Addressing Spiritual Concerns

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1 Addressing Spiritual Concerns Sunshine Campbell Liberty University CCOU 202: Issues of Christian Counseling Professor Brown 11/25/2023

2 After reviewing the three models for addressing spiritual concerns with a client, which model do you believe would be the best model for lay counseling? Why? Is there anything that you believe should be added to this model? Upon examining the models discussed in Chapter 9 regarding how to handle spiritual issues with a client, I would recommend the "Doctrinally based model (DB)" approach as the most appropriate framework for a lay counselor. Using this strategy can benefit both the counselor and the client, as lay counselors are responsible for helping people in crises regardless of their religious beliefs. Lay counselors can include biblically grounded strategies into their practice by utilizing the Doctrinally Based Model. Understanding the significance of placing God first, biblically-based services become essential in the therapy process if the client accepts them. A Christian counselor may find that a doctrine-based methodology works best for them, but ethical issues should also be taken into account. Not everyone who practices the same faith will always agree with what the counselor says, therefore it's important to recognize that the counselor must honor the client's freedom of choice. It signifies a call to protect dignity and respect when believers are asked by God to become lay counselors. As Paul says, "Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters" (Romans 14:1 NIV), we should not judge others based on their behavioral differences. According to this scriptural interpretation, the body of Christ ought to provide an ethical example that honors many cultures and beliefs.

3 What concerns do you have with any of the models? Looking over the "Interactively based model," I see that there are several issues with it, especially for Christian therapists. Concerning a client's commitment to their views and the counselor's convictions, one noteworthy issue is the possibility of conflict. When a counselor suggests solutions that contradict a client's faith, it might lead to a dangerous situation where they unintentionally cross ethical lines. While using the "Interactively based model," therapists may unintentionally stroll into ethical minefields, making navigation of this territory difficult. Even when a counselor and a client have different theological perspectives, it is still important to have a functioning alliance (Smith, B.T., Crook, R. & O'Grady, L.K., 2019). It is essential that as Christian counselors, we acknowledge our common humanity. In the counseling process for mental and spiritual health, respecting the client's autonomy is more important than any prospective advantages. Since values represent people's interests, they are important in mental health therapy (Kevin A. Harris, 2016). Considering the significance of spiritual values in influencing a person's life, Christian therapists should proceed with caution when contrasting their views and values with those of their clients. For Christian therapists employing the "Interactively based model," striking a balance between the possible advantages of interventions and the requirement to respect client autonomy becomes a tricky undertaking.

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4 Effectively addressing spiritual concerns with clients takes skill. Throughout chapter 9, the authors discuss several skills needed for effectiveness. Discuss two skills that you see as being critical to this endeavor. It is acknowledged that a Christian therapist should be trained in other religions, as suggested by Sanders (p. 227), even though this raises questions regarding possible inconsistencies with Christian teaching. We are concerned about circumstances in which a client follows ideas that deviate from the Christian message and could cause misunderstandings. There is a worry that exploring these different viewpoints could be interpreted as departing from the genuine gospel of Jesus Christ, even when doing so may provide insights into a client's mental health concerns. This worry is consistent with the emotion found in Galatians 1:6-7 (NIV), which highlights the possibility of being misled and the gospel's distortion. Navigating the difficult line that separates adhering to church doctrine and professional ethics when working for a government agency is another crucial competency for Christian counselors. Given the circumstances, Christian counselors could find themselves in a difficult position where they must choose between following their spiritual beliefs and professional job ethics. An appropriate and ethical resolution to issues that may arise is necessary when negotiating this balance, therefore thinking things out carefully is necessary. Though the underlying perspective of believing everything works for good for those who believe in the Lord is helpful, Christian therapists may need to exercise caution when navigating difficult situations due to the intricacies of real-world events. To avoid detrimental effects on all parties concerned, it becomes imperative that these circumstances are handled properly to guarantee that neither their professional competence nor their spiritual integrity are jeopardized.

6 References Sanders, R. (2013),Christian Counseling Ethics: A Handbook for Psychologists, Therapists, andPastors, (2nd ed.) (R. Sanders, Ed.). InterVarsity Press. Smith, B.T., Crook, R. & O'Grady, L.K. (2019) Integration or Separation? Addressing Religious and Spiritual Issues in Multicultural Counseling: A National Survey of College Counselors. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1002/jocc.12137 Harris, K. A. (2016). What do clients want? Assessing spiritual needs in counseling: A literature review.Spirituality in Clinical Practice.,3(4), 250-275. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000108\ The Holy Bible. (1996). The New International Version Online. www.biblegateway.com

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