HSCO 506 DB 1 STARGEL

HSCO 506 DB 1 STARGEL HSCO 506 DB 1 STARGEL The lectures talked about the value of integrating psychology and our Christian faith in counseling. When you think of the area of human services counseling, per se, what do you think are the most important points made in the lecture that would encourage you to look for ways to use both psychology and theology/Christian spirituality in your human services counseling? Even if you work in a secular setting (such as a community mental health center) how can you utilize some of the elements of a “Christian” counseling approach (as defined in the lecture) in all human services counseling settings? Put another way, how could you argue that in answering the question “what is the solution to our problems” we should draw from both psychology and theology/spirituality, rather than just one worldview perspective? In your answer, demonstrate that you are reflecting on solid concepts from the lectures; cite the lectures correctly as directed in the discussion board instructions document. I particularly enjoyed this week’s readings and lectures as they pertained to a specific area of my own interest. Integration of the Christian faith and psychology in counseling has shown tremendous value. Specifically in areas where specified goals (non-religious based counseling) can lead an individual to believe if they do not achieve them in a certain amount of time that they are a failure in some way (AACC, 2007). This of course is not accurate, but can lead an individual to regress during sessions. Religious based counseling such as Christian faith counseling gives client’s additional hope and a sense of meaning or purpose behind the trauma that they endured (Hawkins & Clinton, 2015). There is a trinity to our overall health which is mind, body, and spirit (soul). Secular psychology that does not address religious aspects to healing is missing a more holistic approach as Brewer and Peters discuss in the presentations (2015). Counselors need to be able to understand how to approach each client with an environment of trust, love, and compassion for the individual. As Christian counselors, there is a higher calling to a particular lifestyle and commitment to the profession as being more than just a job, but an outlet to show God’s love through counseling (Brewer & Peters, 2015). As for the lecture, the most important points made that would encourage me to look for ways to use both psychology and theology or Christian spirituality in my own human services counseling is the holistic well-being of the client, the intention of bridge building and unity, and the “intra-personal” sessions (Brewer & Peters, 2015). All of these aspects focus on complete healing of the individual in a positive, uplifting, and trusted environment. In the Bible, Paul instructs believers to begin our work with victims [clients] by humbling ourselves, throwing away the materialistic world we live in, and worshipping God throughout all of our works while following in His footsteps (Philippians 3, ESV). These instructions are able to be implemented within a secular setting as well. To answer “what is the solution to our problems” with only one answer, would be likestating that there is only one way of accomplishing any goal. A more holistic approach is giving the client not only a more positive healing approach, but multiple solutions to problems (Brewer & Peters, 2015). Keeping in mind that all truth is God’s truth and that there are truths that can come from both secular and religious foundations. Integrating multiple solutions to problems falls in line with the post-modern shifts in worldviews as having multiple ways to live (Brewer & Peters, 2015). Giving a variety of humanistic secular counseling and Christian faith counseling can address all areas of questioning that a client might experience when faced with their trauma, and can help engage an individual in their own healing. Word Count: 468 Reference American Association of Christian Counselors. (2007). Crisis response: An overview of emergency mental health & chaplaincy. Retrieved from . Brewer, G., & Peters, C. (2015). COUN 506 Week One, Lecture One: Integration of Psychology and Christianity: Why Bother? [PowerPoint]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Online. Brewer, G., & Peters, C. (2015). COUN 506 Week One, Lecture Three: Worldviews and Christian Counseling. [PowerPoint]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Online. Hawkins, R., & Clinton, T. (2015). The new Christian counselor: A fresh Biblical and transformational approach. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers. Holy Bible. (2016). Eastern Standard Version.