Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling

Extremely good. It’s a textbook for a class I’m taking and I actually decided to take the time to read this one thoroughly because I loved so much the measured and kind thought processes.

Edition received was not edition pictured. This posting is for the revised and updated edition.

McMinn's book was a relatively easy read with practical suggestions for the perspective Christian counselor. He makes good emphasis on the need for the counselor to personally possess Spiritual integrity and ethical practice. He gives good advice on integrating diverse Spiritual interventions in assisting the client.

Want to take your counseling to another level? well then this is the book for you. The title of the book speaks for it self, if you are an intellectual you will find the book very satisfying, and if you are a church leader this book will elevate your counseling effectiveness for the people who need you the most.

This book was written to answer an important question to many people that are in the field of counseling and some that are not. That question is "how does a counselor integrate their faith in the therapy session, a faith that includes psychology and theology?" Many people struggle with this very question. We live in a world that is seemingly growing toward a "don't bring Christ into this" mentality because we are afraid we might offend someone. Some Counselors want to help people and they know that Christ can help, yet do not know how to incorporate that into their counseling methods or approaches. These are the things that McMinn tries to address. He does this in practical ways using the spiritual disciplines, counseling examples and scripture. McMinn also explains the definitions, similarities, and differences between Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality. He writes in away that breaks down the terms and issues in away for the reader to understand and apply. The book is written for anyone who wishes to understand how they can truly integrate these three concepts into the therapy session. This book excels at helping the reader integrate spiritual disciplines that we as Christians should live by into the counseling session and also encourages the counselor if they are not incorporating these disciplines in their walk with the Lord, to do so. This book really seeks to teach the counselor to multitask in the three categories of Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality. He suggest that the counselor who can learn to do this effectively will be able to give their clients the very best. This is not an easy task for any Christian Counselor however, it can and will be rewarding for both the counselor and the counselee. Concrete Response I think the book relates to my personal life and ministry the most in the section of dealing with sin in the therapy sessions. McMinn States "In Christian counseling, sin can be confronted in humble and empathic ways that encourage spiritual growth more than guilt and shame. These methods include silence at strategic moments, pondering aloud inconsistencies in client's narratives, and questioning clients in order to understand their values of right and wrong." (McMinn, 1996, p. 162) Because I work with teenagers, I have come to learn that a strategic silence is one of my biggest "tools". Most teenagers know what they are doing is wrong, or they know I will disapprove of what they are doing. Then that follows what McMinn talks about in understanding their values and understanding of sin. In reading this, I was reminded of one of the most intimidating and scary confrontations I had to deal with two teenagers. Walking into meet with two teenagers separately about sexual activity in the church, well let's say that moment of strategic silence, questioning, and value system came into play. After long discussions, crying, prayer and the initial "I can't believe my youth ministers know I done this"

This book does an excellent job in facing the questions every Christian counselor has to deal with in a secular world. Whether a student or clinician, this book provides clear direction without compromising ones faith. It respects existing theory to the therapeutic process, addresses their strengths and weaknesses, and shows the effectiveness of Christian tenants in the healing process. The book is easy to read and well structured. Sample cases are realist and McMinn does an excellent job of demonstrating the application of Christian beliefs to the healing process, covering a good cross section of disorders. For the lay counselor, the clinician, or individual in pastoral care this book is clear and thorough on the topic of Spiritual integration.

McMinn writes for the Christian professions, the religious, and the lay people. He also seeks to speak to those who are pursuing active integration of faith, psychology and theology. It is very refeshing reading as he discusses classic Christianity and its applicability to everyday problems. With the popular publication's sloppy "a little bit of this and a little bit of that" view of spirituality, McMinn presents a well thought out response. A must read for counselors, psychologist and psychiatrists.