Integrative Counseling

There is value in integrating psychology and Christian faith in counseling

People do not usually go to counseling just for fun. Generally, when someone comes seeking help, they have a real problem. So even before the particulars of a problem are discussed, there are three ways to view the problem. 

A strict theologian might look at the source of the problem as sin. A psychologist might look at the problem and see it as a dysfunction of environmental factors, such as past or current adverse experiences. A pastor might take a purely spiritual perspective and view the problem as a disconnect from God.

A Christian counselor's job is to pursue God and his wisdom with all of their heart, knowing that God is able to do all things (Matt 19:26). However, even with this knowledge, it has been the pattern of some Christian counselors to get so fascinated with the science of psychology that they departed from Biblical foundations. Christian counseling, in its true and purest form, is a convent between the counselor, and the counselee, by the power of the Holy Spirit and under the authority of God’s word. 

God, by His will, has the authority and sovereignty to use a variety of methods to provide healing and wholeness. Therefore, the blend of the Theological, Spiritual, and Science (psychological) can exist in harmony. All truth is God's truth, and transformation can be discovered by both God’s Word and God’s work. 

There should be no debate or conflict when it comes to the integration of methods. However, there does exist a failure of people to be open to different ideas and different approaches. In my practice, I ensure that there is this integration of the Theological and the psychological while keeping in mind that the Holy Spirit is the primary counselor.

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