Integrated Christian counseling is a approach to counseling that incorporates principles and teachings from the Bible along with insights from psychology and counseling to care for people in a holistic way. The goal is to minister to the whole person – body, soul, and spirit – and point them towards Christ. Here are some key aspects of integrated Christian counseling:
Christ-Centered
At its core, integrated Christian counseling is centered on Jesus Christ and living according to God’s principles and purposes as revealed in the Bible. The counselor relies on the power of the Holy Spirit and aims to help the counselee grow in Christian maturity and obedience (Romans 8:29, 2 Peter 1:3-8). Biblical truths and theology inform the counselor’s perspective, analysis of problems, and recommendations for change.
Biblical View of Human Nature
Integrated Christian counselors have a biblical understanding of human nature. Human beings are created in God’s image as body, soul, and spirit with inherent dignity and worth (Genesis 1:26-27). However, sin has marred human nature, though the image of God remains (Genesis 3, Romans 3:23). People struggle with sin, brokenness, and suffering in a fallen world. But through Christ there is hope for redemption, sanctification, and glorification (Romans 8:29-30).
Growth in Christlikeness
The ultimate goal is to facilitate growth in Christlikeness for the counselee (Romans 8:29). This involves renewing the mind with biblical truth (Romans 12:2), cultivating the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), putting off the old self and putting on the new self (Ephesians 4:22-24), and bringing thoughts captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Close relationship with Christ leads to transformation.
Care for the Whole Person
Integrated Christian counselors are concerned with the whole person – body, mind/soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). The physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual aspects are all important. Counselors deal with concrete problems of living as well as deeper heart issues and the state of someone’s relationship with God.
Cooperation Between Psychology and Theology
Insights from counseling psychology are integrated with biblical and theological truth. Psychological study can provide understanding of human development, personality, cognition, behavior, motivation, interpersonal processes, and psychopathology. Scripture provides divine revelation concerning purpose, proper values, sin, salvation, and how to live. The two are complementary.
Counseling Relationship
As in all counseling, a key component is the cooperative counseling relationship. The counselor strives to relate with wisdom, grace, empathy, sincerity, and compassion. This provides a facilitative environment for beneficial change. The counselor avoids authoritarianism but takes responsibility for structuring sessions, planning treatment, and stimulating growth.
Assessment and Intervention
Integrated counselors thoughtfully assess people and situations in order to determine biblical solutions. The aim is to produce deep change from the inside-out by facilitating spiritual growth, repentance, renewal of the mind, and mastering the Word of God. Interventions may include prayer, use of Scripture, fellowship, confession, instruction, and focused change strategies.
Concern for Sanctification
There is a concerted effort to stimulate sanctification – the process of being set apart for God’s purposes (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8). The counselor promotes disciplines like prayer, scripture study, fellowship, fasting, service, stewardship, and worship. These habits help counselees draw closer to God. Progress in sanctification aids the counseling process.
Awareness of Spiritual Warfare
According to Scripture, humans live in a spiritual battle between forces of good and evil (Ephesians 6:12). Satan and his minions have certain powers which they energetically work to promote sin and suffering. Integrated counselors acknowledge this reality and equip counselees with spiritual countermeasures like the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Discernment and Guidance
Counselors help counselees discern God’s personal guidance for life situations (Romans 12:1-2). The Holy Spirit actively guides believers who learn to walk in faith according to biblical principles. Divine guidance is an ongoing theme in counseling as believers make major life decisions within God’s will.
Multifaceted Treatment Strategies
Integrated Christian counselors employ multifaceted treatment strategies depending on the person and situation. Approaches can include cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, family systems among others – all applied according to biblical worldview. Counselors avoid one-size-fits-all approaches and tailor care to each case.
Role of the Church
Since Christian growth happens in community, counselors consider the role of the local church and how involvement in church body life can enrich the process. Counselors may confer with church leaders to provide holistic care. Healthy integration with all aspects of church community helps the change process.
Conceptual Integration
Counselors endeavor to integrate the conceptual frameworks of theology and social science. This involves examining human nature from both perspectives and putting together an integrated understanding of people. Counselors learn to think as Christians rather than just apply the Bible and theology to issues.
Team of Counselors
Often a team of counselors is employed, allowing a range of expertise to be applied to complex cases involving spiritual, psychological, and interpersonal facets. No single counselor needs to be an expert in all domains. A team approach provides comprehensive, integrated care.
Directives and Non-Directives
Counselors flexibly use both directive and non-directive approaches as appropriate. Non-directive approaches allow counselees to unpack issues and think through problems with facilitative guidance. Directive approaches provide structured input, instruction, and recommendations to stimulate growth. Wisdom is needed to know when each is called for.
Professionalism
Integrated Christian counselors adhere to professional rather than amateur norms. They are committed to high standards of counseling practice, legal/ethical compliance, and continuing education. Counselors develop expertise in helping skills, assessment techniques, treatment planning, intervention strategies, cultural competency, and integration.
Scope of Ministry
Integrated Christian counseling can be implemented in a variety of settings such as churches, parachurch organizations, Christian counseling agencies, and private practices. It is not confined merely to ordained clergy but extended to lay counselors. Ongoing supervision and consultation help maintain standards.
In summary, integrated Christian counseling incorporates biblical truth with findings from science to compassionately treat human problems in ways that account for both spiritual and psychological factors. When done well, it can offer thorough, holistic care that helps people grow in Christ. The ultimate aim is reconciliation, healing, and transformation into the image of Jesus.