Personal Counseling Theory Essay Example

our true potential as created by God. Backus & Chapian (2006) argue that negative self-talk and false beliefs directly contribute to emotional turmoil. The words we tell ourselves hold immense power over our lives.

The assertion on page 171 states that if we repeatedly tell ourselves something, we will eventually believe it. This statement can have a positive or negative connotation, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we speak the truth by relying on God's promises. In Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord declares His awareness of the plans He has for us, plans meant for our well-being and not harm, providing us with a future and hope. Hawkins' temporal system covers various aspects of our daily lives such as family, friends, church, government, and community. As individuals in this interconnected world, no one can thrive alone.

The impact of cultivating relationships on our personality and self is emphasized by Cloud and Townsend (1999), who assert the necessity of clear and defined boundaries in maintaining healthy relationships. According to them, understanding the boundaries in a relationship helps determine ownership of emotions, attitudes, and behaviors (pg. 18). Setting boundaries is crucial to avoid mistakenly attributing others' feelings and attitudes to our own. Wilson (2001) further expands on this concept through her idea of hurt people hurting others.

The speaker notes that our self-image can be affected by how others see us, but God recognizes and values who we truly are. Safeguarding our hearts is crucial because our internal selves are reflected in our external lives. Instead of conforming to societal norms, it is important to live authentically. We should be mindful of how

temporary systems can impact our mental and emotional well-being and potentially change the person that God intended us to be.

In Hawkins’ model, the final circle is the supernatural system. Anderson (2000) argues that supernatural forces like Satan and demons can influence the human personality. These negative forces can alter an individual's temperament, leading to chaos and destruction in their life. Backus and Chapian would argue that the thoughts in our mind that tell us we are imperfect or sinful are our own. However, Anderson believes that these voices have a supernatural origin, as Satan is undermining our true identity and the truth revealed by God about ourselves.

Motivation: Understanding the roots of mental illness requires evaluating the holistic well-being of the body, soul, and spirit. Multiple theories exist concerning the causes of mental illness. Imperfections within Hawkins' concentric circles can manifest in any individual. Additionally, physical wellness plays a role in declining mental health. Heart (1999) emphasizes that conditions like hypoglycemia, premenstrual syndrome, and alcoholism often worsen or trigger symptoms of anxiety or depression. Consequently, this obstructs successful management of mental illness.

According to genetic factors, mental illness can be passed down through heredity and biological factors (pg. 55). Anderson (2001) believes that Satan has the power to influence our minds and bodies, manipulating our thoughts and actions to control our lives (pg. 61). He argues against defense mechanisms like denial, projection, and fantasy as unhealthy coping strategies. Wilson (2001) suggests that when we are harmed by others in our lives, we often retaliate and harm others in return (pg. 31), creating a cycle of pain between parents and children.

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childhood memories of the pains inflicted by our families are carried on to our own children. To put an end to this continuous cycle of hurt, people must acknowledge the wrongs done to them. This can also be observed in the distress and pain caused by partners in a marriage. According to Cloud and Townsend (1999), confusion, anger, and discontentment arise when there are no boundaries in a relationship. By establishing clear boundaries, each individual understands their role in the marriage and can take responsibility for their actions. This empowers them to no longer depend on others for happiness or contentment because they have control over their emotions and can claim ownership of them.

J Adams (1986) proposes that sin can also play a role in mental illness. Adams argues that sin is deeply rooted in our nature and individuals must turn to God and Scripture for guidance in order to bring about change. Adams cites homosexuality and alcoholism as examples of sins that can be forgiven rather than being attributed to diseases or genetic defects. Hawkins (2006) stresses the significance of counselors having an understanding of their clients and being able to identify the appropriate explanation for their illness. By considering a person's personality type, counselors can determine the most effective treatment method based on their individual needs.

Effective Christian counseling requires consideration of both theological and psychological perspectives. As counselors, we must simultaneously factor in theology, psychology, and spirituality to benefit our clients. Multitasking, or blending theories, is essential for an effective theory. Success depends on incorporating proven theories from secular psychology and theology into my own psychological base model that

also encompasses spirituality and theology.

My goal is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals seeking assistance, regardless of their religious beliefs. I prioritize the comfort and safety of those I help, ensuring they do not feel overwhelmed by my therapeutic approach. In my view, counseling should be a collaborative process where the counselor and the individual work together. As a professional, I aim to understand each person's unique challenges and customize therapy accordingly. Through my education, I have gained valuable insights from different theories that will allow me to support and guide those who seek counseling from me.

The content and recommendations from Backus and Chapian (2006), Wilson (2001), and Hawkins (2006) will be integrated into my personal method of counseling. Backus and Chapian's approach focuses on identifying misbeliefs, controlling negative thoughts, and embracing the truth about oneself. Wilson's method centers on recognizing and addressing past hurts. Hawkins' concentric circles will help me understand the individual's personality and the underlying factors driving their current issues. Additionally, I will incorporate scripture and prayer in counseling sessions, as long as the counselee is informed and comfortable with this approach.

The integration of scripture and prayer in counseling sessions relies on my clients' comfort level with spirituality. However, I face a challenge due to my current lack of expertise and theology knowledge. I want to avoid misleading my clients by using incorrect scripture quotes or misinterpreting them. My ultimate aim is to guide individuals towards God, but I am concerned that my limited theological understanding may lead them astray. To address this concern, I aspire to enhance my understanding in this area

and establish a solid foundation that allows me to incorporate spirituality into my counseling approach effectively.

The expectation in counseling is for change, healing, and hope. The effectiveness of any theory is measured by the client's change. As stated by Adams (1986), no change is acceptable to God and, in the long run, to the client unless there is fundamental, positive change towards God (pg. 3). Moving a client towards healing and God is crucial in Christian counseling. Each counselor has their own counseling theory, influenced by their worldview.

Our biases, values, and assumptions are shaped by our worldviews. As Christian counselors, it is essential for us to understand our worldview so that we can effectively help those we counsel. Equally important is understanding the worldview of the person seeking counseling in order to better comprehend the underlying causes of their issues. It can be challenging to merge these worldviews together. Our goal as Christian counselors should be to approach clients with a psychological and theological theory that aligns with a biblical worldview.

Despite facing resistance from non-Christians, integration can be successful when it is approached with the agreement and understanding of the counselee. However, I have concerns about this aspect of integration. At present, my knowledge of theology is limited and I have observed several instances where Christian pastors have unethically misused Scripture. It is disheartening to witness the distortion and exploitation of scripture for personal agendas. Hence, I make an effort to steer clear of such behavior.

In my counseling model, I strive to integrate with humility, reflecting my dedication to God and the well-being of those I counsel.

I believe it is possible not only to enhance the mental health of non-Christian clients but also to lead them towards a connection with God. The vulnerability inherent in being human underscores the significance of a knowledgeable Christian counselor who merges psychology, theology, and spirituality to foster positive personal growth.

When a counselor combines these three competencies, they can evaluate a person's character and identify their most significant area of need. Undoubtedly, psychology has established itself as a reliable field that offers assistance to individuals in distress. Numerous well-founded theories exist which have been scientifically validated and proven effective. The spiritual aspect revolves around the belief that God possesses the power to heal one's spiritual being. Throughout the counseling process, the objective is not only to promote mental well-being but also to imbue hope and guide individuals towards experiencing the divine presence of God.