1 Running head: INTRADISCIPLINARY APPROACH

Summary Dr. Mark McMinn (1996) views Christian counseling involving more than just psychology and theology. It is not just the interdisciplinary approach in itself that should be considered but the inclusion of spirituality. This includes the counselor as well as the client, thus making it an intradisciplinary approach. McMinn believes that in order for spiritual maturity to take place with the client, the counselor must be spiritually mature. The counselor must personally address the disciplines of prayer, Scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption in order to share them with the client. The model McMinn (1996) uses is that of healing. The goal is to produce a healthy sense of self which moves into a brokenness or need, and concludes with a healthy relationship with God and others. Ultimately this will produce emotional, mental, and spiritual growth by accepting Gods guidance. Dr. McMinn (1996) believes prayer should be used in and outside of the counseling session, but with caution. The author understands the need of the counselor having her own time of prayer as essential. The quiet prayer in and outside of the counseling session should always be the foundation of Christian counseling. On the other hand, open prayer with clients can help them see Gods presence, bring them closer to Him, and cause them to want to worship and serve Him. Unfortunately, the downside is that clients can either become dependent on the counselor to always pray for them rather than praying for themselves as being sufficient, or they may become too intimate with the counselor. McMinn (1996) reference to Scripture is that the Christian counselor should depend upon Scripture for truth by determining how to use them appropriately. It should be considered as a therapeutic intervention in the counseling model. This depends upon the clients emotional, mental and spiritual health as to how it is received and whether the client can relate to its

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doctrine. Scripture are also instrumental in helping clients change their beliefs from negative to positive. In relation to sin, McMinn (1996) encourages the counselor to describe the concepts of original and personal sin to clients. This will give credence to the notion that the blame belongs to their misguided choices, or to others including God. The client must be exposed to Gods plan for their life as one of hope and not hopelessness. McMinn (1996) states that, When counselors respond in a caring, nonjudgmental way, clients feel relief (p. 165). The author views those who often regard sin carelessly as needing to know the requirements of the confrontation of sin and penance will help them to acknowledge the severity of sin. McMinn writes that forgiveness is a reflection of insight and character transformation, and requires humble submission to the One who continually forgives us (p. 215). The goal of confession is to promote a healthy sense of self, others, and God which in turn produces the needed relief mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. McMinn (1996) expresses that redemption must be understood and whether the counselor is a Christian or non-Christian. This is where the counselor must understand what her redemption in Christ means in order to share it with the client. Explaining redemption can lead a spiritually lost client to Christ. In conclusion McMinn (1996) encourages the counselor to integrate and use the disciplines simultaneously not in her own abilities but by the Holy Spirit and Gods grace for the sake of self and her clients. Concrete Response The detailed map of spiritual and psychological health gives a more thought-provoking view of spiritual and psychological functioning of knowing who I was and who I now am. I say

3 Running head: INTRADISCIPLINARY APPROACH

this because the challenge has always been the sought after answer of what I thought of myself before and after conversion. That sense of self did not change with salvation. Damaged emotions did not cease to be because I met Christ. A healthy sense of self had to develop over time. I waited because I did not know I was developing into a spiritually mature woman based on what I learned about myself in church, relationships, and counseling. I am not sure my clients will understand that when they step into my office looking for a quick fix. How long it will take for them will vary but McMinn does not address the concern for preconceived notions and expectations on the clients part. Although his book is basically for the betterment of the counselor of which the client benefits, the fear of people walking out of my office or never coming back to complete their counseling sessions. I knew that I had a need. I knew I was broken and tired of the way I was. I am sure my clients coming to me is their discovery of the same. But their discovery can be overwhelming and as their counselor it can be quite discouraging to view them as not making progress. I understand McMinns admonishment to be prayed up, that goes without saying for some counselors. I am found in reading this book that there is no room for error, yet I am still human and error or the sin nature will constantly raise her ugly head. According to McMinns model, as great as I think it is, putting it into practice will be a lifelong challenge as long as there is a sin nature that succumbs to the weakness of the flesh. Reflection McMinn (1996) intradisciplinary approach to healing the emotional, mental, and spiritual life of man must be taken in small steps. The need for a graph or outline might be necessary in order to interact with a client session by session only way to learn and envision success. The skill of counseling must be carefully executed in order for the client to eventually envision and reap

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the benefits. This may not happen in two or three sessions or may not happen at all at least not to the counselor. The Christian counselor cannot go into battle without having on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:11, 13). The Holy Spirit is the Wonderful Counselor should be in the midst of Christian counseling session. Consecration and morning devotion is imperative as a Christian and especially in ministry of which Christian counseling is one. To dive headlong into a counseling session without Gods protection and the guidance of the Holy Spirit would be fool hearty and spiritual suicide. The vision of the counselor would die due to burnout or what I call trying up on the vine. This is not what counseling should be about. It is as though a sick physician or surgeon is trying to heal a patient who may not be as ill. He who leads the blind out of the way he should travel is cursed (Deut. 27:18). The counselor and the client will fall (Matt. 15:14). The responsibility of counselor is crucial to the wellbeing of a soul trying to find her way through darkness. Application James 2:18-26 admonishes the Christian that there is no faith if there is no proof of it by works. Therefore, if counseling is my passion in respect to help others up out of a proverbial ditch, and into light or become unstuck, then without a doubt I must be the conduit that God will use. As the conduit I must sacrifice all that the Father expects of me in order to be a vessel of hope. I do not consider myself a substitute for the Wonderful Counselor Himself, but a willing vessel open to whatever it will take to get the job done. Does that mean I am the answer? Not so; but God uses willing vessels within the relational design he created. As I read Mark McMinns book I began to feel my inadequacy not as a counselor, but as a Christian and minister of the Gospel. A hunger and thirst for the Word of God became more

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prevalent. My spirit began to search for more of God. The need to consecrate myself more often has become a passionate desire in fear of coming up short spiritually. It is apparent that I must fast and pray more during the week. Mondays and Wednesdays are good days but I will ask God which days are best. I want to find myself in those days without planning them. They just happen. There should be more days without distractions whether from the outside or inside sounds; days when no one is home but me. My morning devotion usually begins at about 7 a.m. Sometimes they begin at 5:30 a.m. Since I plan to get out early in the coming fall season, I have no problem sacrificing my sleep to arise at 4:30 or 5 a.m. for prayer, study, and meditation thereby integrating psychology, theology, and spirituality before the breaking of dawn as a Christian and a counselor. As I suit up in the whole armor of God I will begin my day before the breaking of dawn. This is nothing new for me but a confirmation that I must press into a deeper walk with God.

Reference McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in christian counseling. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishing.