Wilson Theory Critique Essay Example

basic assumptions. Thus a person must alter their mindset in order to change their choices. In order to be free from the dysfunction of the past, the person must be empowered by Christ, and allow him to lead and direct their choices. Dr. Wilson acknowledges that the process of change will be painful and time-consuming, yet absolutely necessary and successful.

If a person is willing to be committed to living out their choices, real change can take place in their lives. Evaluation of the Strengths and Weaknesses A major strength found in Dr. Wilson’s work dealt with confronting and dealing with the past. Dr. Wilson contends that people can never “put our pasts behind us when we've never put them before us”. Dr. Wilson's belief is that before recovery from the hurts of the past can happen a person must be willing to deal with the past. When the past is really examined and dealt with then the person will be able to really begin the process of change and forgiveness.

Forgiveness must be received, first, from God; forgiveness for the person, and then freeing the people who were abusive and unavailable. Another strong point of this book is the fact that Dr. Wilson writes from personal experience. She has experienced hurt, abuse brokenness and hopelessness within her own familial structure. Thus, she completely understands how shame influences and impacts a person’s development. Based on her family experience and relationship with Christ, she has been able to develop a plan of leading people to a place of forgiveness, healing, and restoration.

This book is ultimately strengthened by its seamless integration of psychological and theological concepts. McMinn explained that

counselors who multi-task have psychological expertise, knowledge of Scripture and Christian history, and spiritual sensitivity formed through a personal relationship with God. Dr. Wilson clearly exhibits this technique as she efficiently integrates tenets from psychology and theology to shape an effective model of change. Dr. Wilson is not afraid of using techniques to helping people change, yet trongly emphasizes the importance of a relationship with God that ultimately leads to total healing. Dr. Wilson also chooses to confront childhood experiences and parental failings, and is also careful to make sure that parents are not used as scapegoats for people’s problems. Personal Reflection and Application Hurt People Hurt People is a hope-filled book that is essential to understanding the history of hurt and abuse in people. The book is insightful in that in delves into what leads to a person’s hurts, and seeks to find ways to heal these hurts.

This book is one that should be read by every person, Pastor, counselor, and anyone that has been hurt. This book represented an example of the scripture text found in Romans 8:28, which states that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”. Dr. Wilson clearly exhibits that despite all of the hurts people can experience, through a relationship with God and a shift in their choices things will change in their lives. This book was very moving for this reader’s life, ministry, and future counseling practice.

Since accepting the abuse at the hands of an uncle, and recognizing the attempt to protect the family by keeping silent, this book led to real freedom. This

abuse had led to extreme issues with extended family because of a lack of trust and an attempt to be protected from further hurts. Being sexually abused and a victim of incest impacted many levels of life, including emotionally, mentally, psychologically, and in areas of intimacy; people were not to be trusted and everyone was viewed as a potential abuser. Yet counseling and this book has helped to reach a place of freedom, change, and healing.