In his conceptual book, Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling (1996), McMinn offers s a presentation of a counselor multitasking but has developed his own Who has developed approach I in the counseling world?Most New age Christian counselors have begun to develop synchronized skills which embark on the core components of, Theology, psychology and spirituality. Our journey begins exploring the pathways of understanding the values and perspectives that can be discovered through the work of a well rounded solid, Christian counselor.The book is filled with illustrations of life and brief counseling scenarios, McMinn (1996) does provide the reader with a fully functional working model that identifies the relating life experiences to Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality.
The resistance of modern psychology and theology in today’s practices is divisive as it tries to deliver contemporary messages concerning mental health on different approaches.As Psychologist Albert Ellis wrote, “The emotionally healthy individual should primarily be true to himself and not masochistically sacrifice himself for others.” Versus Christian spirituality that identifies and states in scripture that as individuals we are instructed to look out for the interest of others (Phil. 2:4) and to prefer one another in honor (Rom 12:10) (McMinn, 1996).
McMinn successfully attempts to integrate the concepts of these three distinct disciplines, Christian counseling then becomes more intricate and comprehensive. The modern Christian counselor sets their belief upon God as an individual’s growth, spirituality and mental health is in their mind. In placing the remains of a tattered mental health condition in the forefront, the client’s eternity of life and knowledge of God and overall well being remains an important piece in the treatment. A outlined viewpoint of psychological and spiritual health, gives the individual the responsibility to recognize their relationship to God, they family and friends and most of all to themselves.We must first understand and have a Awareness that identifies our brokenness and therefore, allow us experience grace and hope in our journey through life’s trials and tribulations with Jesus Christ.The three disciplines psychology, theology, and spirituality in addition to the niche of multitasking, will take time, energy, loyalty, and dedication to integrate in the counseling profession.
The latter parts of the book discusses McMinn uses prayer, scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption to give us a glimpse of the counseling world perspective .The main problem with sin is that it separates us from God; the wonder of redemption is that individuals are brought back into relationship with God. (McMinn, 1996, p. 265).
A Christian counselor must display humility and compassion and gratitude and pray for God’s grace with gratefulness. Scripture transforms people by identifying the sin and the Holy Sprit power allows a redemptive God to shine through.Those who are unbelievers see no need for spiritual redemption. Through Confession we acknowledge our sin and our need for Salvation through the grace and love of God. We need the redemption for our sins as we gain a relationship with God our prayer becomes fruitful. Our lives will then be completed and our hope everlasting.
“Bless the Lord, O my Soul, and do not forget all his benefits-who forgives all Your iniquity, which heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s”(Ps. 103:2-5).ResponseCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” I had struggled throughout my chaotic childhood dealing with the presence of crack cocaine, gang violence, and uncertain living conditions throughout the streets of South Los Angeles I developed the ability to discern sprits whom were harvest in people most of my life.
My perception of family was good.Both parents worked most of my life. However, my mother s education was quite higher than fathers. Roughly she was a college graduate while his never passed the eighth grade did not Experience considerable loss until the death of my mother in 1998 followed by my younger sister in 2001.my youngest sisters death hit me the har est as did my father who begin to suffer Dementia shortly afterward.Christian guidance and support helped my throughout this troubling times and my first wife and I prayed and shared scripture together.
By the age of 33, I learned the true meaning of prayer. Through time, I learned to forgive others and most important I learned to forgive myself.
