Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling

Wheaton Theology Conference

by Mark R. McMinn

The American Association of Christian Counselors and Tyndale House Publishers are committed to ministering to the spiritual needs of people. This book is part of the professional series that offers counselors the latest techniques, theory, and general information that is vital to their work. While many books have tried to integrate theology and psychology, this book takes another step and explores the importance of the spiritual disciplines in psychotherapy, helping counselors to integrate the biblical principles of forgiveness, redemption, restitution, prayer, and worship into their counseling techniques. Since its first publication in 1996, this book has quickly become a contemporary classic―a go-to handbook for integrating what we know is true from the disciplines of theology and psychology and how that impacts your daily walk with God. This book will help you integrate spiritual disciplines―such as prayer, Scripture reading, confession―into your own life and into counseling others.

Mark R. McMinn, Ph.D., is professor of psychology at Wheaton College Graduate School in Wheaton, Illinois, where he directs and teaches in the Doctor of Psychology program. A diplomate in Clinical Psychology of the American Board of Professional Psychology, McMinn has thirteen years of postdoctoral experience in counseling, psychotherapy, and psychological testing. McMinn is the author of Making the Best of How Life's Hassles Can Form the Fruit of the Spirit; The Jekyll/Hyde Controlling Inner Conflict through Authentic Living; Cognitive Therapy Techniques in Christian Counseling; and Christians in the Crossfire (written with James D. Foster). He and his wife, Lisa, have three daughters.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Christian, Theology, School, Nonfiction, Textbooks

371 pages, Hardcover

First published March 19, 2012

About the author

After a long academic career conducting research and teaching doctoral students in health service psychology, I now spend my time writing and growing fruit in rural Oregon.

I am married to Lisa Graham McMinn, an author, sociologist, and spiritual director. We have three grown daughters and six grandchildren.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this book for my grad class and I absolutely loved it! It is rare to find a "textbook" that is not dull and torture to read through. But this book is worth reading whether you are going into counseling or wanting to simply improve your discipleship skills. Excellent read and I have a feeling I will refer to this book many times throughout my education and future counseling practice.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a read for fun, or for personal knowledge kind of book. It is a text book. If you are a considering counseling, pastoral counseling, clinical counseling, psychology, psychiatry, or pastor you will want to read this. It was a very good discussion of how, when, why to incorporate the spiritual disciplines into a counseling session. He gives the pros, the challenges, a good discussion of what to consider as you mentor and counsel. But more importantly, it gives the argument of how important is for YOU as the COUNSELOR to practice your own spiritual disciplines in order to be prepared for the battles of counseling.

On a personal side, while reading this I discovered my Meijers-Briggs profile, ISFJ, made it difficult to read this. McMInn drags a lot of things out, goes the round-a-bout way to get to the point. He is obviously not an S, F, or J on the Meijers-Briggs test. Once I realized he was more of a intuitive and spontaneous kind of writer, I found it easier to read the summaries at the end of the chapter, then dive into the chapter reading. That way I knew the practical piece and where he was headed. This was a good learning lesson for future reading of text books or difficult books....it was a personal growth moment for me, even at my age! LOL :)

[Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

No one, no methods are value-free. All counsellors unavoidably pass their worldviews to clients. What differs from non-Christian counselling is that Christian counsellors are the agent of redemptive love of Jesus Christ and its love overflows during counselling to the clients. God's love is the source of unconditional positive regard, of forgiveness, of realization of human brokenness, and of redemption. The line between counsellors' professional life and personal life are blurred because they eventually can't pretend to be someone they are not during counselling. The gospel shapes a very healthy understanding of self and of others. The gospel provides the basis for a healthy, healing relationship.

[Rick Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gave me a basic introduction about Psychology, Theology and Spirituality integrated together for a Counselor. I think this book helped me to think more about my own self, the identity of self. It is really profound to think about your own self.

It piqued my interest on Cognitive therapy and science. Reading through it, I had no clue what to say to people, when they share their deepest secrets, the author gives guidelines. I feel, you just have to do it rather than reading about it. I loved the Author's insight on each Confession, Forgiveness, Redemption.

[T.E. Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very readable for a textbook, however, I felt like it said a lot in order to explain things that were fairly straightforward. In other words, it was longer than it needed to be. The most helpful parts to me were the example sections that were scattered throughout the book.

[Ashley Port · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read in grad school.

[Tyler Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this text from a pastoral perspective, rather than that of a vocational counselor, it’s easy to get lost. Absent the context of that field, it often comes across as drudgery. However, the chapter on Sin is, alone, worth the price of admission. Rather than debate between sin and sickness, McMinn explains how sin IS the sickness. It’s among the best chapters on the human condition I’ve ever read. I read the entire text, and everything else is valuable to be sure, but it’s best skimmed for the most pertinent information.

[Evamarie62 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful

I found this book very insightful. The author has much wisdom and experience to share with anyone wishing to have an integrated approach to Christian Counseling. I will read again and again.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful, inspiring discussion of how Christian counsellors can and should integrate knowledge of psychology and theology along with their own christian spirituality in the counselling room.

[Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book regarding the interdisciplinary integration of psychology, theology, and spirituality.

Dr. McMinn, lays the book out in a way that is easy to read. He first sets up the stage with the validity and place of religion in the counseling process in the opening chapter. Religious values have often been ignored by the psychology field, holding to a neutral-belief system of counseling. This book aims to be a reference of “counseling process and techniques” (McMinn, 2015, p. 6), to aid counselors with faith integration. Along with psychology and theology, Dr. McMinn adds a third element to integration – spirituality (McMinn, 2015, p. 10). Spirituality differs from theology and psychology because of its tangential nature. Spirituality is more a journey each person takes, being built on experiences. Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling seeks to answer the question, “how do we practically use the Christian faith in our counseling?”
Chapter two lays the framework for creating a counseling relationship that pursues spiritual and emotional health. With integration, there is a need to address the need for updating theoretical maps to encapsulate the multifaceted goals of the Christian counselor (McMinn, 2015). There are many nuances in every journey to health that fall outside the scope of a simple theoretical map. “The simple map isn’t wrong; it just leaves out details” (McMinn, 2015, p. 45). Good Christian counseling strengthens the counselee’s sense of self, helps develop honest assessment of their limitations and human need, and development of their relationship with God (McMinn, 2015, p. 64).
The remaining six chapters’ present different interventions Christian counselors can use in the process of integration: prayer, scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption. Each intervention is looked at through a psychological, theological, and spiritual perspective (McMinn, 2015, p. 65). McMinn takes great care to develop an integrated view of health, including both psychology and spirituality in this definition. Each chapter has been revised and adapted to include Dr. McMinn’s reflections on integration that have developed since the original publication in 1996 (McMinn, 2015). McMinn holds to his three-pronged approach to effective Christian counseling: psychology, theology, and spirituality. Developing a competency and sensitivity in each area is essential to the helping relationship.

[Walt Kasmir · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book "Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling" is a seminal work that aims to integrate these three distinct disciplines into a cohesive approach to Christian counseling. The author delves into the complexities of human behavior and mental health through the lens of Christian theology and spirituality. The book is a treasure trove for counselors, therapists, and spiritual leaders who seek to provide a more holistic form of care. It offers practical tools and theoretical frameworks that enable professionals to address not just the psychological, but also the spiritual dimensions of their clients' lives.

What sets this book apart is its commitment to a multidisciplinary approach. It challenges the reader to go beyond the conventional boundaries of their respective fields and consider the synergistic effects of psychology, theology, and spirituality. The book is not just a theoretical discourse but provides real-world case studies and actionable strategies that can be implemented in a counseling setting. It serves as a comprehensive guide for those who are committed to offering a form of counseling that touches the mind, body, and spirit. Overall, it's a must-read for anyone in the intersecting fields of psychology and spiritual care.

[Emily Petersen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had some few helpful thoughts, but I was very concerned by the emphasis on forgiveness from a sexual assault victim and encouragement for reconciliation with a perpetrator. It additionally assumes that most sin problems a therapist will encounter will be sexual ones, and the content revolves around that subject.

The author claims to hold out a middle option between secular and Biblical counseling movements, but it smacked of the hubris and ignorance contained in most 'Biblical' counseling materials.

I am a devout Christian woman, but I cannot with good conscience recommend that any client of mine put themselves under the care of a counselor using this material.

[Jared McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Moving from two areas of competence to three.” I found this book to be very insightful and especially helpful in what the process of a Christian Counselor should look like. It’s not simply implementing psychology into a counseling session, nor is it only utilizing theology and Biblical knowledge. Rather, it’s combining psychological approaches with Biblical truths to express a well-rounded Spiritual approach. Christian counseling is about being with the individual, just as God is with us.

[Serena Yount · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Insight into how/when/if you should incorporate spiritual disciplines into a professional counseling relationship. Seeks to take reader into a new, deeper understanding of “sin” and “redemption.” Focuses on allowing the counseling relationship to develop healthy sense of self, healthy sense of need, and healthy relationships.

10/10 recommend

[Trent Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a helpful introduction to the integration of psychology, theology, and spirituality. McMinn combats the popular notion that psychology and theology are intrinsically at odds with one another, and instead puts forth integration as a way of applying modern counseling theory while remaining faithful to scripture. I am sure I will return to this book.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fan of this book. The writing style put me to sleep and also the author spent more time convincing us of all the reasons to not use different Christian interventions in session, which is valuable, but as a takeaway, I don't feel prepared to use any of them. I feel more afraid to even consider it because of all the risks, which I doubt was his intention.

[Ingrid O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great book! Especially if you are in ministry or are thinking of becoming a Christian counselor. It is a great resource on how to integrate your psychological expertise, your spiritual life and your theological understanding and applying it in your ministry or counseling office.

[Marilyn Gardiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Very eye-opening and inspirational. Pastoral Counsellors are partners with Jesus making people whole. It’s both challenging and exciting to be a part of the healing process.

[Slynn Bookster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pros
- Open minded to all techniques
- How to guide for counselors
- Great applicable examples
- A lot of references for future learning
- Life applicable outside of counseling

Cons
None

I suggest this book for any professional counselor, pastor, life coach, social services provider

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is not well-written, and the names for the case descriptions, Ms. Hurt, Dawn Trodden, Ms. Hope, were distracting. Well-meaning in attempt to integrate spirituality with Christian counseling, however, other books read have been more informative.

[Keilah Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of easiest books to digest in this genre- sometimes psych research and theology books make it hard for me to understand or really slow to get through, but McMinn wrote this so well! I learned so much that I'll apply to any mentoring/counseling relationship.

[Moriah Conant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for grad school, one of the only books from this session that I liked.

[Michael Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful, compelling, rich. Recharged my Christian batteries after a long foray into C.J. Jung. Highly recommend.

[Josiah Durfee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not impressed, case studies were good, but information was so elementary a Freshman could have written it. I might reread it in the future.

[Lindsey Hoobler · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite thing about this book was the creative names — Miss Stormy Ann Dempty, Dr. Ura Vicktem, Dr. S. Trey Tenarrow, Ms. R. E. Morse and many others 😆😂

[Lauren Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book for school it was SO good. I feel like I will keep going back to this book

[David Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Use mostly as reference

[Jelle Koersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful in thinking through the necessary integration of psychology, theology and spirituality. His reflections years later in the updated edition after each chapter were especially helpful.

[Katelyn Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty long but SO good and informative! I’m a big fan!

[David Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes = “ Every Christian must be a broken person.”