Christian Counseling Psychology

Psychology is the science that studies behavior and mental process. This very basic definition is found in most college General Psychology or Introductory Psychology course textbooks as is probably known to every student who ever took a basic psychology course. There are 'schools' or varieties of applied psychology generally reflective of their author's concepts in applying the essential principles in the psychological paradigm and often some which go outside the paradigm venturing off into experimental techniques. One of the problems with psychology is its failure to consider the entire person - a holistic approach if you will. Most techniques concentrate on the 'problem' presented by a client. These 'problems' have diagnostic criteria which is well-defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). A copy of this manual is almost certainly on the desk or bookshelf of every therapist dealing with psychological issues. It is published by the American Psychological Association and is an excellent reference guide. But it is just that (as it will tell you itself) - a guide and as such, it does not replace solid clinical judgment on the part of a therapist who assesses his or her client based on their presentation. Often there are tests given to a client to assist in developing the diagnosis from which appropriate treatment plans may be developed. The difference between secular psychology and Christian Counseling Psychology however is significant for the latter considers the whole person - body, mind and spirit (soul). Since man is created in the image of God, he is of his very nature 'triune' - consisting of three components. This is being discovered in secular psychology as well as it reassesses the effectiveness of treatment outcomes. Secular psychology is of course cautious due to apparent inability to measure using the scientific method the spiritual aspects or components of the client. But this is not totally true. Recovery or improvement on the part of the client can indeed be measured and afterall, isn't this what therapists wish to do? The welfare of the client is the desired outcome so that they may again become a productive member of their family and society in general. This page will address much of the Christian Counseling Psychological principles and open the window for the reader into a wave of the future as the APA itself is examining these areas heretofore untouched.

Internet Mental Health Click the above link to a website that is the premier psychology website dedicated to both helping the professional and client alike. It contains information on virtually every aspect of diagnosis and treatment to include psychological medications. One of the major helps on the site is a Diagnose Yourself assessment tool. Dr. Long is a recognized expert and mental health professional who has maintained this award-winning website. We hope it proves helpful and informative to the readers.

National Institute of Mental Health As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They ate and drank, they took husbands and wives, right up to the day Noah entered the ark—and when the flood came it destroyed them all. It was much the same in the days of Lot: they ate and drank, they bought and sold, they built and planted. But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and brimstone rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be like that on the day the son of Man is revealed. . . . Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever tries to preserve his life will lose it; whoever loses it will keep it. (Luke 17:26-33)

Click the Professor below for PSYCHOLOGY AND ITS PRACTICE - an excellent resource.