Spiritual Disciplines and the Practice of Integration: Possibilities and Challenges for Christian Psychologists

Abstract

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.