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Competent Christian Counseling

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Competent Christian Counseling
Competent Christian Counseling
Juliet Wiseman
Liberty University 507
Dr. Diane Powell
July 28, 2013

Abstract
The emotional pain that leads many to anger, depression, loneliness, anxiety, and conflict is prevalent in our society. Those whose lives have been changed through the Cross know that God is the everlasting Spring of peace and comfort; however, some wounds are so deep that even Christians find themselves in desperate need of counseling. Counseling and counseling theories come in many styles, and varieties. Anyone can obtain a license and become a counselor or therapist; some therapists utilize secular psychology, and some choose a Christian counseling approach. At a glance, choosing the style of therapy seems simple; asses the client, and match the therapy style with the client’s individual needs and personality. However, the foundation of Christian therapy is different from all secular and non-Christian forms of therapy. Christian counselors and this author promote biblical principles and guidance from the Holy Spirit as the primary source of truth, along with integrating psychology to diagnose the problems and developing treatment strategies to help clients resolve their conflicts and problems and allow them to discover and experience God’s love and Kingdom. In this paper, I will discuss some preferred approaches of therapy: the biblical approach to counseling, which is the cornerstone for my therapy, the effect of psychology in counseling, and the influence of my personal Christian faith and belief on counseling practice.

Competent Christian Counseling

Development of Personality Human personality makes individuals unique; thus, understanding of personality development is a tool through which counselors can examine and analyze thinking patterns and emotional or behavioral processes. There has been countless research on personality, its influences, and development, and in relation to counseling, this topic has been a major focus for



References: Adams, Jay (1996). How to help people change. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Adler Graduate School. (2013). Alfred Adler: Theory and application. Retrieved from http://www.alfredadler.edu/about/theory. Backus, William, & Marie Chapian. (2000). Telling yourself the truth. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers Burley-Allen, Madelyn. (1995). Listening: The forgotten skill. New York, New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Geneva.Edu. (2013). A Christian view of diversity. Retrieved from http://www.geneva.edu/page/diversity Cherry, Kendra. (2013). What is psychoanalytic therapy? Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/pindex/f/psychoanalytic-therapy.htm Clinton, Timothy Ph.D. & Ohlschlager, George Ph.D. (1984). Competent Christian counseling: Foundations & practice of compassionate soul care Cloud, Henry & Townsend, John. (2011). Boundaries in marriage. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Corey, Gerald, (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Crabb, Larry. (2009). Basic biblical counseling principles. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context. Entwistle, David N. (2010). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books. McLeod, Saul. (2008). Cognitive behavioral therapy. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive-therapy.html McMinn, Mark. (1996). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Forest, VA: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Petersen, James Ph.D. (2007). Why don’t we listen better: Communicating & connecting in relationships Wiseman, Juliet. (2013). Adams vs. Backus & Chapian book report.

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