Integrative theory FD10209

Running head: Integrative Theory Paper

Integrative Theory of Counseling from From a Christian Worldview LaVelle Figueroa Liberty University

COUN 507 TD SO1 200640 Course Due date 10/18/09 Instructor Dr. Glenna Dunn Submission date: 10/

Integrative Theory 2

Abstract Personally, I believe that a comprehensive theory of counseling should integrate include psychology, theology and spirituality. As well a comprehensive theory of counseling must also address the major traits that constitute our personality. personality. It also will help help us understand the different different types of personalities that exist and how they affect the behavior of our counselees’ so we aid their their transformation process. Factors that cause illness are broad but through multitasking counselors can gain understanding in different domains. By using techniques from the psychological area in conjunction with theological truths while being cognizant of a person’s core spirit a therapist can combine all disciplines to help clients. Employing a Biblical worldview to counsel leads clients down the path of hope and change in Jesus Christ


GRADING GUIDELINE FOR PERSONAL THEORY PAPER COUN 507/PACO 600 Theology and Spirituality Spirituality in Counseling The The foll follow owin ing g repr repres esen ents ts an addi additi tive ve temp templa late te for for grad gradin ing. g. Inst Instea ead d of beginning with 100 and losing points for errors, you begin with a 0 and earn points points for your your work work In determ determini ining ng your your grade, grade, three three questi questions ons will will be asked. QUESTION VALUES TOTAL 100 POINTS HOW DID IT RUN THE COURSE? Question Value: 35 Points Submitted with correct cover sheet and/or title page followed by an Abstract, Table of Contents, with Grading Guideline for Personal Theory Paper correctly attached? Score: •

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Evidence of proof reading? Score: (Minimal typographical, grammatical, punctuation errors, no unnecessary pages, paragraphing/sentence structure is proper and without awkwardness, body length is not more than 12 pages)

Followed current APA Guidelines (headers, margins, spacing, numbering, font, referencing titles correctly with initials, italics, and appropriate use of lower case letters, etc.)? Score: •

HOW DID IT HANDLE THE SOURCE(S)?

Question Value: 25

Points Citations are properly referenced? referenced? (A minimum minimum of 15 appropriate citations) Score: •

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Reference list? (A minimum of 10 sources must be referenced: referenced: at least 6 must come from the required reading; the Bible counts as 1; instructor counts as a s 1; 2 from recommended reading, journals, or online documents) Score:

DOES THE WRITING HAVE FORCE?

Question Value: 40

Points Content clearly follows the structured outline found in the Table of Contents with clarity and coherency? Score: Adequately addressed the elements of a comprehensive theory • and the elements shaping personality and influencing its health Score: •


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Clear, insightful, rich interaction with subject matter? Score: Conclusion reveals thoughtful summarization and application?

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Grade: Table of Contents Abstract............................................................................................................. ...........................2 Introduction....................................................................................................... .........................4 Outline of Personality Components........................................................................................4 Impetus of the System…........................................................................................................... 5 An

Account

of

Lifespan

Personality

Development..............................................................7 Understanding Individuality…...............................................................................................7 Psychological

an d

Spiritual

Health………………………………………………………….8 Indications

of

Illness................................................................................................................ ..9


Attributes

of

a

Complete

Theory………...............................................................................11 Techniques

in

the

Counseling

Process…..............................................................................11 Indications

of

Success……...................................................................................................... 12 Theory

Relationship

to

a

Comprehensive

Worldview.......................................................13 Conclusion…………………………………………… Conclusion……………… ………………………………………………………… ……………………………………….1 ………….1 4 References........................................................................................................ ..........................15


A Unified Counseling Proposal Through multitasking, a term used by McMinn (1996) to describe the ability to consider several ideas at once, counselors can integrate psychology, theology, and spirituality to most effectively help their clients. Without unification of these areas, certain domains of problems are neglected and the client is not served well (1996). By using concepts from various authors a comprehensive concept of how to properly counsel people emerges. Contributions from each area provide a complete guide to counseling once unified. Outline of Personality Components The functioning of the human body is illustrated in 1 Corinthians 12 (Living Bible) where it explains that each body part has its own specific purpose. Alone each part would not function properly, but in union with other parts the body is run flawlessly. Similarly, the three concepts of psychology, theology, spirituality when examined solitary of each other, do not completely explain human behavior. When combined, the concept of personality becomes bold and gains direction. Just as body parts have their specific purpose and maintain their individuality they can benefit from the power of the body. body. Further explained, explained, “For even as the body is one and yet yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12 New American Standard) Each entity offers something unique to the concept of personality. Hawkins (2006a) delineates five areas, the core, soul, body, temporal


systems, and supernatural systems that make up human personality. These forces work together to shape how a person develops, each impacting the individual’s individual’s nature. Counselors must address all aspects aspects of the personality in order to effectively treat the client. Impetus of the System Human beings are made in the image of God. Beck (2001) says, “it is a quality or capacity resident in their nature” (p. 173). Simultaneously, sin nature is also present in the core of personality (Hawkins, 2006a). Along with the human spirit all represent inherent conditions or forces within human nature that are present from birth (Beck, 2001) and reside in the core of human psyche. Sinful human nature is selfish and its tendency is to seek happiness. Crabb (1977) (1977) contends that that the goal of Christian counselors counselors should be to increase the maturity of clients by becoming more like God and striving to please Him in every activity and thought. Moving outward from the core, other factors including thinking, feeling and emotions affect behavior. Counselors can work to change irrational beliefs that may reside in the soul of their clients. The seven stages of counseling recommended recommended by Crabb (1977) (1977) are: “Stage 1: Identify problem feelings; Stage 2: Identify problem behavior; Stage 3: Identify problem thinking; Stage 4: Clarify Biblical thinking; Stage Sta ge 5: Secure commitment; Stage 6: Plan and carry out Biblical behavior; behavior; Stage 7: Identify SpiritSpiritcontrolled feelings” (p.160) This plan walks the client through the process of change by beginning with the feelings, deals with behavior and challenges


cognitions. Most of Crabb’s stages deal with this level of the personality. He understands counseling as a relationship in which interactions with the client are based upon their personality type and presenting problem. His plan urges Christian counselors to help their clients sort out these areas in the soul in order to get to the root of the issue. Frequently, the feelings expressed at the soulical level are manifested at the physical level which moves us further outward into the next of Hawkins concentric circles, the body. Archibald Hart (1999) deals with the somatic effects of anxiety, worry and stress on the human body. He explains how hormones interact to cause physical changes in the body and about how brain functions are affected. The physical aspect of this common mental issue is the crux of Hart’s theory. Many of the interventions that Hart recommends involve changes at the physical level. Rest, diet, exercise and medication are all suggested in dealing with anxiety (1999). All of the circles mentioned so far involve the self. However, people were created for relationship. John 17:11 (King James Version) instructs us to be “one” with others. Society, friends, family, and church are examples of the temporal systems that must be dealt with when counseling people. Learning who the client is responsible to and what he is responsible for is essential to developing personal responsibility (Cloud & Townsend, 1992). Without boundaries, systems can become enmeshed and values distorted. Counselors must work with clients help them understand where they end and


the temporal system components begin so that they function in healthy ways. The final circle of Hawkin’s model involves the supernatural systems that people encounter. encounter. The affect of God and Satan on temperament is what Neil Anderson (2000) discusses in his book, The Bondage Breaker . Spiritual forces have a tremendous impact on personality development and cannot be excluded from the growth process. These circles represent tremendous forces that shape personality. All of these processes must be examined through the process of counseling but an appreciation of the whole person must be foremost. Crabb (1977) states, “whenever we dissect an organism to examine its constituent parts, we are in danger of losing sight of the whole functioning organism” (p. 87). An Account of Lifespan Personality Development Development In Christianity, learning how to depend on God rather than self takes center stage as the transforming work of Christ is shown in believer’s lives. Personality indeed changes as brokenness replaces self-sufficiency and leads to healing relationships (McMinn, 1996). Growth in three areas can produce personality transformation. McMinn (1996) says that human development, spiritual growth and psychological change all contribute to development of an accurate sense of self. Crabb (1977) describes personality transformation in the following manner. At the core, the Holy Spirit reminds Christians of God’s Word as related to the specific problem. The problem is then viewed in the light of Scripture therefore, other systems such as the soul or temporal


level will not influence the decisions of the Christian apart from what they have learned to be Truth. Slowly, “his Christian beliefs seep down into his basic assumption system, slowly replacing the wrong beliefs he has held from childhood” (Crabb, p.108). The word that describes Christian personality change is transformation and that is accomplished through the renewing the mind (Crabb, 1977). A theory for change cha nge is presented in equation form by Sandra Sandra Wilson (2001). (2001). It says, “new choices choices + consistent practice = change” (Wilson, 2001, p.87). Understanding Individuality If the goal of Christian counseling is to promote maturity in Christ (Crabb, 1977) then the level of maturity that each client has reached must be assessed. Individuality exists in where each person is in Crabb’s (1977) process of MOVING of MOVING OVER and MOVING UP. UP. Clients differ as to where they are in the process of dealing with presenting problems in a manner consistent with Scripture and developing a Christ like character (1977). Alteration of procedures used in counseling is necessary when dealing with different types of people. Some clients should be approached on a feeling level while others should be led spiritually (Hawkins, 2006b). Cognitive based personalities are best dealt with on the thinking level and those suffering from physical disabilities are helped first with their tangible needs (2006b). Psychological and Spiritual Health The three factors to determining health according a ccording to McMinn (1996) are accurate awareness of self, accurate awareness of needs, and


involvement in healthy relationships. Basing self worth on the word of God is the most useful tool in bringing clients to health. Sandra Wilson (2001) directs hurt people to the Bible to find their source of certainty. Archibald Hart (1999) says that it is helpful to practice self-talk based on truth. Similarly, Wilson lists Biblical references in order to aid in development of a healthy self image based on the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Her theory is similar to Robert McGee’s (1992) instruction in Search for Significance, Significance, which says that God’s truths are the foundation on which to create a self-image self-image that reflects the love of Christ. Christ. McGee states, “changing “changing our beliefs from false beliefs to the truths of God’s Word will assist us in experiencing more appropriate emotions and thereby will change the way we respond” (p.12). (p.12). Helping clients clients to become more more Christ-like Christ-like is the goal of Christian counseling. The overarching goal as listed by Hawkins (2006b) is the imitation of Christ as stated in Ephesians 5:1. Indications of Illness Many factors contribute to the beginnings of psychosis. Many theorists put faces on illnesses such as anxiety, sin, lust, neglect or depression. They are endless in the forms they take. Biological Causes The inability to react well to stress can be genetic (Hart, 1999). Hart (1999) explains that, “Type-A people (those that are driven, ‘hot reactors,’ and always in a hurry) inherit a large part of this tendency rather than develop it later in life” (p. 55).


Addiction can be primarily biochemical in nature (Wilson, 2001). Cognitive Factors Interpretation of events rather than the events themselves is what causes us to feel (Backus & Chapian M, 2000). This focus on the way people think says that thoughts should be analyzed ana lyzed and irrational ones should be disputed. Backus and Chapian (2000) say that misbeliefs are the cause of most mental illness. In Wilson’s (2001) Healing Overview and Progress Evaluation (HOPE) chart, hurting people are led through a process process that identifies the key issue, applies truth to it, makes new choices and them puts them into practice. Becoming aware of thought processes makes change easier. This battle does not seem seem easy, especially especially when you read read Anderson’s view of thought life. Anderson (2000) warns, Don’t think Satan is no longer interested in manipulating your mind in order to accomplish his purposes. Satan’s perpetual aim is to infiltrate your thoughts with his thoughts and to promote his lie in the face of God’s truth. He knows that if he can control you thoughts, he can control your life (p. 61). Emotional Causes Sandra Wilson’s (2001) mantra of Hurt of Hurt People Hurt People explains how emotional damage begets more emotional damage. Out of wounded emotions, people repeat repeat the same torture torture to those they they are closest to. to. It is reported that there is “a strong and direct relationship between chronicity of abuse experienced in childhood and adult abuse potential” (as cited in


Wilson, 2001, p.32). Many parents are so busy dealing with their unhealed wounds that children’s emotional needs are neglected as a result. This cycle continues unless interventions are are made. Defense mechanisms mechanisms are unhealthy emotional patterns that people use to protect themselves. Some common ones include: denial, fantasy, emotional insulation, regression, displacement, projection, and rationalization (Anderson, 2000). All of these mechanisms cause dysfunctional behavior. Sin & Choice Factors Any Christian counselor that minimizes sin being at the root of all human problems is doing a disservice to his client (Adams, 1986). According to Adams there are no Biblical categories for rejection, shame or bad selfimage, so the sin underneath must be uncovered and owned by the client. When Adam and Eve chose to disobey God in the Garden of Eden, the entire human race became subject to sin (Wilson, 2001). Sin affects every area of human life including thoughts, actions and relations. Satan is on constant watch, waiting for Christians to slip up in areas of vulnerability. vulnerability. The lusts of the flesh are areas where we are extremely susceptible to Satan’s schemes. Some common traps are our appetites a ppetites for food, comfort, sex and rest (2001). Our choice to yield to these temptations leads us down a path of destruction. Attributes of a Complete Theory Acceptance, empathy and genuineness are all qualities that a counselor must use to put the client at ease in order for them to tell their story. Identification of problem feelings can only happen when the client


feels accepted by the counselor (Crabb, 1977). Once trust is established and the client feels comfortable with the therapist, irrational feelings can be disputed. This step in the process is most effective in changing behavior. Once clients begin to see that their cognitions are distorted and are pointed to the Word of God to find Truth, most of the gray areas seem to fade. Backus and Chapian (2000) say that what a person believes affects how they behave. Depending on the level that each client allows distorted cognitions to guide their behavior, interventions are geared to each client’s need. The process then moves to the area of change. The most important part of change is the understanding of eternal life which completely changes reasons for existing. Shame, guilt and blame were washed away by the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. When this fact is ignored, much healing is denied. The whole idea of healing originates in Biblical history. Moses writes, “…for I am the Lord that healeth thee.” (Exodus 15:26 King James Version) If one is called to be a people helper and knows the power that can be accessed through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, that aspect cannot be ignored (Revelation 12:11 New American Standard). Helping clients become aware of the power of the Holy Spirit that resides in their core, teaches them the source of the power to change. Techniques in the Counseling Process In the helping relationship, techniques are used to help the client reach the point of change. One approach that Christian counselors should not be without is prayer. Craigie and Tan (as cited in McMinn, 1996) write, “Indeed,


praying with clients that they may be liberated from resistant misbeliefs, that they may be empowered to do the truth, and that they may come into a deeper relationship with the truth can sometimes be a most powerful experience”(p. 68). The use of scripture in therapy sessions is useful to cementing God’s Truths Truths in the clients mind. Sometimes, use of the the miracle question can help a counselee foresee a future with hope (Hinkley, 2006). This question consists of asking the client, “Describe what your life would be like if you had a magic wand and could change anything.” By doing this, a counselor can get to the heart of what the clients hopes and dreams are. Then, a difference question can be asked of the client to determine how his life is different from the dream. Searching for exceptions includes asking the client if there was a time that he was closer to the dream then now. Then the agenda can be set for change. Role playing is another a nother approach that proves useful in allowing clients to experience a situation in the safety of the counseling room before it actually occurs (Gladding, 2003). Indications of Success Counselors can gauge effectiveness of counseling by assessing the client’s progress in the accurate awareness of self and needs and by determining if they are participating in healing relationships (McMinn, 1996). McMinn’s theory states, “A more careful look suggests that spiritual and psychological health require a confident (but not inflated) sense of self, an awareness of human need, and limitations, and confiding interpersonal relationships with God and others” (p. 59). Being Christ like cannot be


attained in this lifetime; therefore true success in counseling is defined by progress not perfection. I Peter 4:13 (The Message) says, “Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner”. The overarching goal should be the imitation of Christ (Hawkins, 2006a). Theory Relationship to a Comprehensive Worldview Each participant in the counseling process possesses a worldview whether they realize it or not. These worldviews affect the way therapy progresses (Collins, 2001). Basis for worldviews differ from person to person but can include, science, intuition or the Bible (2001). It is important for the Christian counselor to have a comprehensive understanding of what his worldview consists of. The Biblical worldview sifts all information through the sieve of God’s Word. Since all issues are not addressed in Scripture, to sift means to see if the issue lines up with God’s Word (2001). This comprehensive theory covers all important aspects of a Biblical worldview. Possessing the ability to multitask ensures that all important aspects of worldview are included. Uniting psychology, spirituality, and theology encompasses all the components of human behavior necessary to assess functioning (McMinn, 1996). 1996). An example of one current popular popular worldview that the Christian counselor must be aware of is the belief that one must feel good about oneself (1996). While this view is not necessarily all bad, if not held to the light of Scripture, it could very well leave God out of the process. Humanism that calls for uplifting self to the exclusion of God and others is


contrary to what the Bible teaches (1996). The theory presented here allows the Biblical worldview to emerge as dominant in order to resolve any conflicts between Scripture and psychology (Rice, 2006). Conclusion Integration of the three areas of human behavior, psychology, theology and spirituality provide a comprehensive understanding of what makes an individual function. The discipline of theology must be the basis from which Christian counselors choose which theories, techniques and processes to use. The desire to integrate begins in the heart of an evangelical Christian who decides to combine faith with the idea of helping people. Believing that the Word of God is the instruction book for life pours a foundation for integration to be built on. 1 Corinthians 3:11 (New International Version) states, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” The solid base of belief in Christ and His Word as guidance is worthy but also must be acceptable to the psychological community. Since the hallmark of psychology is science, epistemic justification must be part of the process. Understanding all components of human personality involves the union of the three disciplines. Through multitasking Christian counselors can develop a comprehensive strategy for helping others change. Acceptance of this integrated model that is firmly rooted in the Word of God, will serve as a powerful tool in the battle against dysfunction in people’s lives.


References Adams, J. (1986). How to help people change. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Anderson, N. (2000). The bondage breaker. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers. Backus, W., & Chapian M. (2000). Telling yourself the truth. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. Beck, J. (2001). Introducing Christian doctrine (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. Cloud, H. & Townsend, J. (1992). Boundaries: When to say yes when to say no to take control of your life. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Collins, G. (2001). The Biblical basis of Christian counseling for people helpers. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress Publishing Group. Crabb, L. (1977). Effective Biblical Counseling. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Gladding, S. (2003). Group work: A counseling specialty (4th specialty (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall. Hart, A. (1999). The anxiety cure. Nashville, TN: Word Publishing. Hawkins, R. (2006a). Hawkins' model for guiding the counseling process. process. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University, Counseling Department.

Integrative Theory 19 Hawkins, R. E. (Producer). (2006b). Grid for tracking process [Motion picture]. (Available from Liberty university, 1971 University Boulevard, Lynchburg, VA 24502) Hinkley, P. (2006). Egan Model Lecture. In , Counseling Techniques. Symposium conducted at Counseling 505, Athens, Greece. McGee, R. (1992). Search for significance: Build your self worth on the forgiveness and unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Nashville, TN: LifeWay Press. McMinn, M. (1996). Psychology, theology and spirituality in Christian counseling. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Rice, D. (Producer). (2006). Constructing a comprehensive theory of counseling [Motion picture]. (Available from Liberty University, 1971 University Boulevard, Lynchburg, VA 24502). Wilson, S. (2001). Hurt people hurt people: Hope and healing for yourself and your relationships. Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House Publishers.


Integrative theory FD10209

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