Integrating Scripture in Christian Counseling

Journal Article Review of

Interventions That Apply Scripture in Psychotherapy

Article Summary

In 2005, Fernando Garzon, an associate professor at Liberty University wrote a journal article entitled Interventions That Apply Scripture in Psychotherapy for the Journal of Psychology and Theology.

In the article, Garzon effectively advocates the usage of scripture for the client who sees the Bible as an authoritative means for life direction, emotional healing, and understanding God's perspective. He encourages the reader/clinician to be sensitive to the needs of the client in regard to understanding the degree to which the client views the Bible as authoritative. He also warns of possible countertransference that could come from the counselor's experience and/or worldview that is associated with God's Word.

Dr.Garzon illustrates his position through a fictitious case study that involves a client named George who struggles with issues of depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety. George is a professing Christian who is involved in a Baptist church and possesses a high regard for the Bible. With this being the case, Garzon suggests several interventions for George's treatment that are summarized in the following paragraphs.

An implicit scripture intervention is one where the counselor models a Biblical position or charactor. Garzon gives the example of Christ showing compassion upon the individuals He healed in His earthly ministry. Garzon also comments that the counselor can pray for his/her clients outside of the session and quietly in session.

Gazon explains that scripture can be used psycho-educationally and Theo-educationally to correct improper beliefs that the client may possess about themself or about the nature of God. An example of improper thoughts could include the client's feelings of not being loved when in reality he/she is greatly loved by God.

Garzon illustrates how scripture can be used in behavioral therapy for the client who suffers from insomnia. He explains a breathing exercise that uses a passage of scripture in which the client takes great comfort to provide relaxation.

Garzon explains how scripture can be integrated with Rational Emotive Behavioral Styles (e.g., Nielsen, John- son, & Ellis, 2001; Johnson, 2001; Backus, 1985; Johnson, Devries, Ridley, Pettorini, & Peterson, 1994; Pecheur & Edwards, 1984), and additionally styles resembling the work of Aaron Beck (e.g., Propst, 1988; Hawkins, Tan, & Turk, 1999; Tan & Ortberg, 1995). In these intervention styles, scripture can be used to confront erroneous thoughts and irrational feelings that lead to negative behaviors.

Garzon concludes with effective experimental therapy that helps the client personalize the passages of scripture to his/her life situation. In the fictitious case study, the client George identified with the infirmed woman of Luke 13 whom the Lord Jesus healed. Through the appropriate use of scripture and imagination, George saw himself in a new light.

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