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Integrating Spiritual Interventions in Psychotherapy

Explore the diverse world of Christian Counseling with implicit, explicit, and behavioral scripture-based interventions, supported by research and ethical considerations.

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Integrating Spiritual Interventions in Psychotherapy

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  1. Integrating Spiritual Interventions in Psychotherapy Dr. Ferreira October 16th 2007

  2. Scripture Based Interventions • Christian Counseling is a tremendously diverse profession (Johnson & Jones 2000; McMinn & Phillips, 2001). • Variety of perspectives on if, when, and how to use Scripture in treatment. • Avoid overt strategies to integrate • Only true way to do Christian Therapy • Situation-specific/Client-specific stance

  3. Scripture Based Interventions • Case of Robert

  4. Scripture Based Interventions • Implicit Scripture Interventions • Quiet and non-overt Strategies • Praying for Robert outside session • Quietly during sessions • Being empathic • Spiritual life of Counselor Tan (1996) describes these interventions as implicit integration

  5. Scripture Based Interventions • Explicit integration • Systematic incorporates spiritual resources such as: • Word of God in treatment Note: Implicit and Explicit are not mutually exclusive and are a continuum.

  6. Scripture Based Interventions • Research suggests that explicit spiritual interventions strategies can be used by non-Christians with Christian clients to great effect (Prost, 1992). • Surprising but consistent with scripture (Matt. 7:22-23)

  7. Scripture Based Interventions • Psychoeducational • Client may need education around appropriateness of experiencing emotions • Using the Bible to illustrate areas in need. • For example, showing how other men in the Bible express or dealt with emotions may Robert be more accepting of his emotional side.

  8. Scripture Based Interventions • Theoeducational • Goal is to readjust ones perspective • Robert seems to suffer from “worm theology which is overemphasizes his sinfulness while minimizing God’s love. • Look at past experiences (abusive FA) • Assess theology at one’s church • Assign homework around passages of Scripture emphasizing God’s care and acceptance (Anderson, 2000)

  9. Scripture Based Interventions • Behavioral • Breathing techniques adapted for religious individuals • Have client chose a scripture • Example Psalm 23- The Lord is my Sheppard • Inhale deeply holding to five count • Exhale slowly repeating scripture • For Robert may try to assist with sleeping

  10. Scripture Based Interventions • Affective Experimental • Seek to activate the client’s cognitive/emotional matrix related to a core issue (ex. Robert’s belief he is a loser) • Bring to here and now so emotions can be identified and processed (Magnavita & Carlson, 2003) • Utilizing the Bible has similar goals except that the desire is to bring these core issues into the presence of God.

  11. Scripture Based Interventions • Affective Experimental cont. • Inner healing prayer • Consists of a “range of ‘Journey Back’ methodologies that seek the Holy Sprit for: • Uncovering personal, family, and ancestral experiences that are thought to contribute to present issue. • Focus on helping the client process painful memories that reinforce their perception (ex. Being a loser)

  12. Ethical Concerns • Dual relationships (religious and professional) • Imposing religious values on clients • Violating work-setting boundaries • Informed

  13. References • Adams, J. E. (1970). Competent to counsel. Grand Rapids: Baker. • Anderson, N. T. (2000) Victory over the darkness: Realizing the power of your identity in Christ, 10th anniversary edition. Ventura: Regal. • Anderson, N. T., Zuehlke, T. E., & Zuehlke, J. S. (2000). Christ-centered therapy: The practical integration of theology and psychology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. • Backus, W. (1985).Telling the truth to troubled people. Minneanapolis, MN: Bethany House. • Beck, A. T., & Weishaar, M. (2000). Cognitive therapy. In R.J. Corsini & D. Wedding’s (eds.), Current psychotherapies (6th ed., pp. 241-272).

  14. References

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