Therapeutic Uses of Scriptures in Counseling

I love the wording of the New Living Translation of Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed." For the reason of being brokenhearted and having crushed spirits are why most people will step into the counseling office. I agree with Clinton and Hawkins that stated, "Everywhere we look in this new millennium we find people who desperately need God's touch; who cry out constantly for His gracious care" (Clinton and Hawkins, 2009, p.7). We could look around in the pews and find atleast twenty-five percent of the people that are broken for some reason or another. Yet, there are that many or more that are outside of the church walls.

Kollar states, "Any biblical view of how personality develops must be founded on sin, separation from God, redemption, and new life. That is, it must be founded on God's grace and sovereign plan for each individual" (Kollar, 2011, Kindle Loc. 787). With this in mind, I believe that it would be fitting to first state that as Christian counselors we should be concerned with all people and their brokenness; believers and non-believers alike! It is quite easy to say, but a harder task to fulfill when applying the Scriptures to help non-believers to become unbroken or unstuck. Nonetheless, it is our task to first fulfill the Great Commission. McMinn points out that, "Brokenness is a prerequisite to understanding God's grace, but the Christian gospel does not leave us in a state of broken despair" (McMinn, 2011, Kiindle Loc. 769). McMinn goes on to say, "Redemption gives hope and meaning to fallen humans" (McMinn, loc. 769). Therefore, for Scripture to be therapeutic for non-believers they must receive salvation. It doesn't (or shouldn't) stop us from giving them Scriptures of hope which could lead to their salvation though.

For believers that find themselves in a state of being "stuck" or broken, all of the above still pertains to them as well. Scripture gives hope, gives instruction and guidance, transforms lives, and helps build relationships as long as the right Scriptures are used for each individual case. Regardless of what brokenness the Christian has I would agree with McMinn that, "Effective Christian counselors recognize that counseling relationships often point clients toward a healthier view of God" McMinn, 2011, Kindle Loc. 1609). That would be to say that we should first, as in the context that McMinn is speaking of here, use prayer with the counselee's and use prayer before the session for guidance during the sessions; this would include guidance for the right Scriptures. Finally, I would agree with McMinn's statement that, "We need to be concerned not only about theologically proper and correct use of Scripture but also about the power of Scripture. Scripture was given to transform our lives" (McMinn, Kindle Loc. 2217). Scripture has it's various uses, but should be used in the right context and solely for that individual that is being counseled at the moment.

If someone were to step into my office seeking help for addiction I would first do all the things that a counselor do such as the assessment, wise counsel as in give information about fatalities in such cases like alcohol and driving, and get help them get family support. The Scripture that I may use in a situation such as this would be Isaiah 5:11, "Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may follow intoxicating drink; who continue until night, till wine inflames them." This would not be the same Scripture that I would use if someone were to come into my  office seeking guidance on grief. The Scripture would be much different and I may use Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Both Scriptures are very powerful and would be very therapeutic for the counselee, but in the right context and to the right counselee.

References

Clinton, Tim and Hawkins, Ron. (2009). The quick reference guide to biblical counseling. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books.

Kollar, Charles Allan. (2011). Solution-focused pastoral counseling: an effective short term approach for getting people back on track. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.

McMinn, Mark R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and Spirituality in christian counseling. Carol Stream, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers.