Dr. Mark McMinn has written a wonderful book for those who are considering the path of Christian counseling. His main focus is on two aspects of the counselor’s life and his therapy sessions. The focus on the first chapter of this book is how we as counselors can integrate the Christian faith into counseling practices. McMinn (2011) explains that in order to have religious interventions we are required to understand spiritual formation, challenge prevailing methods of mental health, prioritize personal spiritual training, be sensitive to ethical issues, and strive to have a strong scientific base (p. 6). An important aspect of McMinn’s writing is that he points out the three roles that counselors hold simultaneously. First as counselors we become full participants in interpersonal interactions that happen during sessions. Second, counselor’s serve as observers that are carefully watching and evaluating what is going on in a relationship. And third, we engineer by becoming understanding and compassionate to the clients feelings (p. 60). McMinn says “The relationship we establish with clients is an important part of the healing process (p. 60)”.
It is very important that as counselors we understand healthy boundaries when it comes to client-counselor relationships. There is danger when a client is over-reliant on their counselor as well as over-confidence. It is important to find a balance so that there are appropriate limitations all around which will avoid hurt and confusion. A value that we can take away from McMinn’s work is the fact that there are certain constructs within a counselor’s foundation that can be used in treating their clients. These constructs are those of forgiveness, prayer, redemption, sin, and scripture.
Prayer has a major role in our careers as counselors. It is believed that the use of prayer in counseling sessions may help clarify a client’s perspective while enhancing their spiritual life (McMinn, 2011). Most importantly if a counselor is considering using prayer in their counseling sessions then they must be just as committed to using it within their daily personal lives. Just like prayer, scripture can be used within counseling sessions, but it is also important that the counselor incorporates it within their own personal life as well.
Using Scripture to encourage clients can help them learn to experience God more deeply and take their eyes off of selfish motives. McMinn made a profound statement when he says “In order for Scripture to effect significant change in the lives of counselors and clients, it must be internalized and personalized outside of counseling sessions (p. 146)”. As counselors we must strive to pursue a personal relationship with the Lord before we can try to incorporate it within out Christian counseling.
Sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption are discussed in the latter part of the book in which we learn how sin is a major part of everyone’s lives, but having a healthy definition of sin and approaching it in a humble way can encourage healing. Confession is what helps us recognize our sin while forgiveness encourages emotional, psychological, and spiritual relief in one’s life. Lastly is redemption. Redemption is what brings us back to God where sin has found a way to separate us. In order to truly understand redemption, one must be familiar with the scripture (McMinn, 2011).
Redemption is what ties together the understanding of sin, prayer, and Scripture while helping us recognize that above all else, we need to have a relationship with a loving God. Concrete Response This book reminds me of a recent encounter I have had with one of my co-workers. We have discovered that we have had recent experiences in our past of physical and emotional abuse. The only difference that I noticed is that I come from a Christian background where he does not. As victims of abuse we talk about ways that we have coped as well as ways that we seem to struggle.
I have vaguely shared my experience with using prayer, and scripture, but have quickly noticed that it is a subject that I need to go around carefully. Some, like me find it easy to find comfort and healing within the church and by using prayer and Scripture. Others may feel judged and they come out being harmed rather than feeling like they were helped. In my past I have been counseled by pastors where I felt as though I was being condemned by the use of scripture rather than being encouraged. While talking to my co-worker he said that he had been to several different counselors and one was through a church.
He said that he was the least comfortable with this person because he felt like they were more interested in getting him “saved” than helping him through his trial. When he shared this it confirmed in me that as Christian counselors we need to fully understand how and when to use Scripture and offer prayer in counseling sessions. Without realizing it we can be capable of pushing someone further away from the Lord and their personal healing if they do not feel accepted in the midst of their hurt and downfalls.
Reflection McMinn did an excellent job explaining how to integrate psychology into spirituality, but it left me with one question, how do you use these techniques in counseling children and more importantly, a child that has not been exposed to too much religion? I know of people who did not attend a church regularly, but when they experienced personal trauma that is where the parents felt the most secure. McMinn’s techniques are helpful for adults, but are they able to be used with adolescents? How much nderstanding of prayer and scripture would they already have to be exposed to, to truly understand the intentions of the counselor? When speaking of children I am reminded of the section on sin.
Everyone of course is capable of sin however McMinn says “If we reduce sin to a set of behaviors then our tendency is to sit judgmentally with clients, especially those who have made a series of bad choices in their lives. But if we recognize sin as a state of brokenness—then we sit with our clients as equals (p. 193). This leads me to believe that McMinn is stating that sin is always from a state of brokenness. Is it not possible that after a period of time, sin stems from learned behaviors and cruel intentions, and not out of brokenness? Action I would recommend this book for anyone that is interested in pursuing the counseling field. I know that I will be reading this book again because I feel that there is so much wisdom between these covers. As Christians we are to center everything we do at the heart of Christ, even our occupations.
I would explain to a college the importance of implementing Christian beliefs into our client’s lives. One of the biggest lessons that I believe can be learned from this book is not to be judgmental. This is great advice in the counseling field as well as in our personal lives. The field of counseling is a calling. This is another big reason I would suggest to anyone entering the field, read this book. There is a nice balance between understanding sin, confession, redemption, and integration that proves to be so vital in successful and McMinn does a great job breaking down each one.
I was convicted about how I view other people’s situation. After reading this book, I have realized that even though I thought I was a very understanding person, I also pass judgment right away in areas that I should not. Because of the content we have learned through this text, I will strive to be open and take everything to prayer, especially those things I am not sure how to feel about.
Reference: McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House.
