What is a definition of Mental Health from a Christian perspective?
“Mental health, from a Christian perspective, is a state of dynamic equilibrium characterized by hope, joy and peace in which positive self-regard is developed through love, relationship, forgiveness, meaning and purpose, resulting from a vital relationship with Jesus Christ and a responsible interdependence with others."

How does secular psychology play a part in Christian counseling when Christians believe that the Bible should be the ultimate authoritative guide in their lives?
Secular psychology includes similar goals such as:

Assess/evaluate needs, problems & disorders
• Change behavior, attitudes, and values/perceptions
• Teach skills, social skills, responsibility
• Encourage recognition & expression of emotion
• Give support in times of need
• Instill insight. Guide decision-making
• Teach problem-solving skills
• Mobilize resources, inner & environmental
• Increase counselee competence & “self-actualization”
• Treat people with respect & empathy

Secular Psychology has Some Similar characteristics

• Arouse belief that help is possible
• Correct erroneous beliefs about the world
• Develop competencies in social living
• Help counselees accept selves as persons of worth

Secular Psychology has Some Similar considerations:
physiological, environmental, relationships, life history, behavior, thought processes, worldview, feelings and values.

Secular and Christian counseling use similar assessment & diagnostic tools
Listening, showing interest
Attempting to understand
Exploring problems; Giving direction
Providing resources
Referral to psychiatrists & physicians for further evaluation, & medication.

Secular and Christian Counseling includes Similar concepts, principles:
1. People are responsible for their behavior and will experience the consequences of that behavior.
2. Life events, development, family systems and “significant others” have greatly affected the client and need consideration in the counseling process.
3. Thinking influences behavior and feelings (Cognitive/Ellis)
4. People need meaning and hope and must regard their present life as significant and meaningful and their future as desirable. (Existentialism/Frankl)
5. People function more effectively in the context of wholesome social relationships.
6. People make choices to move towards goals that they think will meet their needs.
7. People need to accept themselves, develop self-worth and to be accepted by others.
8. People need personal authenticity and an open awareness of feelings .
9. People are limited and influenced to some extent by their environment.
10. Generating intelligent and creative decision making skills is necessary for achieving various personal goals.
11. Values and goals must be identified, and explored.
12. Real client issues and problems must be identified, prioritized & dealt with.
13. People can learn to move forward and act on their world, becoming intentional individuals. 14. People are unique and need to be respected and understood in light of their differences and complexities.

Secular and Christian Counseling includes Similar methods, training & credentials:
Assessment & diagnostic tools
Listening, showing interest
Attempting to understand
Exploring problems; Giving direction
Providing resources
Referral to psychiatrists & physicians for further evaluation, & medication.

Read Part III next.

© copyright 2007 by Lynette J. Hoy, NCC, LCPC