A Blueprint for Intradisciplinary Integration

Abstract

Although much has been written about interdisciplinary integration—integrating the two broad disciplines of psychology and theology—little has been written about exactly how to do intradisciplinary integration, which is how to construct a Christian theory of psychological counseling that integrates one's personal faith and personal practice of counseling. The present paper poses questions, using an organizing metaphor of constructing a building, to help trainees and other interested professionals articulate their own Christian theory of counseling. Questions are grouped within four areas: foundation (Jesus Christ), weight-bearing pillars (fundamental Christian beliefs), frame (goals and methods), and covering (content of counseling). Theory construction is seen as recursive, requiring correction from experience, Scripture, and clients.