i.
The first approach by Thomas Plante presents the A levels of explanation approach which
was originally proposed by the highly regarded Christian social psychologists David
Myers. The subtitle describes it well, a biopsychosocial spiritual and evidence-
basedmodel. This approach honors science as legitimate level of explanation, just a
theology is an equally legitimate by different perspective. Good science and good
theology will ultimately consistent, plante suggests an approach that in many ways
appears similar to secular models since the current emphasizes in the field and in society
is to be able to empirically justify one’s approach and intervention along with careful
assessment and diagnosis in additional to well defined and supported treatment planning,
he includes a significant segment of the treatment plan focused on spiritual interventions
(e.g prayer, meditation, purpose and calling in life, acceptance of self and others ethical
values and behaviors, forgiveness, gratitude, love, kindness and compassion,
volunteerism, community support, spiritual models, explicitly Christian bibliotherapy and
sacredness of life). However for some Christians, this approach appears to diminish the
authoritative role of scripture in the Christian life and elevates science in our
understanding and the decision making aspects of counseling.
ii. The second approach “An interrogation approach represented by Macminn is an excellent
choice of representative for this model because his publications have wrestled
significantly with the tensions between psychology, theology and spiritually (1996), why
sin and grace in Christian counseling (2008). Mc Min is also the guest therapy on the
American Psychological Associations DVD entitled Christian counseling). Some
counselor may not appreciate Mc min’s cognitive behavioral bent. However, it is a
responsible use of an empirically validated secular approach which has been modified to
incorporate substantial reflection on the image brokenness and sin, spiritual formation
and spiritual disciplines. The approach is more detailed in his co-authored book
integrative psychotherapy (2007).
iii. In response to what some Christian counselors have considered a weak view of scripture
and theology in the integration approach, lead us to the next approach “Christian
psychology approach”. This model emerged in the past decade with the goal of providing
a thoroughly Christian model of the person, mental health pathology and intervention
rooted in the scriptures and the Christian tradition not in secular psychology. Eric
Johnson is the most noteworthy proponent of this model in his 2007 book foundations for
soul care a Christian psychology proposal.
iv. The fourth method is transformational approach written by Gary moon. This is the newest
model to appear on the integration landscape and is best represented by Coe and hall’s
psychology in the spirit contours of a transformational psychology (2009). Moon admits
in some ways he does an excellent job of outlining an approach to treatment that
integrates significantly from the classic models of spiritual directions and currents writing
in spiritual formation and spiritual directions (e.g. Dallas Willard) while we must, for the
sake of ethical integrity define for our clients which role we are taking we cannot simply
and artificially separate counseling and spiritual direction where there is so much overlap
in practice. He states that distinctions between counseling and spiritual directions are
more about training (I.e professional boundary claims) than about the person (Denver
journal book pg 144) 2012.
v. Biblical counseling approach written by Stuart Scott. This model was popularized by Jay
Adams and exists in a variety of strands that have more or less followed Adams path as
seen in the biblical counseling coalition. [Link] . This approach is
characterized by an exclusive application of scripture to any and all personal problems.
The use of diagnostic categories medication and secular approaches to helping people are
reflected as harmful, or atleast not helpful in resolving the core problem, alienation from
God due to sin. Thus the solution for problems is for the counselor to be relentless to help
clients to see the multifaced benefits and obligations or the gospels Christians must
personalize to their own situation realities such as forgiveness through the cross, union
with christs, security in Christ, power through Christ, abiding in Christ, denying seylike
and loving other like Christ. In terms of wrong or God void thinking client must learn
how to take thought captive and renew them with truth on the spot (Denver journal book
pg 169)2012).
