ABSTRACT
In developing a Biblical theory of counseling it is important to have a foundation that is built on Christian principles as well as multitasking. Helping the client reach a state of change whereby producing the manifestation of the image of Christ within his/her life should be the overarching goal of a Biblical counseling model. This model will be formed from the assumption that God is constantly and actively pursuing absolute freedom within the life of every human being. It will utilize theories that are based on Scripture as well as theories from secular psychology to form a model that will line up with this assumption. Within the context of the overarching goal it will be important for the counselor to attempt to facilitate of the restoration of the client’s relationship with Father God and therefore re-establish his/her identity and destiny.
Introduction
The most important influences in any approach to Christian counseling should be theology, psychology, and Scripture. Utilizing these three with priority being given to Scripture along with multitasking will insure that the client will receive the best care possible. This paper will attempt to lay out an approach to Christian counseling that will encompass the following: a delineation of personality structure; an explanation of motivation; a description of human development; an accounting for individual differences; a definition of health; a definition of illness; a definition of the elements in a comprehensive theory of cure; a development of the techniques that govern/guide the therapeutic process; a demonstration of effectiveness; and an explanation of how the overall theory relates to a comprehensive worldview.
It is necessary within the counseling context to ask “What is happening?” rather than “Why is it happening?” in order to focus on finding a solution to the problem rather than the reason behind the problem. Understanding the total aspect of a human being and every physical, emotional, and spiritual influence can allow the counselor to “source problems and co-create solution(s) which facilitate counselees’ ‘relocation’ ”[1] (Rice 2009).
Theory of Personality
The structure of personality is important in understanding how to help the client. Crabb states the human personality is best described as being composed of two parts, the physical or material and the personal or non-material. “The body belongs to the physical side and the spirit and soul to the personal.”[2] However within Hawkins’ model the personality is more structured as he takes into account the many forces that shape personality. He proposes the personality is made up of the core self, the connected self, the covered self, the constrained self, and the cycling self all of which are influenced by inside and outside factors. Some of these factors include: the sin nature as well as the influence of the Holy Spirit within the core; feelings, will, and thoughts within the soul; the relationship of the body with the challenges and problems people face; temporal systems that include family, friends, education, government, and church; and supernatural systems which include God, angels, Satan, and demons. All of these factors play an important role in shaping personality and perceptions of reality, while at the same time present an understanding the sourcing of human problems.
Theory of Motivation
Crabb states that “motivation, as a generalized drive to meet personal needs, is also a normal, necessary part of personality.”[3] Human behavior can be influenced in many ways. Beliefs, thoughts, experiences all play a part in directing and motivating human behavior. There are many schools of thought that give depth to this argument and however effective they may be individually, the counselor who is able to incorporate all of them within a counseling model will be ready for anything.
All throughout his book Crabb emphasizes significance and security in relationships and how every problem a counselor might encounter could be boiled down to one of these two concepts. He believes it is through significance and security an individual’s one basic need of personal worth will be satisfied. [4] Sandra Wilson, in her book Hurt People Hurt People, approaches the issue of motivation by emphasizing the importance of outside influences. She believes the experiences individuals have encountered in the past as well as daily experiences create unseen wounding. Wilson supposes that the root of these unseen wounds are the result of the conviction that human beings should be able to take whatever comes their way without feeling anything. It is this belief that leads one to the assumption that they are flawed if they cannot handle situations in this manner, and it is the shame of being different that results in motivation.[5] Backus and Chapian take a different route deeming that the thoughts and beliefs one has about his past, present, or future will have a direct impact on the way he behaves. They draw this assumption from the Scriptures that teach “man’s feelings, passions, and behaviors are subject to and conditioned by the way he thinks.”[6] Lastly, Neil Anderson’s The Bondage Breaker highlights the belief, whether real or imagined that people are their own gods. It is this belief that is the driving force of the world and lends to their spiritual bondage to the kingdom of darkness. He states man is born into the world physically alive but spiritually dead according to Ephesians 2:1. This separation from God has caused man to seek to make a name for himself in an attempt to have purpose. Through pride, self-exaltation, and independence from God, man proclaims himself god over his own life, thereby agreeing with and giving control to the kingdom of darkness.[7] The understanding and implementation of each of these theories would be a great foundation approach for a pastoral counseling context in which brings freedom and behavioral change.
Theory of Human Development & Individual Differences
The idea that personality changes across one’s lifespan is not a new concept, theorists have been grappling with this issue for years. During the 1800- 1900s Freud introduced his concept of the infantile, latency, genital, and maturity stages of personality development.[8] Around the same time Carl Jung introduced his stages of development believing that personality develops through a series of stages that culminate in individualism. These stages included: childhood, youth, middle life, and old age.[9] Eric Erickson also developed his own theory as he expanded Freud’s concepts, “assuming a linear view of existence; that is, one stage leads to the next.”[10] Kollar suggests a Biblical view of personality development that is founded on sin, separation from God, redemption, and new life, emphasizing the starting point being God’s intention. He believes humanistic theories of development are lacking in that they paint a picture of development apart from God and stresses that psychology and anthropology must be enlighten by theology.[11] It is clear from these views that as a person matures the experiences felt in life will alter his/her personality. Sometimes this change can be good leading to normal development and growth. At other times however, experiences in life can be traumatic and hurtful leading to abnormal development and destructive behavior.
Hawkins states that it is important that as counselors we understand the “shaping influences that have contributed to the development of the ideas, feelings, and choices of the client.”[12] These influences result in individual differences and can stem from many places as a human being matures. Personality traits such as discussed in Hart’s book The Anxiety Cure, can influence how a person perceives events, people, and life.[13] Family dynamics and generational issues are addressed by Sandra Wilson as she discusses the issue of childhood hurts that lead to destructive behavior as an adult. As we develop we learn destructive behaviors from our parents who learned from their parents and so on. She states, “Whatever our childhood circumstances, because of normal developmental limitations, we had no option except to receive everything our parents and other adults modeled and told us was true.” [14] Crabb suggests that personality differences can be seen in children as they develop from one stage to the next trying to meet his/her personal needs.[15]
Definition of Health
There must be a goal to work toward within every counseling model. For the Christian counselor the overarching goal must be to bring the client to a place where they become the image bearer of God, as was intended in the first place. In order to achieve this goal a strategy of intervention must be implemented. Hawkins clearly defines his strategy of intervention within his grid for tracking progress. He states, “There are areas that need to be investigated that contribute to the shaping of the self and it is these areas in which the strengths or weaknesses will be discovered. They are the areas of the Spiritual, the thoughts, the decision, the feelings, the relationships (system) and the body.”[16] It is within these areas that the counselor would seek to help the client come to a place of wholeness and closeness to God. Cloud and Townsend, in Boundaries in Marriage, state that a person who is healthy displays certain characteristics: they are open to feedback and correction; are not defensive; take ownership of own problems, choices, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors; can see themselves and observe their behavior; value relationships; value the individuality of others; allow others to be different; respect other’s differences; and see their own need for growth.[17] When all of these attributes are in place then an individual can live out of a place of obedience to the two greatest commandments; “love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul and love your neighbor as yourself.”(Matthew 22:37-39) This truly is being an image barer of God.
Definition of Illness
There are many theories on mental illness and its parameters. Many theorists consider illness to be anxiety, compulsive disorders, personality disorders, psychological disorders, behavioral disorders, and the list can go on and on. Both Christian and secular psychologists agree illness is a break from the socialistic norms that are in place.
Alfred Adler spent the majority of his early career writing almost exclusively on the inadequate personality. He formulated a theory which suggested that an underdeveloped social interest was the cause of all maladjustments in personality. He explains further that these individuals are “failures in life because they are over concerned with themselves and care little about others.”[18] Although this definition may be a little vague and not fully take into consideration all the nuances of personality, experience, trauma, and relationships; it does appear to be the opposite of the image of God and therefore can clearly be a viable option for consideration as that is our goal.
Illness has many causes; as noted earlier Wilson emphasizes outside influences as well as hereditary make up, while Hart singles out personality type and drive that cause burnout. Cloud and Townsend contend illness stems from a lack of boundaries, while Backus and Chapian hold to thoughts and beliefs to which the individual agrees. All of these theories have their place and are valid expression of causes, however as a Christian I must fall back to the beginning when sin entered the garden and Adam and Eve were deceived. Sin is at the very heart of illness, it is Satan’s intent to steal, kill, and destroy mankind and he will use every opportunity available. (John 10:10) Andy Reece in his book Freedom Tools, he states, “The pain, failure, hindrance, sin or demonic torment in a person’s life had a source, a beginning point, and origin. It may not have been the person’s doing at all, but that of someone against them.”[19] He goes on to explain the principle of sowing and reaping found in Galatians 6:7-8. Whether illness is a result of reaping from our own sin or the sin of others, it still originates from sin.
Elements in a Comprehensive Theory of Cure
In Hawkins’ model of strategic intervention he clearly lays out a plan of action that leads to freedom for the entire person. He proposes each part of the self is in need of a cure and must be included in any comprehensive model of counseling. Starting with the core self he advises a spiritual strategy of restoring the image of God within the individual. Next working with the connected self one must think soulically, making sure spiritual disciplines are in place. Following this the covered self must be addressed by thinking somatically. Is the body being taken care of through exercise and eating right? With the constrained self, one must think systematically. What are the things in the natural and supernatural world that are affecting the life of the client either negatively or positively? Lastly, the cycling self where one thinks synergistically, taking into consideration every aspect of life.[20] The entire person must be addressed with looking for a cure as dysfunction in one area will have an impact on other areas of the self.
When addressing each part of the person, it is important for the cure to entail strategies that will be most beneficial for each area. Within the core and connected self, Backus and Chapian propose taking the client through a three step approach of locating the misbelief, removing the misbelief, and replacing the misbelief with truth in order to bring the individual back in line with their identity of being an image barer of God.[21] For the covered self Hart proposes rest and relaxation to combat anxiety, stating, “There is no tool more crucial to recovery from anxiety than the ability to produce a relaxation response.”[22] The constrained self is affected by natural and supernatural forces and according to Anderson must be confronted with truth in order for the client to be set free from the bondage of them. He states, “Freedom from spiritual conflicts and bondage is not a power encounter; it’s a truth encounter.”[23] Lastly, the cycling self takes into account all of these strategies in order to form a comprehensive counseling model, that brings complete healing for the individual.
Development of the Techniques that Govern/Guide the Therapeutic Process
When developing a therapeutic model of counseling one of the first steps toward success is making sure the counselee feels comfortable and safe. Every counselee is different and will have varying needs, so it is important that the counselor build a rapport at the beginning that will open the door for cooperation and healing. Crabb states, “Counseling is a relationship. Relationship interactions vary depending on the temperaments, problems, or personalities of the people involved.[24] A counselor that can establish relationship from the very beginning will have better success in the long run.
One of the common threads found throughout the resources used for this paper is the concept of truth. Wilson, Backus and Chapian, Reece, and Anderson all agree that helping the client to understand the truth and let go of misbeliefs is one of the most important steps in any therapeutic process. Reece appears to incorporate the methodologies of all the others to come up with a five phase process. He calls it “the fruit loop” and it includes the following: (1) Fruit – What is going on? The goal of fruit is to bring some definition to current events, in a gentle and noncategorizing way. (2) Root – Where did it come from and why? Question the client about the first occurrences, origins, and reasons. (3) Boot – Clear out the problems using techniques of forgiveness and releasing judgment, renouncing lies and agreeing with truth, and taking authority over demonic oppression. (4) Loot – Take back what was stolen by looking for God’s intention in the situation both current and past, as well as God’s destiny objective of blessing and for what has been stolen. (5) Scoot – Make life choices and changes by identifying steps, decisions, and actions that should be taken to make the advance of the Kingdom in the client’s life permanent.[25]
Hawkins’ analysis grid for guiding Biblical counseling is similar and would be helpful as well. He incorporates a strategy through a four phase process. This process includes: (1) Listening well to the presenting story. (2) Develop with the counselee a preferred future. (3) Develop an action plan. (4) Connect the counselee to the community for the purpose of receiving support, encouragement, and accountability.[26]
Lastly, Benner, in Strategic Pastoral Counseling, approaches the therapeutic process by incorporating specific characteristics that he considers to be imperative for the counselee’s freedom. These characteristics include: (1) Brief and time-limited sessions. (2) A holistic approach. (3) A structured approach. (4) Involvement of assigned homework. (5) A church- based approach. (6) A spiritually-focused approach. (7) An explicitly Christian approach.[27]
As the counselor approaches the counseling session and implements the elements listed above the experience can be maximized or compromised according to the extent the counselee becomes involved in the process. Cloud and Townsend refer to those individuals who cooperate with the process as boundary lovers and those who don’t as boundary resisters.[28] Sometimes there are misconceptions about the problems the counselee may be facing. Anderson addresses this when he discusses common misconceptions about bondage. He states by moving from a Western worldview to a Biblical worldview the counselee will be able to dispel the wrong beliefs about the spiritual world that keeps him/her in darkness.
Demonstration of Effectiveness
The most convincing evidence to support the accuracy and effectiveness of any theoretical assumption is a changed life. When a counselee comes into a counseling session distraught and in pain, if the counselor can see a visible change in their countenance as they leave then they can know their methods were affective. When there is visible evidence of a destructive behavior being turned into a constructive behavior the counselor can be assured they are doing something right. When a couple comes into a counseling session on the brink of divorce and a few months later are happily married again the counselor can know they are on the right track. If the methods being incorporated within the counseling model are in line with the Word of God and bring hope for change to the counselee results will be seen. By following the leading of the Spirit first while applying Biblical techniques one can be assured success. Reece states it this way, “God’s solutions are few and simple, depend on honest, humble hearts, require that we listen to Him in the midst of ministry and rely on faith in His power and willingness to help us.”[29]
Explanation of How the Overall Theory Relates to a Comprehensive Worldview
It was not God’s intent for Christians to tolerate bondage and unhealthy restraints in their lives, because what is tolerated eventually dominates. Jesus was the example on earth for us to follow even stating, “…He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do…” (John 14:12) The freedom found in following after the example of Jesus and living out the promise of His word is the true inheritance Jesus left for all who believe on Him. The reality of sin and a sin nature is something to contend with on a daily basis but its power over the Christian is only as strong as it is perceived. (Romans 5:12 -21) Jesus came to earth, suffered, died, and rose again so every Christian could walk in authority and freedom from sin and oppression. (Luke 10:19) Sin will always be a part of this world, but it doesn’t have to be a part of the world of the Christian. Believers live in a new Kingdom, one of provision (Matthew 6:33), one of authority over demons (Matthew 12:28, Luke 11:20), one of the sick being healed (Luke 10:9), and one of “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”( Romans 14:17)
Conclusion
The model proposed within the context of this paper will be one of generating solutions that will be effective in producing freedom for any individual as it is based on the premise that God does supply resources and solutions that can be expressed and simplified, working alongside the church to bring about a collaborative process of change.[30] In an effort for freedom the model will be a facilitator of the restoration of the client’s relationship with Father God and therefore re-establish his/her identity and destiny, working toward the removal of the deception, sin, and resulting emotional pain that hinders the abundant life that Jesus died for every believer to live. (Rom. 5:17) Within this context the counselor will give attention to nine elements of the person in an attempt to offer a complete and extensive counseling experience, whereby no part of the person is left out of the process. The nine elements would include: body, cognition, feelings, volition, human spirit, Holy Spirit, sin, temporal systems, and supernatural systems.
A complete counseling session would also incorporate concepts drawn from theology, psychology, and spirituality, giving weight to theology as the foundational truth from which to build as well as bring balance to the model. Proverbs 1:2 instructs us “To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding”. The Hebrew term for wisdom, perceive and understanding used here is yada. This word has been translated ‘to know’ but in reality it means so much more. According to Paul Cox, “The meaning includes considered knowledge, learning, to consider, ability to distinguish, to possess a developed sense of awareness, professional skills, heightened consciousness, perception, intuition, and discernment.”[31] This understanding gives new meaning to counseling and being led by the Holy Spirit. With further study this Hebrew word can be found many other places within Scripture incorporating into its meaning every aspect of our lives by means of the five physical senses and not just our intellectual knowing. This understanding shows that God wants us to know Him within every part of our being. In this one word God has incorporated not only the counselor’s job of hearing God, but also His job of drawing the counselee to Himself body, soul, and spirit.[32]
[1], Dwight C. Rice. 2009. An overview of solution-focused pastoral counseling influenced by
solution-focused brief therapy: PowerPoint Presentation. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University.
[2] Lawrence J. Crabb, Jr. Effective Biblical Counseling: A Model For Helping Caring Christians Become Capable Counselors, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 1977), 88.
[3] Lawrence J. Crabb, Jr., Effective Biblical Counseling, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 1977), 139.
[5] Sandra D. Wilson, Hurt People Hurt People, Hope and Healing for Yourself and Your Relationships, (Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House Publishing, 2001), 16-18.
[6] William Backus and Marie Chapian. Telling Yourself The Truth, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 1977), 16.
[7] Neil T. Anderson, The Bondage Breaker: Overcoming Negative Thoughts, Irrational Feelings, and Habitual Sins, (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2000), 37.
[8] Jeff Feist & Gregory J. Feist, Theories of Personality, 5th ed. (Boston, MA: McGraw Hill, 2002), 39-47.
[9] Theories of Personality, 114-116.
[10] C. A. Kollar, Solution-focused pastoral counseling, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1997), 54.
[11] Solution-focused pastoral counseling, 55.
[12] Ron. Hawkins, Pastoral Assessment Model: PowerPoint Presentation. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University, 2008.
[13] Archibald D. Hart, The Anxiety Cure, (Nashville, TN: Word Publishing, 1999), 3.
[14] Hurt People Hurt People, Hope and Healing for Yourself and Your Relationships, 81.
[15] Effective Biblical Counseling, 117.
[16] Ron. Hawkins, Pastoral Assessment Model: PowerPoint Presentation. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University, 2008.
[17] Henry Cloud and John Townsend, Boundaries In Marriage, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 1999), 196.
[18] Theories of Personality,76.
[19] Andy Reece, Freedom Tools: For Overcoming Life’s Tough Problems,(Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2008), 67.
[20] Ron. Hawkins, Pastoral Assessment Model: PowerPoint Presentation. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University, 2008.
[21] Telling Yourself The Truth, 16.
[22] The Anxiety Cure, 126.
[23] The Bondage Breaker: Overcoming Negative Thoughts, Irrational Feelings, and Habitual Sins, 23.
[24] Effective Biblical Counseling, 148.
[25] Freedom Tools: For Overcoming Life’s Tough Problems, 112-113.
[26] Ron. Hawkins, Pastoral Assessment Model: PowerPoint Presentation. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University, 2008.
[27] David G. Benner, Strategic Pastoral Counseling: A Short-Term Structured Model. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2003), 48.
[28] Boundaries In Marriage, 193-232.
[29] Freedom Tools: For Overcoming Life’s Tough Problems, 96.
[30] An overview of solution-focused pastoral counseling influenced by
solution-focused brief therapy, 2009.
[31] Aslan’s Place. “Yada and the Gift of Discernment.” http://aslansplace.com/articles/?0000000014.
[32] Yada and the Gift of Discernment, 2009.
References
Amplified Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 1987.
Anderson, Neil T. The Bondage Breaker: Overcoming Negative Thoughts, Irrational Feelings,
and Habitual Sins. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2000.
Aslan’s Place. “Yada and the Gift of Discernment.” http://aslansplace.com/articles/?0000000014.
Backus and Chapman. Telling Yourself The Truth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan
Publishing, 1977.
Benner, David G. Strategic Pastoral Counseling: A Short-Term Structured Model. Grand
Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2003.
Cloud, Henry and Townsend, John. Boundaries In Marriage. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan
Publishing, 1999.
Crabb, Jr., Lawrence J. Effective Biblical Counseling. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan
Publishing, 1977.
Feist, Jeff & Feist, Gregory J. Theories of Personality, 5th ed. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill, 2002.
Hart, Archibald D. The Anxiety Cure. Nashville, TN: Word Publishing, 1999.
Hawkins, Ron. Pastoral Assessment Model: PowerPoint Presentation. Lynchburg, VA:
Liberty University, 2008.
Kollar, C. A. Solution-focused pastoral counseling. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Publishing House, 1997.
Reece, Andy. Freedom Tools: For Overcoming Life’s Tough Problems. Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker, 2008.
Rice, Dwight C. Dr. An overview of solution-focused pastoral counseling influenced by
solution-focused brief therapy: PowerPoint Presentation. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty
University 2009.
Wilson, Sandra D. Hurt People Hurt People, Hope and Healing for Yourself and Your
Relationships. Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House Publishing, 2001.
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