Spiritual Disciplines and the Practice of Integration

Possibilities and Challenges for Christian Psychologists

Bibliographic Data

ID20331256
AuthorsMark R McMinn (0000-0002-4249-9407, Wheaton College), Barrett W Mcray (0000-0001-5319-5620, Wheaton College)
Year1997
Volume25
Issue1
Pages102-110
Publication date1997-03-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Psychology and Theology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-6471 • E-ISSN: 2328-1162
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/009164719702500110
OpenAlexW2405807854
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited19

Spiritual practices have received less attention than psychological change techniques in the contemporary integration of psychology and Christianity, yet a Christian understanding of health has implications for the personal and professional use of spiritual disciplines as mechanisms for growth. We consider the practical nature of the spiritual disciplines in promoting change as well as possibilities and challenges introduced by using spiritual disciplines both outside and inside the consulting office. Used outside the consulting office, spiritual disciplines may affect the professional life of the Christian therapist by deepening his or her knowledge of God, promoting a posture of humble self-awareness, and providing a refuge for the stresses of psychological work. Used inside the consulting office, the spiritual disciplines may prove helpful with some clients, but introduce significant challenges and potential problems that warrant careful consideration

Affect (linguistics) · Alternative medicine · Christianity · Engineering ethics · Psychotherapist · Sociology · Spirituality · Warrant · Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics · Engineering · Medicine · Psychology · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Theological Perspectives and Practices