Journal
Article Reviews Instructions
Each Journal Article Summary must be 3–5 double-spacedpages (not including
the title and reference pages) and created in a Microsoft Word document.
Use the following guidelines to create your paper:
1.
Start your paper with a title page, correctly
formatted per current APA. Use the provided template and the basic current APA
components will be in place. Divide your paper into sections with the following
Level One headings: Summary, Reflection, and Applicationas described on the template.
2.
Develop a summary (40 points) of the main
concepts from the article. Do not duplicate the article’s abstract. If
the article describes a research study, include brief statements about the
hypotheses, methods, results, discussion, and implications. If any test measures or statistical methods used
are given in the article, do not
provide detailed descriptions of these. Short direct quotations
from the article are acceptable, but avoid long quotes in a paper this size.
This section is the foundation of your Journal Article Review (at least a third
of your paper). Make sure you include the core points from the article, even if
it means a longer section. Do not
reference any additional articles in your summary.
3.
In approximately 1 page, reflect (15 points)on
the article using your own words. Appropriate comments for this part of the
paper could include, but are not limited to, your initial response to the
article, comments regarding the study’s design or methodology (if any),
insights you gained from reading the article, your reasons for being interested
in this particular article, any other readings that you may plan to do based
upon having read the article, and other thoughts you have that might further
enhance the discussion of your article. Your subjective comments in this
section must be clearly tied to main points from the article, not peripheral
ideas. Again, do not reference any other article.
4.
In your final section, in approximately 1 page,
write how you would apply the
information you have learned from this article to a particular counseling
setting. Make this setting one that would typically be seen in human services
counseling—community services agencies, adoption agencies, volunteer counseling
settings such as in churches, etc. Develop this section as if you are a pastor
or clinician and your parishioner or client has come to you with a problem—grief,
depression, substance abuse, relationships problems, etc.— needing your help.
Adequately describe the counseling scenario including the presenting problem. Draw
out concepts from the article and apply them to the scenario as if you were guided
only by the content of the article.
Show the reader how you expressly drew from the journal article in this
application section and cite correctly, per APA.
5.
Use the provided current APA template and
personalize the template for your particular article.
Point values for each section as well as for writing can be
found on the grading rubric. Remember that all papers in the program must be written
to professional (graduate level) standards and writing can contribute 15 points
to your score.
use_of_prayer_and_scripture_in_cognitive_behavioral_therapy__.docx
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Running Head: USE OF PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE IN COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL…
“Use of Prayer and Scripture in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy”
John Blair Hollis
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USE OF PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE IN COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
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Summary
Tan (2007) introduces a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach using an
integrative method to ameliorate clinical patient concerns. Using an informed consent agreement
Tan (2007) differentiates the appropriate therapeutic technique principally using “implicit
integration,” a “covert approach” cloaking spiritual tactics or “explicit integration,” which is an
“overt approach” that intentionally fosters spiritual dynamics in therapy (p.102). The efficacy in
this CBT methodology is supported by empirical data, which historically has evolved from
traditional cognitive therapy to integrative cognitive therapeutic techniques where God’s love is
manifest and revealed through the power of the Holy Spirit. The primary goal of this approach is
to provide patients with the insight that empowers them to recognize pathways to return to
wholeness.
The fundamental presuppositions underlying the “Biblical Christian Approach” to CBT
incorporate key elements: (1) the advocacy of God’s love, found in empathy & relationships, (2)
evaluating historical experiences developmentally to uncover “unresolved” issues, (3) focusing
on the subjective significance of spirituality and its impact on their lives and religious
convictions (revealed through the Holy Spirit), where truth makes itself known, (4) attending to
cognitive issues that influence behavior where truth offers a meaningful change in reconstructive
methods, (5) illuminating the power of the Holy Spirit to heal and effect behavior that influences
emotional outcomes, where dependence evokes transformative change, (6) focusing on the
relevance of community and relationships to subordinate change, and (7) to employing methods
containing scriptural truth to provide meaning in suffering, where opening one’s self for God’s
love plants the seeds developmentally for lasting spiritual growth (Tan, 2007, p.102).
USE OF PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE IN COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
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Tan (2007) introduces intentional integration as the foundational component in therapy.
The Holy Spirit guides the encounter where “implicit or explicit integration” is adopted to
augment conditions according to spiritual assessment findings. The influence of mindfulness,
which is sourced from eastern religious traditions, symbolically presents correlating aspects of
how subjective faith-oriented thought meets spiritual insight. As a result, anxiety is subdued
behaviorally and love intrinsically shatters irrational thinking. Ultimately, healing occurs where
the mind can disaggregate and differentiate incongruence in order to reconstruct the self. It is in
that healing relationship, where the power of God works through both therapist and patient, that
grace restores the soul back to health once again.
Reflection
Tan (2007) presents compelling approaches to the integration of prayer in counseling
therapy. Recent neurobiological studies of the efficacy of prayer found in cognitive change
(neural mapping) has impressed the secular scientific community. This evidence is supported by
SPECT imaging where empirical evidence demarcates the confirmation of positive change
(Newberg, D’Aquili, & Rause, 2001).
The power of the Holy Spirit is the breath of God (Genesis 2:11). Tan (2007) utilizes a
spiritual approach offering the patient a new inner lens from which to see the world in a new
way. Irrational thinking may be mitigated by the truth found in both God’s word and God’s love
for His creation found in the broken hearted. It opens the eyes to God’s all-inclusive love that
embraces the sinner and the afflicted equally. The revelation of Christ’s sacrifice for all of
mankind and His suffering, allows the Holy Spirit to reveal a connection and identity with their
own suffering. Through this dynamic, a subjective interface allows meaning to be found in His
restorative power vested in the power of the Holy Spirit.
USE OF PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE IN COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
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Tan (2007) inspired this writer with a humble and honest perspective, which doesn’t
“water down” this stylistic approach or layer it with secular academic semantics. Clearly, the
Holy Spirit is working through this important work as evidenced in this scholarly paper. It
highlights the importance of scripture and its use in therapy, where prayer reveals the truth and
elevates its significance. It takes counseling theory and offers the necessary missing elements
that secular approaches cannot provide. Psychodynamic constructs have influenced, distorted,
and separated psychology from its theological roots. Notably, what is obscured is that principle
that all truth found both in psychology and science is God’s truth (Entwistle, 2010). What is truly
important is that the integration of a Christian Approach in CBT has demonstrated its efficacy in
counseling.
Tan (2007) argues that “cognitive restructuring of dysfunctional or irrational thinking
[can be attended to] with the appropriate use of Scripture, and not just rational or empirical
analysis” (p.108). Consequently, this disconnect between God and mankind, located in that
existential vacuum, can be mended through the word of God found in prayer.
Tan (2007) offers the context that takes scholarship from C.S. Lewis and Beck, and
provides substantive components to unify their thinking. Furthermore, it offers a pragmatic
therapeutic approach that this writer hopes to absorb in other studies. Neurobiology validates Tan
(2007) as evidenced by weaving spirituality and psychology together contextually, restructuring
the neural wiring (Sibcy, Clinton, & Hawkins, 2012). Christian CBT, as an intervention,
amplifies “deeper levels of emotional processing and cognitive change” (Tang, 2007. P.107)
Tang (2007) contends it opens a cognitive doorway that a receptive response, allowing for
healing of the soul found both in the “truth” and in the presence of Holiness where God’s
relational purpose is actualized.
USE OF PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE IN COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
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Application
In this writer’s private career development practice, the informed consent agreement
specifically asks questions similar to a spiritual inventory that reveal spiritual preferences. The
principle purpose for entering this masters program is to acquire the knowledge of theoretical
constructs and insight to apply them within a spiritual integrative process in this practice. Tan
(2007) introduces the use of prayer in therapy which constructively sets the tone and fosters the
client counselor relationship on the horizontal level while inviting the Holy Spirit to be received
through that vertical encounter, enhancing the perception of a worldview in a transformational
way (Schaeffer, 1990).
Many of the cognitive impasses presented during sessions typically originate from
anxiety originating from analysis paralysis. The self is trying to distinguish a pathway that aligns
meaning where congruence ensues. However, stress amplifies cortisol production impeding the
cognitive clarity they desire (Newberg et al, 2001). Bridging this disconnect from selfcenteredness to Christ-centeredness allows authentic hope to be actualized through submission of
self, so Christ might carry the burden of the yoke (Matthew 11:2-30, NIV). The introduction of
the spiritual in the counseling encounter can subdue that behavioral-emotional response where
acceptance is revealed. God’s gifts that define their uniqueness then become a reflection of His
intentional purpose of their creation, to restore a loving relationship with Him.
The application of a Christian CBT allows the patient/client to “objectify” irrational
thoughts looking through the spiritual lens offering a new perspective (Beck, 2011). Stylistically,
Tan (2007) presents the “chair technique” in his session, which may be applied where the patient
might ask, “what would Jesus do?” How would He approach your brokenness? Is it your
“automatic thoughts” that have influenced your perception of yourself as being “unworthy of
USE OF PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE IN COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
love,” emanating from the external world and it influence (Beck, 2011)? Perhaps it is that the
brokenness of the world has desensitized you to God’s omnipresence? Foundationally, these
dysfunctional conditions are a product on mankind’s separation from God (Bonhoeffer, 1959).
The application of a Christ-centered perspective changes everything. Importantly, Tan
(2007) contends, “Prayer and Scripture can be ethically and effectively used in Christian CBT,
especially when explicit integration…is appropriate” (p.110). Using the spiritual integration of
Christian CBT in the counseling domain stands to reveal an authentic approach to affect change
with client concerns. It is the hope of this writer, that the scope of these findings will enlighten
its application in this coursework, and ultimately assist in the healing and transformation of the
minds of others.
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USE OF PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE IN COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
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References
Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond. New York: Guilford Press.
Bonhoeffer, D. (1959). The cost of discipleship. New York: Macmillan.
Entwistle, D. N. (2010). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An introduction
to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration. Eugene, Or.:
Cascade Books.
Holy Bible: New International Version. (2005). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Newberg, A. B., D’Aquili, E. G., & Rause, V. (2001). Why God won’t go away: Brain science
and the biology of belief. New York: Ballantine Books.
Tan, S. (2007). Use of Prayer and Scripture in Cognitive-Behavioral Therap. Journal of
Psychology and Christianity, 26(2), 101-111.
doi:http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid
=6150c06d-7c12-4ad4-8de5-5eb8eac7613f%40sessionmgr111&vid=1&hid=118
Sibcy, G., Clinton, T., & Hawkins, R. (2012). Interpersonal Neurobiology New Horizons For
Christian Counseling. Christian Counseling Today, 20(3), 14-20.
Schaeffer, Francis A. “The Epistemological Necessity: The Answer.” The Francis A. Schaeffer
Trilogy: The Three Essential Books in One Volume. Westchester, IL: Crossway, 1990.
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