Personal Counseling Theory: Integrating Secular and Christian Worldviews

Abstract

Over the past few decades, numerous theoretical perspectives, such as biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic, have proposed a unique view of human behavior. Even though these perspectives have an underlying similarity regarding human nature, they differ in their practical approaches. Two theories will be utilized, specifically person-centered therapy (PCT), framed by the humanistic perspective, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in the behavioral perspective, which are investigated. PCT contends that the client has the power to resolve their issues, unlike CBT, which focuses on irrational thoughts as the source of the problem. The paper further details the main components of those therapies and suggests treatment approaches promoting client success and behavioral change, presented in a fictitious style. The paper further examines how these treatments can be used in line with a Christian worldview and shows compatibility with biblical principles.

Introduction

Every counselor’s therapeutic strategy is based on a specific view of human behavior and its components. At the beginning of their careers, counselors usually follow a more traditional counseling model, which develops into understanding and integrating different therapeutic approaches as they progress professionally. Over time, counselors develop their therapeutic style, many of them being followers of one or two specific approaches that have strongly inspired the counselors. It is this personalized approach to counseling that makes it invaluable. Still, counselors must be able to align their personalities and worldviews to be effective and fulfilling (Seligman et al., 2021). According to Seligman et al. (2021), counselors use theoretical approaches compatible with their personalities, as it is hard to draw a clear boundary between oneself and personal values and beliefs. These elements significantly affect the counselor-client relationship, which is crucial for strategies like person-centered therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy since they are both part of this counseling writer’s theory.

Additionally, counseling based on relationship-centeredness fits well with the grasp of Christ-centeredness, which is the fundamental approach for my belief system (Tan, 2011). As Tan (2011) remarks, substantial advances have been made in making biblical principles part of counseling to counsel those encountering various life challenges that disrupt their daily functioning. Counselors, however, should not only look for the sources of their clients’ suffering but also multiple other factors that result in their struggles. This holistic approach recognizes the multidimensional nature of being human and emphasizes the significance of incorporating external and internal factors that influence clients’ lives.

Client’s Introduction

Bailey will be the focal point of my theory. Depression has led her to seek counseling. She has lost interest in things she used to enjoy, is irritated and furious all the time, and has trouble sleeping, so her spouse suggested she see a therapist. Bailey is of African American descent, and she is 31 years old. She is an ex-military. She is the first in her family to attend college. Derrick, like Bailey, is a military officer, and they have been married for ten years. Their daughter is nine years old.

Factors influencing distress

Background

The reason for Bailey’s current distress can be attributed to the different past and background events that she has been through. She probably experienced new pressures and challenges as a first-generation college graduate due to crossing the social and familial barriers set up by her peers, who were adamantly opposed to pursuing higher education. As a child, Bailey might have encountered financial hardships, fewer educational opportunities, and a lack of parental support and educational guidance. Attaining a college degree was an exceptional achievement and brought pride and fulfillment. Higher aspirations to demonstrate the knowledge she had acquired in the field she had chosen to pursue followed. As a black woman, Bailey could have experienced some career options, racism, stereotypes, and discrimination in her lifetime. These experiences might have influenced her feelings of marginalization, lack of self-confidence, and identity issues that were making her feel low and making her less accepted in the community. Besides, the students became more self-detracted in majority white environments where they studied or worked. Awareness of the differences between ethnic groups and of injustice was better defined.

Furthermore, her husband’s