if not, how do I balance the two elements?
Challenges of Friendship Evangelism Possible
It is acceptable to practice psychology as a profession and at the same time be a faithful Christian. Chapter four gives a solution to the issues that emerge in balancing belief and professional responsibilities. The authors cite that friendship evangelism can help a counselor be a missionary at the workplace without the fear of imposing ones belief on the client. This approach aims at building a sustainable rapport with the client, which will enhance the process of introducing biblical concepts during therapies (Neff & McMinn, 2020). Nonetheless, there is a challenge that questions the methodologys feasibility. I am obligated to keep the relationship with my clients professional. Therefore, getting too close to them undermines my ethical responsibility. Moreover, being too friendly with the patients makes it harder to be objective as a missionary and counselor at the same time.
God and Cognitive Behavior Therapy
The primary objective of the book is to illustrate Gods interaction with humanity and how the concept can be integrated into counseling. Immoral behavior is often the cause of most mental disorders, caused by self or an external entities (De Abreu Costa & Moreira-Almeida, 2021). For instance, Marias post traumatic disorder (PTSD) resulted from the constant abuse from the husband while her depressive disorder was due to thoughts of inadequacy. Consequently, chapter six demonstrates how biblical concepts, particularly the belief in God can enhance the efficacy of the Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I agree with this concept because the focus of a clients thoughts influences their general mental wellness. The bible portrays God as kind and forgiving as indicated in Psalm 86:5 (King James Bible, 2021). Therefore, shifting the patients focus to the goodness of God substitutes the negative thoughts with positive ones.
Spiritual Formation
My perception on Christianity and spirituality has improved after reading and analyzing the three chapters. For instance, my prayer life has changed because like Megan Anna I have always struggle with the concept of forgiveness. Although I talk to God frequently and repent my sins as often as I pray, I still feel inadequate. The bible in Hebrews 8:12 clearly indicates that whenever Christ forgives our inequities He forgets but believing in the statement has always been a challenge (King James Bible, 2021). I now understand that God already forgave humanity and my righteousness must be based on faith in God.
Secondly, I have learned that regardless of my position in society, I am a missionary. However, focusing on myself and my efforts as the only means to deliver biblical messages is egocentric. My goal should always be to help others share my knowledge about Christianity (Neff & McMinn, 2020). This objective can only be achieved if I focus less on myself and more on God who is the reason for the mission. Therefore, becoming a missionary psychology means focusing on saving people and not condemning. Regardless of the actions of the history of my clients I am expected to love and avoid judging.
The final and the most important lesson learned is that God loves humanity unconditionally and that He is in our midst. Romans 8: 31 states that nobody can be against us because God is with and for us (King James Bible, 2021). The bible narrates that man had sinned and was destined to die but God chose to forgive and save us. Consequently, through Jesus, He lived with humans, and experienced the joys and sufferings like we do. Therefore, I have learned that when I pray to God, He understands not only because He is the creator but because He knows everything we are going through.
References
Code of Ethics AACC (2014). AACC.
De Abreu Costa, M., & Moreira-Almeida, A. (2021). Religion-adapted cognitive behavioral therapy: A review and description of techniques. Journal of Religion and Health.
Hawkins, R., & Clinton, T. (2015). The New Christian Counselor: A Fresh Biblical and Transformational Approach. Harvest House Publishers.
King James Bible. (2021). King James Bible Online.
Mogra, I. (2017). Strengthening ethics: A faith perspective on educational research. Journal of Academic Ethics, 15(4), 365-376.
Neff, M., & McMinn, M. (2020). Embodying integration. Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books.
Vandenberg, M. (2021). Shame, guilt, and the practice of repentance: An intersection of modern psychology with the wisdom of Calvin Christian Scholars Review. Christian Scholars Review.
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