Religious-Related Emotional Abuse Essay

Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling by McMinn was published in 1996. This book was written to help Christian counselors gain knowledge on the latest information and new techniques of Christian counseling. McMinn captures the spiritual and mental side of psychotherapy, he teaches his readers that spiritual discipline is needed to ensure successful counseling sessions. Biblical quotations and scriptures are used throughout the book to show how McMinn integrates spiritual into counseling. Throughout the book he also incorporates many concepts and theories relating to Christian counseling.

The authors of the book are Perry and Szalavitz, a psychiatrist and a journalist respectively. The short stories covered in this book or rather a child psychiatrist notebook explains various clinical cases that Perry handles. The authors meant to show how traumatized children can be treated and the lesson drawn from understanding their loss, the contribution of love and the healing process as shown in (Perry & Szalavitz, 2006). Perry presents his case studies with an impression of early intervention as a breakthrough in helping traumatized children. But also provided strategies to assist in handling the later stages of the trauma. The book is both resourceful for professional and layman use in addressing trauma cases. Nurturing

Glenn, T. (2014). A bridge over troubled waters: Spirituality and resilience with emerging adult childhood trauma survivors. Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health. 16. Pp. 37-50.

Cashwell, C. S., Young, J. S., Fulton, C. L., Wills, B. T., Giordano, A., Daniel, L. W., et al. (2013). Clinical behaviors for addressing religious/spiritual issues: Do we practice what we preach? Retrieved from http://search.proques.com/docview/1346947296?accountid=34899

The integration of psychology and theology is so intertwined that it has caused ill-well between the two disciplines. The over-arching concern for a counselor is to understand the why of a person disorder. In trying to understand the why, there are issues concerning the mind of the person, the thought process, their body, their soul, their temporal and the supernatural systems that can be manipulated if they are not living with a healthy lifestyle. So what a counselor is trying to discover is the physical function of individuals as well as trying to uncover the spiritual components of their lives, which can be worked through within the intake process, however it does not need to be left out during the counseling process. This is best said in the words of McMinn (1996) who declares “the best interdisciplinary integration work usually comes from those who have formal or informal preparation in both psychology and theology” (p. 9). Scripture states in, II Chronicles 1:10, says “give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours” (New International Version)? This research article will endeavor to search through varies theories to aid counselors in the integration process of psychology and theology. Because the ultimate goal for any counselor especially the Christian counselor is to be used as an instrument for God to bring about healthy living, corrective thoughts, and eradicate persistent sins.

Introduction: I feel that dealing with clients who are the survivors or current victims of abuse is the most intricate and sensitive subject I have studied. Emotional and physical abuse of children and adults can take place at any age, in any country or culture and at any level of society. Forms of abuse are massively varied and can be motivated by many factors including sexual gratification, control, fear or even love.

Pardin, Plante, Sherman, and Stump (2000) that until recently the spiritual piece of treatment was rarely considered in the treatment process. However, within the aforementioned research study, findings indicated that individuals

In his book, “Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling,” Mark McMinn (1996) challenges his readers to explore foundational principles and religious interventions with respect to the integration of the interdisciplinary disciplines of Christianity and psychology. The author describes integration as “that which occurs within the disciplines of counseling and psychotherapy.” (p. 8) More specifically, intradisciplinary integration consists of a counselor implementing of his or her “religious values and beliefs into [the] treatment of a client.” (p. 8) It is difficult for many therapists, even those who have received theological training, to apply biblical principles in therapy. (p. 6)

There have been growing cases of traumatic effects and responses in the United States. While most agree that this increasing incident deserves concrete attention, consensus dissolves around how to handle the difficulties of handling traumatic effects and responses. This research paper will discuss the traumatic effects and responses with its related difficulties and treatment options with the inclusion of biblical concepts and principles. From a medical perspective, trauma has affected the lives of millions of people from across the world whereby they suffer silently without the hope of getting effective treatment. However, spirituality and religion has changed the medical landscape in regards to trauma because traumatic patients can finally experience a fulfilling life without any fear of traumatic reminders crippling the quality of their lives. To explore the outcome of spirituality and religion, this research paper will explain in detail the benefits of patients engaging in religious teachings and spiritual rituals in boosting their inner being.

The problem I aim to address is that of the lifelong scars that affect a victim of child sexual abuse; and how it hinders one from seeking God for healing and understanding according to Scripture.

“The failure to acknowledge or address religious and spiritual issues in the training environment could result in an atmosphere that feels unsafe or invalidating for students with strong religious or spiritual identities” (Berkel, Constantine and Olson, 2007, p. 6). Students reported using spirituality in therapy with clients to help their client improve and use spiritual language in sessions. According to Berkel, Constantine and Olson (2007), clinical supervisors need to develop competence in religious and spiritual issues. Supervisors can accomplish this by becoming aware of their own spiritual and religious values and beliefs, seek continuing education to increase spiritual and religious skills, education and awareness, address the potential influence of spirituality and religion on the counseling relationship, utilize community resources, “need for support, cultural relevance and exposure”, and promote and start religious and spiritual discussions (p. 8-12). Cultural competence in supervision needs to include spirituality and religion to better serve clients and be able to address any issues during sessions about spirituality or

The Holy Bible will be used to prove the abusers point. The abuser will point out what happens when you sin and the punishments that are most likely to follow. Religious abuse comes in two forms. One form is using religious reasons to physically abuse. The second form is emotional abuse caused by examples from the Bible of people who were punished by God because of the sin they committed.

The abuse is usually frequent enough that the victim internalizes it. This leaves the victim feeling fearful, insignificant, untrusting, emotionally needy, and unlovable. Survivors of this form of abuse have a hard time understanding why they feel so bad (Munro, K. 2001.).

I believe that religion still plays a huge role in supporting victims of domestic violence. Although some batterers use religion as way to justify their actions, it doesn’t mean that religion can also help the victims. Victims of domestic violence can use their faith to help them gain strength that they need in order to leave their

Interesting is that a person can also put their unresolved hurt and pain onto God who wants and loves them deeply. Many abused and neglected children have a hard time understanding God’s love. They have been conditioned to think that being beaten, yelled at, or ignored is how God the Father will then treat them. Wilson provides counselors and hurting individuals a framework in understanding and helping their client’s heal from their emotional scars. It is easy to relate to Dr. Wilson because she is also sharing her own personal pain and hurt that God has helped her to heal.