Artistic integrations: Theological foundations for case-level integration in contemporary Christian counseling

Trinity Journal, Fall 2002 by Greggo, Stephen P

D. Content (Perspective)

When Adam and Eve were contemplating the forbidden fruit, the accuracy and certainty of the words of God were manipulated (Gen 3:1-6). What part of "you will surely die" was ambiguous? The dependent creature and autonomous person tension is apparent here. From the beginning the special revelation of God's Word and the accurate recalling of the text is portrayed as a matter of life and death. Once a reliable text is available, undistorted comprehension and honest application are critical. The centrality of the authority of the Word of God for governing and guiding our lives has been so crucial in Christian counseling that the reliance on data from any other source such as psychology, which relies on general revelation, has been seriously questioned (Col 2:8; 2 Tim 3:16). It is primarily within this counseling element that the rationale behind the complex integration models related to epistemology is evident. How does the clinician reconcile reason and revelation?

Therefore, counseling content is what customarily draws the most attention in integration discussions. This element encompasses the conversation and topics communicated in the counseling session. This is the surface material or subject matter being addressed, thus it is the most obvious element requiring integration. The content of counseling and the claims about what is the most authoritative way to explain behaviors, relationships, problems, distress, and related elements is where most of the integration action has been focused. Psychology with its empirical emphasis and current post-modern methods for value clarifications may or may not have a contribution to make in helping people overcome obstacles and unhealthy patterns in their lives. The Scriptures may either directly or distantly speak to the matters at hand.

The counselor questions related to this element are somewhat obvious. The counselor examines what he brings to the session by asking: How does what is being discussed in these sessions align with the data of general revelation gleaned through psychology and special revelation understood through biblical theology? Moving from the general theory to specific client dialogue: Am I bringing content material into this conversation that represents the best practice approach and/or wisdom from the discipline for which I am speaking? These are followed by two questions to consider from the client's perspective: 1) What does the Word of God have to say regarding the questions, beliefs, story, and concerns being raised by this client? and 2) How do the matters being covered in these sessions reflect, refine, or revise the other three elements of context, contact, and contract defined thus far? This last question is basically asking if the conversation is consistent with the counseling setting, the relationship realized, and the treatment agreement established.

V. THE APPLICATION OF ARTISTIC INTEGRATION

These four elements are used in a manner similar to the artist's use of space, color, material, and subject. It is in the creative uniting that quality is established. A rather simplistic yet critical observation needs to be stated here. In order for any counseling encounter to be Christian and integrated, it is expected that the counselor be in active fellowship with God through Jesus Christ and cooperating with the Holy Spirit. Certainly, God can use anyone, secular or sanctified, to do his bidding. This however is not his desire for his children (Phil 1:9-11). Intentional Christian counseling is about faithful ministry and therefore requires dependence of the creature on the Creator, even when the person is using creative skills and abilities appropriate for an autonomous being made in the image of God.