Biblical Applications in Counseling

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Biblical Applications in Counseling
One of the most difficult aspects of counseling is accepting when boundaries can be crossed for the betterment of a client and knowing when those boundaries should be respected no matter the outcome. Incorporating religion and spirituality into counseling can often be problematic in the sense that not everyone has the same views on the matter. In fact, not all therapists in the field of counseling agree that blending therapy and religion is effective or appropriate. However, for Christians who seek assistance, gaining knowledge on their situation, learning new coping mechanisms, and still incorporating the Bible as a reference tools serves a an excellent therapeutic method.
Summary
The journal article reflected on different ideas that arise in counseling, such as combining the Bible in therapy. For the most part, scripture based therapy serves as another avenue for clients to heal and find healthy coping mechanisms that will help them in their daily lives. However, this practice is only effective if there is confirmation that the client is comfortable incorporating scripture as a form of therapy intervention. Some but not all counselors believe that including scripture or religion for that matter should not be permitted; it could lead to problems in the therapist-client relationships if any disagreements may arise. Counselors do not have knowledge about every religion or spiritual practice; although it is recommended that they take the time to learn not only about different religions or beliefs but also about other cultures. Only by doing so are counselors able to become well rounded in assisting clients from all backgrounds and not limit or discriminate clients for being uninformed.
Scriptu...

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...elped the client in the article use a favorite scripture to repeat to help him relax before bed (Garzon, 2005), scripture intervention is accommodating throughout other troublesome areas of a person’s life and can be beneficial to a client’s well-being. It is important for Christian counselors to be well educated on the Word of God prior to implementing it into therapy. Just like any form of therapy, the opinions of one may be regarded differently by someone else. When counseling someone who is a Christian counselors have to be certain that what they are saying is truth.

Works Cited

Garzon, F. (2005). Interventions that apply scripture in psychotherapy. Journal of Psychology & Theology, 33(2), 113-121. Retrieved from http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=f6d52ba6-4547-4e3b-bc37-892b5a25f5a9%40sessionmgr114&vid=2&hid=125

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