What are the most important therapeutic uses of Scripture in counseling?
Mark McMinn (1996) references Stanton Jones’ work that conceptualizes four important therapeutic uses of Scripture in counseling. First, certain counseling strategies may draw directly from Scripture such as cognitive therapy (McMinn, 1996). Other examples may include direction for dealing with guilt, resentment, and greed (“The Bible,” n.d.). Second, Scripture may support certain forms of counseling in principle such as religious imagery (McMinn, 1996). Additional examples may include support for dream analysis, retreats, and small groups (“The Bible,” n.d.). Another use of Scripture would be to help identify when counseling does not contradict Scripture (McMinn, 1996). An example would include the powerful technique of role-playing (“The Bible,” n.d.). Finally, it is critical to know when Scripture contradicts certain forms of counseling such as “adultery as a treatment for midlife depression” (McMinn, 1996, p. 109).
More specifically, McMinn (1996) suggests assessing the utilization of Scripture in counseling by answering whether it will help establish a healthy sense of self, need, or healing relationship. Furthermore, the utilization of Scripture may be beneficial to promote Biblical explanations for problems, references for meditation, standards of morality, and a foundation for truth (“The Bible,” n.d.). Finally, utilizing Scripture in the spiritual formation of the counselor may be the most important indirect use of Scripture in counseling (“The Bible,” n.d.).
References
McMinn, M. R. (1996). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House.
The Bible in Christian counseling [Video presentation]. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-17127429-dt-content-rid 100343610_1/courses/PACO506_B01_201240/Course%20Content/Week%205_%20%
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