Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: A Brief Summary

The article Use of Prayer and Scripture in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which was in a 2007 publication of Journal of Psychology and Christianity, Tan provides insight into the incorporation of prayer and scripture into cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In recent years, CBT has brought light to a certain mindfulness understanding. This mindfulness focuses primarily on present circumstances, self-regulation, and the acceptance of the situation. Tan’s article illustrates how prayer and scripture can be incorporated into this model of CBT. If it is combined in an appropriate manner then there will be beneficial to the client in the long run. He cites research by Hayes, Luoma, Bond, Masuda and Lillis (2006) which discusses a form of behavioral

therapy that has been broken down into different movements. These movements consisted of different transitions from traditional CBT to therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (Tan, 2007, p. 101).
In the article Tan discusses an 8-part process that has been developed from a biblical model. Part of this process stresses the importance of agape love and resolving past experiences, discover a spiritual meaning, using scripture to help change, relying on the Holy Spirit, practicing techniques that follow biblical guidelines, and not making conclusive decisions about CBT being superior (Tan, 2007, p. 102).
Tan also discusses using assimilation (implicit and explicit) in the therapy process.

He explains that the counselor should only use either implicit or explicit approaches if it serves the needs of the client, but they should rely on guidance from the Holy Spirit (Tan, 2007, pp. 102-103). Even though Tan discusses the use of prayer and scripture in therapy, he does not believe that it would be beneficial for all clients. He believes that this “may not be appropriate with more severely disturbed or psychotic clients…” (Tan, 2007, p. 104). A counselor should complete an intake interview that would predict if this is an appropriate approach to use within the counseling process. Tan explains that the integration of prayer and scripture in therapy would be best for clients that are suffering from anxiety, depression, anger management issues, and possibly

addiction.
Tan developed a seven step prayer healing approach. This approach encourages the client to focus more on communication with God than the hurt that they are currently experiencing. Tan provides the reader with insight to a therapy session using this approach, ultimately explaining the relationship between the counselor and client (Tan, 2007, p. 105). The author explains, “the appropriate and ethical use of Scripture or the Bible in Christian CBT…can be of significant help to Christian clients who seriously take the Bible to be the inspired Word of God and their ultimate authority in life” (Tan, 2007, p. 108).
Tan’s method seems to be a very beneficial approach; however, not every client will be able to benefit from it- especially those that are severely psychotic.
Interact
It is clear to me that Tan is attempting to address an approach that is not typically considered in the mainstream approaches to therapy.

Integrating CBT with scripture and prayer appears that it would provide the client with lasting resolutions that are fairly easy to maintain without the help of a counselor. We are a creation of God (Psa. 139:13), which is why we should seek help from the creator when we are “broken.” As a Christian, I have an understanding that the truth taught in Scripture is the truth from God and him only. God and his word are identical (John 1:1). This point alone shows that a counselor should use Scripture within therapy to help with the thought process of a

client.
The teachings within the article are not new concepts to me. I did enjoy seeing that there are studies backing up the use of prayer and scripture within therapy, especially with regards to CBT. This shows that the scientific community has begun to notice the benefits that integration has within the counseling sessions. I am now more interested into seeing what information is available with regards to the integration process.
CBT therapists will help a client to rewrite part of their experience and think of themselves differently. However, like any form of therapy any work that has been completed can be harmed by the experience of another traumatic event. Once the individual will experience another traumatic event it will cause them to return their previous way of thinking.
Application
As someone that works with individuals in a residential setting I prefer the use of CBT. I have found that it has been a very effective form of treatment, especially among the younger population. However, I have recently had a young female that wanted the incorporation of prayer into her sessions. I have seen how beneficial this has been to her in her healing process and I will continue to use it in the future. I would also like to incorporate Scripture into the sessions, if and only if the clients allow it.
Many of adolescents that I work with suffer from Depression. As Tan has stated in his article this approach would be best suited for individuals that suffer from Depression. I would like to begin to incorporate prayer and scripture within the clients’ sessions. Ideally I would like to begin each session with a prayer. Next, I would encourage the client to think of a current situation in their life that is causing them pain. It will be important to remind the client that they are in a safe place and will no longer face any harm from reliving that painful experience. As the session progress I would like to be able to provide the client with Scriptures that would aid in his healing. The client will be given some homework that would include journal writing and reviewing the scriptures that we discussed in therapy. I would also encourage the client to pray on their own and seek God’s guidance. Finally, I will end the session with a prayer.
The integration of prayer and scripture into CBT can be seen as an effective way to help clients realize the full extinct of their problem.