Golden Gate Baptist Theological Baptist Seminary

Philosophy of Christian Counseling Research Paper

A paper presented to

Dr. Debbie Steele

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course

P1512/E1114 Introduction to Christian Counseling

Dale Noe

April 27, 2015

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3

Perspective on Human Nature ......................................................................................................... 3

Role of Sin in Counseling ................................................................................................................ 4

How Change Occurs in Counseling ................................................................................................ 6

Role of Holy Spirit and Scripture in Counseling ............................................................................. 7

Secular and Humanistic Theories in Christian Counseling ............................................................. 8

Personal Reflections on Christian Counseling ................................................................................ 9

Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 10

Selected Bibliography ................................................................................................................... 12

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Introduction

The need for counseling continues to grow in this country and across the world. Proverbs

23:7a states, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”1 This is never more true when we begin to

think about the importance of Christian Counseling. In order to know the true thoughts of an

individual, it is crucial to find out what is happening in the heart of a counselee so that we may

begin to understand what is happening in their head. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once quipped,

“A man is what he thinks about all day long.”2 With this in mind, it is imperative for those of us

involved in Christian Counseling to attempt to understand both the heart and the head in order to

affect any type of change in the life of those who entrust us with their care. While Pastoral

counseling may not be a long-term process (an area we will discuss later), it can and should have

long-term effects in the health and wellbeing of those we minister to.

Perspective on Human Nature

As a people of a fallen nature, we, as counselors, must first and foremost realize that we

are not above this human condition. Being fallen creatures ourselves, we can only rely on the

healing power of someone greater than ourselves. This means a complete and utter reliance on

power of the Holy Spirit combined with a strong prayer life. With this in mind, we can then

begin to understand the role that our own human nature plays in our own lives and the lives of

others. A better way to explain this can be found in a basic view of humanity or human nature

1 Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture citations will be from the New King James version of the Bible. 2 Ralph Waldo Emerson. BrainyQuote.com, Xplore Inc, 2015. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/r/ralphwaldo108797.html, (visited April 23, 2015).

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from a biblical perspective in which Tan identifies the following five points describing this

phenomenon:

1. Basic psychological and spiritual needs include needs for security (love), significance

(meaning/impact), and hope (forgiveness).

2. Basic problem is sin – but not all emotional suffering is due to personal sin.

3. Ultimate goal of humanity is to know God and have spiritual health.

4. Problem feelings are usually due to problem behavior and, more fundamentally,

problem thinking – however, biological and demonic factors should also be

considered.

5. Holistic view of persons – all have physical, mental/emotional, social and spiritual

dimensions.3

While the author freely admits these are points are not all encompassing, they do begin to

help us crystallize the very basics of our human nature and those of whom we are called to serve.

By employing this stated perspective on human nature, we can begin to clear out our own visions

and ideas and see a more clear perspective rather than our own perceptions. In doing so, we can

then help our counselees put together a Biblical path of healing, rather than a man-made one.

Role of Sin in Counseling

When we read Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”4 we

can see that sin is not an issue for one of us but for all of us. It is a condition that we have no

3 Tan, Siang-Yan. Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011.

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control over on our own but yet are forced to deal with it through no fault of our own. Romans

5:12 clearly supports this thought, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and

death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—.”5 With this fact in

mind, we can begin to see why sin is so devastating to each and every one of us. It is enough to

cause struggles within that many times lead toward a path of guilt and ultimately depression.

Collins so very clearly points this out, “When a person feels that he or she has failed or done

something wrong, guilt usually follows along with self-condemnation, frustration, hopelessness,

and other depressive symptoms. Guilt and depression so often occur together that it is difficult

to determine which comes first and leads to the other. Often a vicious cycle emerges in which

guilt causes depression, which causes more guilt, and the cycle continues.” 6 Our situation

becomes even more dire when as Tan tells us, “Human beings are therefore also capable of evil

and sin. They do not automatically engage in constructive growth because of an innately good

actualizing tendency.”7

So, the question clearly becomes, how do we begin to break this cycle? Only through the

saving grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ do we begin the process. Yet, it does not stop with

justification but needs to continue through sanctification. Let me phrase it in a very simple but

powerful way that a former pastor once shared with me, “Salvation is easy. Discipleship is

hard.” It is only through a continued process of discipleship that one will begin to remove the

effects of sin within our lives and thus help others recognize the sin in their own lives.

4 The New King James Version. (1982). (Ro 3:23). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. 5 The New King James Version. (1982). (Ro 5:12). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. 6 Collins, Gary R. Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide. 3rd ed. Thomas Nelson, 2007. 127 7 Tan, 149

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How Change Occurs in Counseling

As I stated earlier, discipleship (sanctification) is hard. Why is it hard? Because it

requires change. Change is in its nature, difficult. Yet, in counseling, we find that it is in its

entirety about change. It may be changing a certain behavior or a certain thought pattern. Either

way, change is necessary if we are to correct the issue at hand. Collins identifies this fact very

well at the very beginning of his book when he states, “…counseling is all about change. It’s

about people who want to change, people who don’t know how to change, people who need help

to change, people who resist change, and people like RW, who seem unable to leave their current

circumstances and accept the help of others to change.”8

Even in understanding these facts though, our job as counselors is to help those in need of

change. There are some steps that can be taken to help a counselee effect this type of change. In

his book, Collins identifies four definitive steps, which can bring about change that lasts. These

steps though were identified and compiled by Jeffrey Kottler, a counselor, researcher and author

has compiled in his book, Making Changes Last. The four key components of change are:

1. Commitment. 2. Attainable Goals. 3. Relapse Prevention. 4. Support Systems.9

Successful implementation of these steps is critical to any lasting change. Yet, there is

one more important criteria that must be met in lasting change. Again, we look to Collins with

8 Collins, Gary R. Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide. 3rd ed. Thomas Nelson, 2007. 3 9 Collins, Gary R. Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide. 3rd ed. Thomas Nelson, 2007. 8-10

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the following statement, “No matter what we face, it is the awesome power of God that brings

lasting change which might never come otherwise.”10 As someone who has experienced this on

a personal basis, I can attest of how important God’s grace and healing have been in my personal

change.

Role of Holy Spirit and Scripture in Counseling

As discussed in the previous section, lasting change can only come through the power of

God. How God manifests Himself today is through the power of the Holy Spirit. In fact, Tan

makes an absolute critical statement of the importance of the role of the Holy Spirit in

counseling. He says, “The role of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Triune God (Father,

Son and Holy Spirit), is crucial and central in Christian counseling.”11 Tan goes on to say that

there are three major ways to understand the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit. They are

through the Spirit’s Powers and Gifts, the Spirit’s Truth and the Spirit’s Fruit.12 When we

explore these further we can only then begin to see how important the Holy Spirit is not only in

our own lives but also in the lives of the ones we counsel.

Exploring exactly how the Holy Spirit works in counseling though, we must dig a little

deeper. According to Tan, once again, he lists five distinct ways in which the Holy Spirit is

10 Collins, Gary R. Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide. 3rd ed. Thomas Nelson, 2007. 10 11 Tan, Siang-Yan. Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011. 363 12 Tan, Siang-Yan. Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011. 364-365

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helpful in counseling.13 First, we see that the Holy Spirit can help the counselor directly by

giving discernment and wisdom. Secondly, the Holy Spirit can provide Spiritual direction

through God’s will for both the counselor and the counselee. Third, the power of the Holy Spirit

can deliver not only grace and forgiveness to the client directly. Fourth, the Holy Spirit can

provide the counselor with the ability to detect Spiritual warfare and the presence of demonic

influences in the client’s life. Finally, and possibly most importantly, the Holy Spirit will be the

transformational influence in the counselee’s life. While I would love to add something more

original for concluding this section, I cannot say it any better than in the words of Tan, “The

work of the Holy Spirit in Christian therapy is therefore central and crucial. Although training

and competence in therapy skills are needed, Christian therapists will use such skills in

dependence on the Holy Spirit.”14

Secular and Humanistic Theories in Christian Counseling

When looking at the many different types and methods that are in use today for

counseling outside of a Christian or Nouthetic style, it would be easy to decide that they must be

of value. Yet, do a myriad of studies and data overrule the supernatural power that can only be

found in the Holy Spirit. I, personally, think not. These techniques focus on fixing a condition

or a situation and in many cases fail to treat the whole of the person. In addition, they can also

fail to affect long-lasting change due to the fact that they are man-made approaches. Again,

while there may be substantial data to support the work, the question becomes due they simply

13 Tan, Siang-Yan. Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011. 366-367 14 Tan, Siang-Yan. Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011. 367

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modify behavior or help a person truly heal? I think the former. That being said, I do believe

there are some methods, which can be useful tools in a Nouthetic atmosphere.

Let’s explore two examples, which I would consider employing in a counseling session.

They are Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT).

My main reason for combining CBT with a Nouthetic session, allows for a less direct approach

in helping affect change through behavior modification. While REBT, allows for a more direct

approach in changing what are deemed as irrational beliefs.15 When using this approach within

Christian counseling, it would be easy to show a comparison against Biblical truth, rather than

just behavior modification. Whether one, both or any other method is used, it still must be done

in a holistic approach in an effort to cure the whole person and not just fix a condition.

Personal Reflections on Christian Counseling

Understanding the connection of the head and the heart with a holistic approach to

healing for an individual with counseling needs though would be incomplete without also

understanding the need for God’s power to heal, the redeeming work of Jesus Christ and a

reliance in the Holy Spirit in the process of correcting long-term change in an individual’s life.

Without these three components, our attempts would be futile in almost all cases as change is a

difficult, if not almost impossible, when we are left to relying on our own abilities. This truth

bears itself out in an article published October 2011, which reports that in people aged 12 and

over, there has been a 400% increase in the use of prescription antidepressants between 1988-

1994 and 2005-2008. It also states that the largest group of those being prescribed these

15 Tan, Siang-Yan. Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011. 252-256

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antidepressants are women in their 40’s and 50’s, a higher percentage than any other group (by

age or sex). 16 While there are many more statistics in the public domain that could state these

numbers either higher or lower, the ultimate point bears itself out that there is a deeper need for

healing on a greater level today than ever before. With the idea of church, religion and

Christianity declining on a level not seen before in the U.S., we can only expect to see these

numbers continue to increase. Knowing this, we can begin to see the need is greater than ever

for those who are and will be seeking counseling in some form or fashion.

As Pastors, many times, we are on the very front of the lines in this battle. It is a battle

being waged on not just a mental or psychological basis but a battle that is being waged on a

spiritual basis as well. It is up to each of us, in our own ministries and churches, to be aware of

this battle and to be equipped to aid our people in their fight, in some cases for their very soul.

Just as we can see Jesus counsel many throughout His journey on this planet, so must we be

willing, able and ready to counsel those in need. Thus, the need for a Christian perspective in

counseling will be the answer that so many are seeking in this day and age as well as in the

future generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is only way to truly help those in need of counseling. By looking

above to the healing power and grace of God, can we hope to help those who come to us for

counseling. What I have learned in this course, has been broad and deep but with the ultimate

conclusion that I am just a tool being used by God for His purpose and plan in helping others

16 "Astounding Increase in Antidepressant Use by Americans - Harvard Health Blog." Harvard Health Blog RSS. October 20, 2011. http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/astounding-increase-in-antidepressant-use-by-americans-201110203624 (visited April 21, 2015).

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heal not just from a condition or a situation but rather helping them heal in their journey of

sanctification. As the Bible clearly records in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work

together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His

purpose.”17 Simply put, to be a Pastor engaged in soul care is just one more facet to my calling.

I can either embrace it or reject it. If I choose the latter, I do a disservice to my Lord and my

congregation, especially those in deep need. Therefore, I have no choice but to embrace it. There

are simply too many in need to ignore their cries for help.

17 The New King James Version. (1982). (Ro 8:28). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

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Selected Bibliography

Books

Tan, Siang-Yan. Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011. Benner, David G. Strategic Pastoral Counseling: A Short-term Structured Model. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 2003. Collins, Gary R. Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide. 3rd ed. Thomas Nelson, 2007. Scazzero, Peter, and Warren Bird. The Emotionally Healthy Church: A Strategy for Discipleship That Actually Changes Lives. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010. Burns, David D. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. New York, NY: Harper, 2009.

Websites

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/mental-health-counselors-and-marriage-and-family-therapists.htm (visited April 21, 2015).

"Astounding Increase in Antidepressant Use by Americans - Harvard Health Blog." Harvard Health Blog RSS. October 20, 2011. http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/astounding-increase-in-antidepressant-use-by-americans-201110203624 (visited April 21, 2015). Ralph Waldo Emerson. BrainyQuote.com, Xplore Inc, 2015. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/r/ralphwaldo108797.html, (visited April 23, 2015).