Essay Journal Article 1

Submitted By jgarciad
Words: 1230
Pages: 5

Use of Prayer and Scripture in
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Jeremy Garcia
Liberty University

Summary The article that I read illustrated a relevant methodology pertaining to the application of prayer, and scripture during the therapy session, based on a Christian approach to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Dr. Siang-Yang Tan dictates in his article, “Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most empirically supported treatment (ESTs) available for a wide variety of psychological disorders” (Yang-Tan, 2007). In the article Dr. Siang-Yang Tan continues by stating the historical view in behavior therapy by dividing the generation into three distinct waves. The first consist of the traditional behavior therapy, second consist of the traditional CBT, and the third and present wave consist of the relatively contexualistic approaches. It continues by stating the definition of mindfulness and how CBT originated from such religious affiliation of mindfulness, meditative and spiritual approach. The use of CBT contains an unambiguously basis of religion, prayer, and application of Scripture. We continue the article with a biblical Christian perspective by understanding the approach taken to effectively deliver CBT to a client. Dr. Siang Yang-Tan articulates eight points that can aid both the therapist as well as the client. Concentrating on the client’s holistic life, along with the structured use of prayer and Scripture will help aid the clients underlying situation. Focus is then centered on the therapist use of implicit and explicit in the duration of the sessions conducted with the client. Implicit use of Scriptures and prayer is non-present in the therapy session, with the full consent of the client. Explicit integration involves the aware use of Scripture and prayer as tool of therapeutic change. As the clients relationships with the professional therapist continues this may change if the clients requests of it. We continue by learning 7 steps that Dr. Siang Yang-Tan developed to effectively deliver inner healing through the use of prayer. I will briefly state the 7 steps that are to be taken in your session: Prayer for protection from evil and control from the Holy Spirit; relaxation through use of strategies; recalling painful memories; specified prayer for healing; silence while the Holy Spirit ministers to the client; closing prayer; debrief the client of experience. We are then able to read a detailed, successful process through the use dialogue with the client and therapist in order to understand the process fully. Use of biblical Scripture is another major use on intervention in the field of Christian CBT. A therapist obligation to the client is a correct interpretation of Scripture, and not based on irrational or erroneous thinking. Reasons for application of Scripture must be asked by the therapist as well, such as: Why is my client reading biblical texts? What is the desired end result of it? How might my attempt of the use of biblical text interfere in the clients’ interpretation of the intervention? Dr. Siang Yang-Tan explains the power and purpose of using the Word of God in the therapeutic sessions through the explanation of biblical texts. We are then able to read dialogue between the therapist and client through the use of effectively using scripture in the session by focusing the biblical texts on the matter of anger, which is the present issue the client is struggling with. By then end of the article, we learn the impact and success of using prayer and scripture as part of the repertoire of a Christian therapist.

Reflection Entering the article with a non-subjective standard, I directly encountered a topic area that was rather foreign to me. Previously having been taught in a clinical psychological approach where the integration of prayer and Scripture is non-existent. Being intrigued by this subject area, I dove in with a blank notion towards the integration of prayer and