Christian Counseling 2.0 A Contemporary Christ-centered Perspective on Theory, Techniques and Helping Strategies

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1 A Contemporary Christ-centered Perspective on Theory, Techniques and Helping Strategies P.O. Box 739 Forest, VA

2 Welcome to Light University and the Christian Counseling 2.0: A Contemporary Christ-centered Perspective on Theory, Techniques and Helping Strategies program of study. Our prayer is that you will be blessed by your studies and increase your effectiveness in reaching out to others. We believe you will find this program to be academically sound, clinically excellent and biblically-based. Our faculty represents some of the best in their field including professors, counselors and ministers who provide students with current, practical instruction relevant to the needs of today s generations. We have also worked hard to provide you with a program that is convenient and flexible giving you the advantage of classroom instruction online and allowing you to complete your training on your own time and schedule in the comfort of your home or office. The test material can be found at and may be taken open book. Once you have successfully completed the test, which covers the units within this course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion signifying you have completed this program of study. Thank you for your interest in this program of study. Our prayer is that you will grow in knowledge, discernment, and people-skills throughout this course of study. Sincerely, Ron Hawkins Dean, Light University Light University 2

3 The American Association of Christian Counselors Represents the largest organized membership (nearly 50,000) of Christian counselors and caregivers in the world, having just celebrated its 25 th anniversary in Known for its top-tier publications (Christian Counseling Today, the Christian Counseling Connection and Christian Coaching Today), professional credentialing opportunities offered through the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC), excellence in Christian counseling education, an array of broad-based conferences and live training events, radio programs, regulatory and advocacy efforts on behalf of Christian professionals, a peer-reviewed Ethics Code, and collaborative partnerships such as Compassion International, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and Care Net (to name a few), the AACC has become the face of Christian counseling today. With the needed vision and practical support necessary, the AACC helped launch the International Christian Coaching Association (ICCA) in 2011, which now represents the largest Christian life coaching organization in the world with over 2,000 members and growing. Our Mission The AACC is committed to assisting Christian counselors, the entire community of care, licensed professionals, pastors, and lay church members with little or no formal training. It is our intention to equip clinical, pastoral, and lay caregivers with biblical truth and psychosocial insights that minister to hurting persons and helps them move to personal wholeness, interpersonal competence, mental stability, and spiritual maturity. Light University 3

4 Our Vision The AACC s vision has two critical dimensions: First, we desire to serve the worldwide Christian Church by helping foster maturity in Christ. Secondly, we aim to serve, educate, and equip 1,000,000 professional clinicians, pastoral counselors, and lay helpers throughout the next decade. We are committed to helping the Church equip God s people to love and care for one another. We recognize Christian counseling as a unique form of Christian discipleship, assisting the church in its call to bring believers to maturity in the lifelong process of sanctification of growing to maturity in Christ and experiencing abundant life. We recognize some are gifted to do so in the context of a clinical, professional and/or pastoral manner. We also believe selected lay people are called to care for others and that they need the appropriate training and mentoring to do so. We believe the role of the helping ministry in the Church must be supported by three strong cords: the pastor, the lay helper, and the clinical professional. It is to these three roles that the AACC is dedicated to serve (Ephesians 4: 11-13). Our Core Values In the name of Christ, the American Association of Christian Counselors abides by the following values: VALUE 1: OUR SOURCE We are committed to honor Jesus Christ and glorify God, remaining flexible and responsive to the Holy Spirit in all that He has called us to be and do. VALUE 2: OUR STRENGTH We are committed to biblical truths, and to clinical excellence and unity in the delivery of all our resources, services, training and benefits. VALUE 3: OUR SERVICE We are committed to effectively and competently serve the community of care worldwide both our membership and the church at large with excellence and timeliness, and by overdelivery on our promises. VALUE 4: OUR STAFF We are committed to value and invest in our people as partners in our mission to help others effectively provide Christ-centered counseling and soul care for hurting people. VALUE 5: OUR STEWARDSHIP We are committed to profitably steward the resources God gives to us in order to continue serving the needs of hurting people. Light University 4

5 Light University Established in 1999 under the leadership of Dr. Tim Clinton has now seen nearly 200,000 students from around the world (including lay caregivers, pastors and chaplains, crisis responders, life coaches, and licensed mental health practitioners) enroll in courses that are delivered via multiple formats (live conference and webinar presentations, video-based certification training, and a state-of-the art online distance teaching platform). These presentations, courses, and certificate and diploma programs, offer one of the most comprehensive orientations to Christian counseling anywhere. The strength of Light University is partially determined by its world-class faculty over 150 of the leading Christian educators, authors, mental health clinicians and life coaching experts in the United States. This core group of faculty members represents a literal Who s Who in Christian counseling. No other university in the world has pulled together such a diverse and comprehensive group of professionals. Educational and training materials cover over 40 relevant core areas in Christian counseling, life coaching, mediation, and crisis response equipping competent caregivers and ministry leaders who are making a difference in their churches, communities, and organizations. Our Mission Statement To train one million Biblical Counselors, Christian Life Coaches, and Christian Crisis Responders by educating, equipping, and serving today s Christian leaders. Academically Sound Clinically Excellent Distinctively Christian Light University 5

6 Video-based Curriculum Utilizes DVD presentations that incorporate over 150 of the leading Christian educators, authors, mental health clinicians, and life coaching experts in the United States. Each presentation is approximately minutes in length and most are accompanied by a corresponding text (in outline format) and a 10-question examination to measure learning outcomes. There are nearly 1,000 unique presentations that are available and organized in various course offerings. Learning is self-directed and pacing is determined according to the individual time parameters/schedule of each participant. With the successful completion of each program course, participants receive an official Certificate of Completion. In addition to the normal Certificate of Completion that each participant receives, Regular and Advanced Diplomas in Biblical Counseling are also available. Ø The Regular Diploma is awarded by taking Caring For People God s Way, Breaking Free and one additional Elective among the available Core Courses. Ø The Advanced Diploma is awarded by taking Caring For People God s Way, Breaking Free, and any three Electives among the available Core Courses. Credentialing Light University courses, programs, certificates and diplomas are recognized and endorsed by the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC) and its three affiliate Boards: the Board of Christian Professional & Pastoral Counselors (BCPPC); the Board of Christian Life Coaching (BCLC); and the Board of Christian Crisis & Trauma Response (BCCTR). Credentialing is a separate process from certificate or diploma completion. However, the IBCC accepts Light University and Light University Online programs as meeting the academic requirements for credentialing purposes. Graduates are eligible to apply for credentialing in most cases. Ø Credentialing involves an application, attestation, and personal references. Ø Credential renewals include Continuing Education requirements, re-attestation, and occur either annually or biennially depending on the specific Board. Light University 6

7 Online Testing The URL for taking all quizzes for this course is: TO LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT Ø You should have received an upon checkout that included your username, password, and a link to login to your account online. MY DASHBOARD PAGE QUIZZES Ø Once registered, you will see the My DVD Course Dashboard link by placing your mouse pointer over the My Account menu in the top bar of the website. This page will include student PROFILE information and the REGISTERED COURSES for which you are registered. The LOG-OUT and MY DASHBOARD tabs will be in the top right of each screen. Clicking on the > next to the course will take you to the course page containing the quizzes. Ø Simply click on the first quiz to begin. PRINT CERTIFICATE After all quizzes are successfully completed, a Print Your Certificate button will appear near the top of the course page. You will now be able to print out a Certificate of Completion. Your name and the course information are pre-populated. Continuing Education The AACC is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to offer continuing education for psychologists. The AACC is a co-sponsor of this training curriculum and a National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP TM ). The AACC may award NBCC approved clock hours for events or programs that meet NBCC requirements. The AACC maintains responsibility for the content of this training curriculum. The AACC also offers continuing education credit for play therapists through the Association for Play Therapy (APT Approved Provider #14-373), so long as the training element is specifically applicable to the practice of play therapy. It remains the responsibility of each individual to be aware of his/her state licensure and Continuing Education requirements. A letter certifying participation will be mailed to those individuals who submit a Continuing Education request and have successfully completed all course requirements. Light University 7

8 Presenter for Christian Counseling 2.0 A Contemporary Christ-centered Perspective on Theory, Techniques and Helping Strategies Light University 8

9 Presenter Biographies Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr. Tan is also senior pastor of First Evangelical Church Glendale in Glendale, CA. He is a distinguished researcher, writer, and scholar in Christian psychotherapy. He served as president of Division 36 (Psychology of Religion) of the APA from 1998 to Of Dr. Tan s many publications, he is best known for his book Lay Counseling and more recently for Full Service: Moving from Self- Serve Christianity to Total Servanthood, Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective, and Disciplines of the Holy Spirit. He is associate editor of the Journal of Psychology and Christianity, contributing editor for the Journal of Psychology and Theology, consulting editor for Edification: Journal for the Society of Christian Psychology, and editorial consultant of the Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. The presentations for Christian Counseling 2.0 are drawn from Dr. Tan s newest release by Baker Books. Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective offers comprehensive reviews, current research and biblical integration principles that cover ten major theoretical approaches used by mental health practitioners. Light University 9

10 Christian Counseling 2.0: Theories of Counseling and Treatment Methods Table of Contents: CC20 101: Christian Theology in Christian Counseling: A Biblical Perspective on Human Nature, Effective Counseling and Psychotherapy Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D. CC20 102: Christian Faith in Clinical Practice: Implicit and Explicit Integration Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D. CC20 103: The Holy Spirit and Christian Spirituality in Counseling and Psychotherapy Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D. Light University 10

11 Lesson 1 Christian Theology in Christian Counseling: A Biblical Perspective on Human Nature, Effective Counseling and Psychotherapy Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D. Light University 11

12 Abstract This session addresses various approaches and views that concern the integration of Christian faith in psychology and counseling. It is important, as counselors, to perform Christian counseling in the power of the Holy Spirit as the Lord leads in His wisdom and guidance through the Scripture. Theological foundations are crucial to the field of Christian counseling. Psychology is a broad field, but the integration of Christian faith into psychology narrows the focus. There are four basic approaches and five major views to the integration of Christian faith and psychology. This session seeks to briefly detail the aspects of Christian integration while clarifying the basic principles of effective counseling and psychotherapy. Learning Objectives 1. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the integration of Christian faith into the field of psychology and counseling. 2. Participants will be able to identify the various approaches and views that relate to the integration of the Christian faith into psychology and counseling. 3. Participants will learn basic principles of effective counseling and psychotherapy. Light University 12

13 I. Christian Counseling A. Defined 1. Those who are Christians perform Christian counseling. 2. Christian counseling and the Christian counselor are Christ centered, Bible-based and Spirit-filled. B. Importance 1. It is important that we see the crucial, essential and substantial place for Christian theology in Christian counseling. 2. Christian counseling should be performed in the power of the Holy Spirit as the Lord leads in His wisdom and guidance through the Bible. 3. Theological foundations are crucial for Christian counseling. II. Approaches to the Integration of Christian Faith and Psychology A. Integration 1. Psychology is a broad field. There are 55 divisions of psychology within the American Psychological Association (APA). 2. The integration of Christian faith and counseling is a narrow focus. 3. We need to be clear in our usage of terminology. Light University 13

14 B. The Integration of Christian Faith and General Psychology 1 1. There are four basic approaches. 2. Christianity Against Psychology: Fundamentalist and biblically militant, conservative Christians usually hold to the Christianity Against Psychology approach. Some of them reject psychology, especially the more clinical aspects of it. Many of those that hold this view do not reject the more experimental and general aspects of psychology. This is almost an anti-integration perspective. This perspective is still around in some churches. 3. Christianity Off Psychology: Those with more liberal theological views hold to this approach. They are much more open to psychology. They try to allow psychology to be the dominant perspective and worldview that guides Christian faith and beliefs. Psychology is preeminent. 4. Parallels Approach/Model: Christianity and psychology are seen as equally important, but essentially separate fields. There is respect for scientific psychology and theology. The two may connect somehow, but they are different fields. Usually those who are interested in scientific psychology hold to this approach. 5. Christianity Integrates Psychology: People who have an integrative approach to this field hold the Christianity Integrates Psychology approach. Light University 14

15 They integrate the best of secular psychology and research that is not against biblical revelation and put it into biblical teaching. The Bible is held as the ultimate authority through which all disciplines and research are subjected, including secular psychology and research. Some take a stronger view of Christian psychology. III. Five Major Views of Integration of Christian Faith and Psychology 2 A. Levels of Explanation View 1. This is the most scientific view, and it is similar to the Parallels Model. 2. Psychology is taken with equal importance and priority as faith and theology. B. Integration View 1. This is similar to the Christianity Integrates Psychology approach. C. Christian Psychology View 1. This is similar to the Christianity Integrates Psychology view and the Integration view. 2. For a while, some wanted to get rid of the Integration view because it might have been too weak. 3. Bring in the Bible, maximally, as a central foundation of integration. Also bring in historical foundations and biblical theology (so that the theological foundations become even stronger). Light University 15

16 4. This is distinctively a Christian psychology view. 5. Start with the Bible. Historical, biblical and systematic theology is looked to first, and not psychological theories and research. 6. See how theological and biblical foundations can inform psychological theorizing and research while at the same time respecting good psychological theorizing and research. D. Transformational Psychology View 1. This is psychology in the Spirit. 2. In this particular context, the importance of spiritual formation, spiritual disciplines and the role of the Holy Spirit are emphasized. 3. This is a true Christ centered, Bible-based and Spirit-filled approach to counseling, the integrating of psychology and the Christian faith. 4. The material in this view can help one to be more Christian in their integration. E. Biblical Counseling View 1. This is similar to the Christianity Against Psychology view except that it is not against psychology all the way. 2. It is critical of secular psychology, particularly in its theories, philosophies and methods. Light University 16

17 IV. The Role of Christian Theology A. The Bible 1. Theology is the study of God, Scripture and revelation. 2. Christian theology is distinctively an approach to studying theology from a biblical, Christian perspective. B. A Biblical Perspective on Human Nature 1. This is also known as biblical anthropology. 2. It is important to have a proper, biblical understanding on what it means to be a human being. 3. There are basic characteristics and truths concerning human nature to keep in mind when helping people. 4. The Bible is very relevant to the field of counseling. It is an eternal textbook on life, human function and dysfunction. It is essential to help us understand people. 5. There are some basic psychological and spiritual needs that every human being has because God made humans that way (Genesis 1). We are created in the image of God. Some of the basic psychological and spiritual needs include: 3 Ø Security or love Ø Significance or meaning and impact Ø Hope and forgiveness These needs can only be met in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Light University 17

18 We try to meet these needs many other ways (secular). Some theologians do not like the term, needs. These needs can also be addressed as longings. 6. The basic problem that we have as human beings in this world is sin. People avoid the topic of sin. All of one s personal and psychological problems are not due to sin. Human beings are fallen although they were created in the image of God. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. And He was saying, Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will. Mark 14: The ultimate goal of humanity is to know God and have spiritual health. Synchrony is desired between one s emotional, physical and spiritual health. In heaven we will be perfected emotionally, physically and spiritually. Know God by enjoying Him forever. Sometimes God allows mental, physical, emotional and spiritual struggles in order to deepen our spiritual wellness in God. There can be paradoxical blessings through anguish. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21 And He has said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with Light University 18

19 weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12: Problem feelings are usually due to problem behaviors, and more fundamentally problem thinking. The Bible has verses that suggest that our thinking affects our feelings and behavior. Our behavior affects our feelings too. Our feelings can affect our behavior and thinking as well. It is important to look at our thinking, and to think biblically. In Christian counseling, it is important to attend to a person s thinking, feelings and behavior. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. John 8:32 9. Have a holistic, comprehensive view of the human being. All of us have physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions. We have to look at the whole person when helping people. And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52 V. Basic Principles of Effective Counseling and Psychotherapy A. A Biblical Perspective 1. The Holy Spirit s ministry a as counselor is crucial, depend on Him. Light University 19

20 2. The Bible is a basic and comprehensive, though not exhaustive, guide for counseling. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 3. Prayer is an integral part of biblical counseling. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16 Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 4. The ultimate goal in counseling is maturity in Christ and fulfilling the great commission. 5. The personal qualities of the counselor are important, especially spiritual ones. Congruence (genuineness) Unconditional positive regard (respect/warmth) Empathetic understanding (empathy) Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2 And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. Romans 15:14 Light University 20

21 6. The client s attitudes, motivations and desires for help are also important. 7. The relationship between the counselor and the client is a significant factor in effective counseling. 8. Effective counseling is a process involving exploration, understanding and action phases, and it usually focuses on changing problem thinking. 9. The style or approach in counseling should be flexible. 10. Specific techniques, or methods of counseling, should be consistent with Scripture. 11. Cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural skills are also required. 12. Outreach and prevention skills, in the context of a caring community, are also important. 13. Have an awareness of limitations and referral skills. VI. Resource Siang-Yang Tan, Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Publishing Group, 2011). Light University 21

22 Endnotes 1 J.D. Carter and S. B. Narramore, The Integration of Psychology and Theology (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1979). 2 E. L. Johnson and S. L. Jones, Psychology and Christianity: Four Views (Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic, 2000). 3 Larry Crabb, Effective Biblical Counseling: A Model for Helping Caring Christians Become Capable Counselors (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1977). Larry Crabb, Understanding People (Grand Rapids, Michigan, Zondervan, 1987). Light University 22

23 Lesson 2 Christian Faith in Clinical Practice: Implicit and Explicit Integration Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D. Light University 23

24 Abstract This session addresses implicit and explicit integration in regards to Christian counseling. Implicit and explicit integration are on opposite sides of the continuum, but neither approach stands superior to the other. When practicing with explicit integration, there are specific resources that one can use such as prayer, scripture and referrals to religious groups. Many spiritual issues will be dealt with in therapy even when they are presented existentially. Further, the role of spiritual disciplines cannot be overlooked. There are two overarching areas that spiritual disciplines will be categorized as: traditional or authentic. This session seeks to address these spiritual concerns while signifying the supportive research on the spiritual integration into Christian, clinical practice. Learning Objectives 1. Participants will be able to identify the differences between implicit and explicit integration. 2. Participants will gain a more sufficient understanding of the various different methods of both implicit and explicit integration. 3. Participants will learn the different categories of spiritual disciplines. Light University 24

25 I. Implicit and Explicit Integration A. Christian Counseling 1. Christian counseling is counseling or people helping done by a Christian who is Christ centered, Bible based and Spirit filled. 2. God will guide you in the more practical ways for helping people through Christian counseling. 3. Christian counseling can also be defined as consecrated counseling. 4. Buffet (1997) gives the definition of consecrated counseling as, Counseling is most truly Christian when the counselor has a deep faith, counsels with excellence, holds a Christian worldview, is guided by Christian values in choosing the means, goals and motivations of counseling, actively seeks the presence and work of God and actively utilizes spiritual interventions and resources within ethical guidelines. B. Implicit Integration 1 1. Implicit integration refers to a more covert, or quiet, approach to integration. It does not initiate the discussion of religious or spiritual issues and does not openly, directly or systematically use spiritual resources. C. Explicit Integration 2 1. Explicit integration is a more overt approach that directly and systematically deals with spiritual or religious issues in therapy and uses spiritual resources like prayer, Scripture or sacred text, referrals to other religious groups or lay counselors and other religious practices. Light University 25

26 D. The Continuum 1. Implicit and explicit integration are on opposite ends of a continuum. 2. One is not better than the other. 3. By integrating faith in clinical practice, one has to remember that intentional, prayerful integration is the key whether it is implicit or explicit. It depends on the client, the problem, the issues and the school of therapy the counselor is counseling from. 4. Keep in mind, that as a counselor, one has to be flexible. E. Examples 1. Implicit integration is relevant for clients who are not Christians. Sometimes there are opportunities to share one s faith ethically if informed consent is given. You move along the continuum from session-to-session, even with the same client, depending on the needs of the moment. 2. Even if the client is a Christian, sometimes a more implicit form of counseling is necessary. 3. Spiritual interventions must be relevant to the clinical problem. 4. Explicit integration is relevant for those who come in seeking Christian help. 5. The particular theoretical position that the counselor is practicing from impacts the approach to implicit or explicit integration. Light University 26

27 F. Aspects Of Implicit Integration 1. Implicit integration is still considered integration because one is conscious, as a Christian counselor, of the presence of God. 2. They are depending on the Holy Spirit to guide the session and produce agape love. 3. The counselor-client relationship is important for good therapy. G. Aspects of Explicit Integration 1. Explicit integration includes at least three major aspects or dimensions in Christian therapy. 2. Ethically, the client must give informed consent. 3. The counselor s particular Christian beliefs and perspectives should be similar, but not necessarily identical, with the client s Christianity. II. The Use of Religious and Spiritual Resources in Therapy A. Prayer 1. Prayer can be used in many different ways in Christian counseling: At the beginning of the session to ask for God s guidance and healing In the middle At the end of the session to close Anytime when appropriate 2. There are different forms of prayer: Prayers of confession Light University 27

28 Prayers of adoration Prayers of thanksgiving Prayers of petition for oneself Prayers of intercession for others Silent prayer 3. Inner-healing prayer is a very specific, Christian intervention in explicit integration. 4. Make sure that the client is willing and able to proceed with the inner-healing prayer. 5. There are seven steps to the inner-healing prayer 3 : Begin with prayer for protection from evil, and ask for the power and healing ministry of the Holy Spirit to take control of the session. Guide the client into a relaxed state, usually by brief relaxation strategies (e.g., slow, deep breathing, calming self-talk, pleasant imagery, prayer, and Bible imagery). Guide the client to focus attention on a painful past event or traumatic experience, and to feel deeply the pain, hurt, anger, and so forth. Prayerfully ask the Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to come to the client and minister his comfort, love, and healing grace (even gently rebuke where necessary). It may be Jesus imagery or other healing imagery, music (song/hymn), Scriptures, a sense of his presence or warmth, or other manifestation of the Spirit s working. No specific guided imagery or visualization is provided or directly given at this point. Wait quietly upon the Lord to minister to the client with his healing grace and truth. Guide and speak only if necessary and led by the Holy Spirit. In order to follow or track with the client, the counselor will periodically and gently ask, What s happening? What are you feeling or experiencing now? Light University 28

29 Close in prayer. Debrief and discuss the inner-healing prayer experience with the client. B. Example C. Scripture 1. Scriptures can be used to: Comfort Clarify or guide Correct or cognitively restructure Change character Cleanse Convict Cure or heal 2. It helps tremendously for the counselor to know the Bible well enough to cite the chapter and verse. Get into the Scriptures so that the Scriptures can get into you. D. Referral to Religious Groups 1. God wants us to grow and heal in community. 2. Encourage clients to attend church, a support group, and a fellowship/small group. 3. Lay counselors can be very helpful, especially when the client has exhausted their finances in professional counseling. Light University 29

30 III. Dealing with Spiritual Issues in Therapy A. The Scope 1. All kinds of issues can come into therapy. 2. The issues can be presented as existential, but they are also spiritual. B. Awareness 1. A non-christian can bring up the meaninglessness of life. 2. A Christian can be dealing with: Ø Doubts of God Ø Doctrinal issues Ø Guilt Ø Depression Ø Sin Ø Rebellion 3. The therapist, or Christian counselor, must be aware of these things. IV. Fostering Impersonal Integration and the Development of Spirituality in the Therapist and the Client A. The Role of Spiritual Disciplines 1. Do not overemphasize spiritual disciplines for the sake of spiritual disciplines. 2. All religions engage in spiritual disciplines. Light University 30

31 3. Spiritual disciplines must be energized, empowered and motivated by the Holy Spirit. 4. They must come out of a deep longing and love for God. B. Traditional Spiritual Disciplines 4 1. Solitude: When empowered by the Holy Spirit, it will help us draw near to God. It includes: solitude in silence, listening and guidance, prayer, studying and meditation on Scriptures. 2. Surrender: When empowered by the Holy Spirit, it will enable us to yield to God. It includes: repentance and confession of sins, yielding and submission to God and His will, fasting and worship. 3. Service: When empowered by the Holy Spirit, it helps us to reach out to others. It includes: fellowship with other Christians, simplicity, service and witnessing. C. Authentic Disciplines 5 1. Circumstantial spiritual disciplines are those that we do not have a choice in and they happen because God has allowed them or caused them. We experience these under the hands of a loving and holy God to deepen and purify us. 2. Authentic disciplines include: Selflessness Light University 31

32 Waiting Suffering Prosecution Social mercy Forgiveness Mourning Contentment Sacrifice Hope Fear 3. The cognitive category: Meditation Listening Scripture Study Prayer Discernment 4. The behavioral category includes: Simplicity Frugality Fasting Chastity Body care Saying No or Yes Slowing Sabbath Solitude Light University 32

33 Silence Secrecy Service/servant hood Sacrifice Suffering Dying well 5. The interpersonal disciplines include: Confession Repentance Forgiveness Submission Humility Worship Eucharist Singing Celebration Fellowship Community Hospitality Healing Witnessing Testimony Intercession Guidance V. Research A. Today Light University 33

34 1. The empirical status of religious and spiritual therapies, including Christian forms of therapy, reveals that religious and spiritual therapies are more effective than no treatment and more effective than some of the other controlled treatments. 2. They are equally effective as comparable treatments in length of treatment and theoretical orientation, at least on psychological measures. 3. On spiritual measures they do better than secular versions. B. Supporting Christian Integration 1. The scientific findings give empirical support to several Christian forms of therapy. 2. Christian forms of cognitive therapy are especially effective for depression and anxiety. VI. Resources Gary R. Collins, Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide 3 rd Edition (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 2007). John G. Kruis, Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling 3 rd Michigan: Baker Academic, 2000). Edition (Grand Rapids, Thomas G. Plante, Spiritual Practices in Psychotherapy: Thirteen Tools for Enhancing Psychological Health (Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2009). P. Scott Richards and Allen E. Bergin, A Spiritual Strategy for Counseling and Psychotherapy (Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 1997). Light University 34

35 P. Scott Richards and Allen E. Bergin, Casebook for a Spiritual Strategy in Counseling and Psychotherapy (Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2004). P Scott Richards and Allen E. Bergin, A Spiritual Strategy in Counseling and Psychotherapy 2 nd Edition (Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2005). Siang-Yang Tan, Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Publishing Group, 2011). Light University 35

36 Endnotes 1 Siang-Yang Tan, Religion in Clinical Practice: Implicit and Explicit Integration, in Religion and the Clinical Practice of Psychology, ed. E. P. Shafranske (Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 1996), Ibid. 3 Sian-Yang Tan, Inner Healing Prayer, Christian Counseling Today 11 (4) (2003), Siang-Yang Tan and Douglas H. Gregg, Disciplines of the Holy Spirit (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1997). 5 Gary L. Thomas, Authentic Faith: The Power of a Fire-Tested Life (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2002). Light University 36

37 Lesson 3 The Holy Spirit and Christian Spirituality in Counseling and Psychotherapy Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D. Light University 37

38 Abstract This session addresses the crucial importance of the Holy Spirit in Christianity and counseling as well as its implications for the future. One cannot perform Christian counseling if the power and presence of the Holy Spirit is not intimately known. Not only is the work of the Holy Spirit a significant factor when counseling, but the Holy Spirit also plays a prominent role in the daily lives of Christians. There are three major areas of the Spirit s ministry and work in the context of Christian counseling and psychotherapy, which are: the Spirit s power and gifts, the Spirit s truth, and the Spirit s fruit. All of these areas are important for the Christian and the Christian counselor. When aligned in divine order, there is a biblical balance in the work of the Holy Spirit with individual lives and Christian counseling. The direct role of the Holy Spirit, in regards to counseling, will be addressed and expounded upon, and it is important to remember that Christian spirituality has to be centered in Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit. Learning Objectives 1. Participants will be able to identify and explain the three major areas of the Spirit s ministry. 2. Participants will acquire the knowledge of the role of the Holy Spirit in counseling. 3. Participants will become aware of the implications that spiritual foundations in counseling provide. Light University 38

39 I. The Role of the Holy Spirit A. Crucial Importance 1. The Holy Spirit is crucial, central and absolutely essential in Christian counseling. 2. One cannot do Christian counseling if he/she does not know intimately the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Depend on Him. 3. God created us in His image to fellowship with Him. 4. We are created to be in touch relationally with the people of this world. Bring them to Jesus so that they may also join the community of people that God has called us to. B. The Work and the Ministry of the Holy Spirit in Christian Counseling 1. The Holy Spirit is an important doctrine for Christians. 2. In the field of systematic theology, there is a whole area called pneumatology, which is the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. 3. Three major areas of the Spirit s ministry and work in the context of Christian counseling and psychotherapy include: The Spirit s power and gifts The Spirit s truth The Spirit s fruit II. The Spirit s Power and Gifts A. Power Light University 39

40 1. The power of the Holy Spirit is essential in the Christian life and ministry. Witnessing Evangelism But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. Acts 1:8 2. The power of the Holy Spirit, according to Acts 1:8, is intimately connected with the ministry of witnessing, world evangelism and missions. 3. The Holy Spirit gives us the power, the grace and the ability to speak about Jesus boldly in a grace filled way so that others may come to know Jesus. B. The Need 1. We need the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit in every area of our lives and ministry. 2. This need includes Christian counseling. 3. In Ephesians 5:18, the Bible commands us to be filled with the Spirit. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 4. The Greek in this verse is of a present, continuous tense. Be continually filled with the Spirit. Light University 40

41 5. We need the Holy Spirit s presence in our lives to be able to become more like Jesus and to do the works of Jesus. C. Engage 1. All Christians need to know how to be filled with the Spirit. 2. Bill Bright suggests the following on how to live a Spirit filled life 1 : Confess our sins to God If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 3. The list of seven deadly sins is a helpful list to use in times of confession, deep reflection and sorrow before God whom we have grieved whenever we sin. 4. Gregory the Great came up with a list of seven deadly sins which includes: Pride Lust Envy Anger Greed Gluttony Sloth 5. The second step after confession is asking to be filled with the Spirit The filling of the Holy Spirit is similar to the Lordship of Christ. Light University 41

42 7. The filling of the Holy Spirit happens many times. All throughout the day Every day D. Gifts 1. The Holy Spirit s power is manifested through spiritual gifts. 2. There are four major passages within Scripture concerning spiritual gifts. Romans 12 1 Corinthians 12 Ephesians 4 1 Peter 4 3. These list are not exhaustive. 4. The Holy Spirit gives us spiritual gifts to empower and enable us to be more like Jesus, to do the work of ministry and the work of Jesus. 5. In the original Greek, these gifts can be translated as droplets of grace or gracelets. This makes it harder for us to be prideful in them. They are not ours. They are given to us. 6. There are at least six spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit can gives us in the context of counseling and people helping: Exhortation/encouragement (Romans 12:8) Healing (1 Corinthians 12:9,28) Light University 42

43 Wisdom (1 Corinthians 12:8) Knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8) Discernment (1 Corinthians 12:10) Mercy (Romans 12:8) 7. There are other gifts: Prophecy Teaching Faith Miracles Tongues Intercession 8. In the final analysis, it is not about spiritual gifts. It is all about becoming more like Jesus. It is all about being faithful and fruitful in Christ. 9. Even if you are not gifted, but you are faithfully following and obeying Him, then He will use you by the power of the Spirit. 10. The Holy Spirit may not give you a particular gift because He knows the danger of our tendencies to depend on the gift too much rather than to depend on Him. He will give us grace to compensate for the lack of giftedness and still use us. 11. Giftedness is not everything. God is everything. 12. Sometimes giftedness gets in the way. 13. Put priorities in the right order. Light University 43

44 14. The calling of God is more important than gifting. 15. The way, word and wisdom of God is key. III. The Spirit s Truth A. Scripture 1. The Spirit s truth is mentioned in John 14:26 and 16:13. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 16:13 2. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. 3. The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth including psychological and theological truth. 4. He will guide us into eternal truth that will eventually set us free. And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. John 8:32 B. Inspiration 1. The Holy Spirit is the one who inspired the supernatural writing of the Scriptures. Light University 44

45 2. The Scripture is the Word of God. 3. The Holy Spirit, who inspired the writing of the Bible, is the same Holy Spirit who will explain to us the truth of God s Word. C. The Spirit of Truth 1. He will not contradict the truth that He inspired in the writings of Scripture. 2. If we sense a word, guidance or experience from God that contradicts the overall teaching of Scripture, then it cannot be from the Holy Spirit. 3. It is important for us to be Word centered, as we are Spirit filled. 4. That is why a Christian counselor is Christ centered first, because in Christ, we have all things. Next, Christian counselors are Bible based followed by Spirit filled. IV. The Spirit s Fruit A. Scripture 1. In Galatians 5:22-23, the word fruit is singular, not plural. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5: There is one fruit and nine descriptions. 3. Some Bible scholars suggest that there is really only one fruit of the Spirit. Light University 45

46 The fruit of the Spirit is love, agape love, which is also manifested in joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 4. The purpose of spiritual fruit is to bless others (blessing). 5. It is important to see the centrality of the Holy Spirit s fruit. The fruit of love Love is the most powerful therapeutic force in the world. Gordon Allport 6. Love is deeper and purer and more in line with God s truth than warmth, genuineness and empathy. V. Biblical Balance A. The Work of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives and Christian Counseling 1. There is a biblical balance in the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and Christian counseling. 2. The order of the work of the Holy Spirit should be: The Spirit s power and gifts The Spirit s truth The Spirit s fruit 3. The danger comes when we elevate the Spirit s power and gifts without truth. This borders on heresy. 4. If we emphasize the Spirit s power and gifts without love, then we can border on abuse. Light University 46

47 In order to avoid being spiritually abusive and spiritually heretical, we need to have the Holy Spirit s power and gifts in the context of His love and truth. We should have power, in love, based on truth. B. The Work of the Holy Spirit in Counseling 1. The Holy Spirit can directly help the therapist quickly and accurately discern the root problems of the client; providing the Christian therapist with specific and relevant words of knowledge or wisdom. Spiritual gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:8 2. The Holy Spirit can provide spiritual direction regarding God s will to both the Christian therapist and the client as they participate in more explicit integration practices like praying together, discussing Scripture and exploring spiritual issues. 3. The Holy Spirit can directly touch a client in a powerful way with his healing grace and power in the session. This can lead to quantum change, sudden insights and epiphanies that bring transformation to ordinary lives. 4. The Holy Spirit can also enable a Christian therapist to discern the presence of the demonic. If a demon is present, then there is usually a strong negative reaction to the name of Jesus or to anything Christian. If a demon is present, then there is also an overwhelming sense of evil in the presence of that person. If you do a proper history evaluation, then, often times, you will find that there is a history of involvement with cults or the occult in the client s past. Light University 47

48 If a demon is present, the smell of sulfur (rotten eggs) may notify the therapist s senses. If all of the above conditions exist, then a demonic spirit may be present in the client. Given consent, and praying for God s anointing and protecting on yourself, you can pray the following, In the name of Jesus I command you to leave this person and go wherever Jesus sends you, never to come back to afflict this person again. Pray for the blood of Christ to cover the client and for the Spirit of Christ to fill the client. Help the client to continue to walk with Jesus using the spiritual disciplines. 5. The Holy Spirit can also work deeply in spiritual transformation of both the client and the counselor. He often does this by using the disciplines of the Holy Spirit. VI. Quiet Time A. Everyday 1. It is important to find time to be quiet before God every day. 2. Find time to be in solitude alone with God, but also in silence to wait upon God. 3. For many driven people, quiet times are rushed. God is very grieved that we do not have enough time to spend with Him. We have enough time for everything else but God. B. Structuring a Quiet Time 1. A suggested quiet time is as follows: pray, read the Bible, and then pray again. Light University 48

49 But, sometimes God speaks to us best in silence. 2. A revised version of a quiet time is: pray, be quiet, pray, be quiet, read the Bible, pray, be quiet, read the Bible, etc. We cannot rush. We need to set this as a priority. Therefore, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to help us have the right kind of relationship with technology. C. The Workings of the Holy Spirit 1. The Holy Spirit uses the spiritual disciplines to deepen our life in Christ and to make us more like Jesus. 2. He sends, along with the triune God, authentic disciplines to prune us, deepen us and purify us to become more like Jesus. Waiting Mourning Suffering Persecution 3. We have to understand some of the Holy Spirit s deeper ways of working, the more mystical aspects of the spiritual life, and explain these things to our clients so that they are not confused; so they can realize that when they do not feel the presence of God, it will be good for them in the long run. We do not judge them. We support them. We pray with/for them. We wait with them. Light University 49