McMinn and the Fusion of Psychology, Theology and Spirituality: A Review - Essay Example

? McMinn and the Fusion of Psychology, Theology and Spirituality: A Review Ever since the beginning of the science and art of psychology, the large impact of this science on the lives of numerous psychiatric patients cannot be denied. However, in this modern era, using medical science alone may be insufficient to fully heal a person whose mind, though still a bit aware of the surroundings, needs a different form of healing. In Dr. Mark McMinn’s revolutionary book about the integration of three different concepts, it was explained that while medicine and scientific methods of healing psychiatric patients may be enough, by being in touch with their spirituality and belief system patients may have another key for getting better and becoming the healed person that they aim to be. McMinn and the Fusion of Psychology, Theology and Spirituality: A Review There was a time when psychologists and psychiatrists were solely relying on the data that they generate and implement these compounded facts on their patients. While it must have worked for some, not all are able to feel that they were fully healed. Thus was the beginning of the integration of psychology and theology into a form which was called Christian counseling. Between the years 1975 and 1982, several models that integrated psychology with theological teachings were developed, as well as schematic drawings on how to perform such things (McMinn, 1996). For many people who cannot feel the effects of undergoing strict medical and psychiatric healing, therapy through a Christian counselor would be a great option. In Dr. Mark McMinn’s book, Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling, he was able to create a practical outline on how to deal with patients who need healing in their psyche, their emotions as well as their relationships with God. The book was also eligible to address most problems that counselors might encounter during their therapy sessions, as well as how to build up their own reserves so that the continuous therapy sessions would not make them emotionally and spiritually drained as time goes by. The book is divided into several components of McMinn’s practical techniques in giving counseling to patients who want or may want to reconnect with God, or simply have themselves redeemed. The focus of the counseling process is by integrating some psychiatric techniques along with the following concepts: prayers with the patient; scripture (Bible) integration into the sessions; the definition of sin; confession of the patient to sins; embracing forgiveness of the self and of the people who have caused pain; and lastly the idea of redemption from past sins (McMinn, 1996). Through prayer, the patient would have the chance to jumpstart the healing process by admitting to past sins, as well as asking for guidance. Along with using the Scripture, the counselor could fuse the concepts of sin, confession and forgiveness to give enlightenment to the patient. Introducing the patient to the idea that God is able to love everyone conditionally could also give the patient the strength to be able to forgive others and the self, which is hard for many patients who cling strongly to the past. Understanding the first concepts would give the patient the idea of redemption from sins, of giving back the goodness that one has experienced, and would help him or her push forward in becoming a better person by doing what is good and staying away from sinning as much as possible. There is also a strong emphasis on the pattern towards healing and health embedded in the book. A person could start being too self-sufficient, and being too full of oneself could eventually cause the feeling of feeling broken, which in turn would start the healing relationship that the person needs in order to get well in all aspects of the self (McMinn, 1996). Thus, it is important that acknowledging the weaknesses of the person, as well as the continual search for redemption in many ways, making a solid definition of sin, and gaining the capacity to forgive both others and the self in order for their well-being to get restored. The book is a good source of insights for counselors who are not sure how to approach the subject of theology and spirituality in their patients, or needing other ideas for getting attuned to their patients’ needs. A Concrete Response Most of the concepts in the book are logical, if the counselor is an open-minded member of the Christian sect. However, some of the concepts may not be received positively by some patients. For example, the concept of confession may pose several mixed feelings and ideas for different kinds of people. While confession itself is mentioned in the Bible, different sects interpret the idea differently. For some, confessing to another person or to a spiritual leader is the right way, while for some admitting one’s sins to God is enough to attain deliverance and peace. In order for a counselor to be successful in making the patient realize that confessing to another person is a way not only to lift the burden but also attain a sense of freedom, the patient must have a good counseling relationship with the Christian counselor. The counselor, in turn, must also be very objective and refrain from being judgmental and critical when the patient decides to confess, otherwise the patient would just clam up and this could affect the therapy session. Reflection on the Text The examples given in the book can portray possible situations that a counselor may experience, and are indispensable especially for newly-appointed counselors. But it comes to mind that certain ages are not fully addressed in the book, and most situations given were pertaining to older people: professionals; senior citizens; married couples, among others. It would also be very helpful if there were more examples that pertain to younger people, such as adolescents and children. Adolescents are much more prone to make decisions that could do them harm, especially being in the rebellious stage. Children, on the other hand, need sufficient guidance while they are at the learning stage and if negative habits are not attended to right away, they may have even more difficulties adjusting upon growing up. Applications in the Counseling Setting The book has numerous examples that entail the uses of integrated psychological, theological, and spiritual searching. McMinn’s book not only gives counselors a map in healing their patients, but they themselves can also benefit from the book by adjusting their methods based on their patients’ needs, and might even have a chance to improve their therapy methods. While it is true that not any therapeutic way would be a cure-all for different kinds of patients, an effective Christian counselor may be able to personalize a structured plan to bring out the patient from the dark and into the light, towards a brighter future. References McMinn, M. R. (1996). Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House. Read More