On Christian psychology: An interview with Russ Kosits by Werner May

206 Pages·2015·4.08 MB·English

The
EMCAPP
Journal
Christian Psychology
Around The World
Some of the Main Articles
• On Christian Psychology: An interview
• Relational Theology and Relational Therapy
• On Teaching Forgiveness
• Guidance through the Holy Spirit during the counseling or therapy session:
blessings and problems
Focus Country:
Canada
number 7
2015
Editorial
Editorial
About five years ago, I was in a car on a journey to the Netherlands. The
remarkable thing was that Eric Johnson, President of the Society for Chri-
stian Psychology, USA, was sitting beside me and that each of us was wor-
king on his manuscript on a Christian psychology. Together with our wi-
ves, we wanted to travel to the roots of Eric‘s family, which went back to
Holland, and we had declared the car’s backseat to be our office.
In 1986, at the founding of IGNIS, the German Society for Christian Psy-
chology, it was hardly imaginable that a collaboration of this kind could
develop at some point, and, even today, I see it as a great blessing, but also
as a sign that, in the meantime, Christian psychology has really become
[email protected]
an important concern internationally.
As a result, I was able to set off on a journey to Canada (at my writing desk) around nine months ago
to plan this number. I did not yet know exactly what kind of adventure I might be letting myself in for
and began by making contact with some „old“ names I was familiar with. That was my starting point
in this large country in which, in the course of the months, more and more pearls began to shine
through, taking me as far as Vietnam.
I would not like to claim that I have now explored Canada, not even in relation to the question of how
the force-field between psychology and faith has developed there and presents itself today. My insight
into the history and into the current situation in the country, including specifically the whole field of
psychology there, is too limited and my personal contacts are too few. My only „Canadian“ encounter
was with James Houston and Bruce Hindmarsh of Regent College in California at the end of 2013.
(Here you can listen to “ The Glory of a Human Being Truly Alive - James Houston and Bruce Hind-
marsh on Christian Psychology” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvs4vdUzvqU)
I must say that I am very glad to have had the privilege of collecting the various contributions by
Canadian colleagues and brothers and sisters in faith, providing emphases that I have not found in
this form in the other countries which have left their stamp on the previous numbers of the e-journal
Christian Psychology Around The World.
And I would like to point to the contributions from around the world in the forum on a central topic
of Christian psychology: “Guidance through the Holy Spirit during the counseling or therapy sessi-
on: blessings and problems”.
Thanks to everyone for this splendid number.
Werner May, Germany
This edition is accompanied by the
artwork of Michael O’Brien. He is the
author of twenty-eight books and since
1970 he has also worked as a professio-
nal artist and has had more than 40 ex-
hibits across North America.
“In all my work I seek to contribute to
the re storation of Christian culture. I
try to express the holiness of existence
and the dignity of the human person
2
situated in an incarnational uni verse.”
Contents
22 Editorial 121 Thanh Tu Nguyen (Vietnam), C. R.
24 Around The World: The Contributors Bellehumeur (Canada): Durand‘s Imaginary
46 The first six numbers and Growth after Trauma: A Qualitative
77 Michael Strating: Introduction to the Canadian Research Report of Christian Vietnamese
Contributions Immigrants Living in Canada
10 About the Artist: Michael O‘Brien 131 Christian Bellehumeur in Interview with
Werner May about “Gilbert Durand’s Theory
Christian Psychology as a Challenge
of Imaginary Meaningful for Christian
14 On Christian Psychology: An interview with Psychology” / Christian Bellehumeur en
Russ Kosits by Werner May entrevue avec Werner May, un entretien sur la
24 Comment: Shannon Wolf théorie de l’imaginaire de Gilbert Durand: le
25 Comment: Paul Vitz sens de celle-ci pour la psychologie chrétienne
Foundational Discussions in Christian The Work and Thinking of David Benner
Psychology
153 Werner May: On the Articles by David Benner:
27 E. Janet Warren: Relational Theology and Invitation to a Journey
Relational Therapy 155 “Christian Counseling and Psychotherapy”
37 Comment: Anna Ostaszewska (Poland) from “Psychology and Religion” (1987)
39 Comment: Elena Strigo (Russia) 163 “The Incarnation as a Metaphor for
41 E. Janet Warren: pages 257-280 (Retrospect) in Psychotherapy” in “Journal of Psychology and
Cleansing the Cosmos (Eugene, OR: Pickwick, Theology” 11, 1983
2012) 172 Wolfram Soldan (Germany) in Conversation
44 Sam Berg: Can Christians do Narrative with “Pastoral Conversation in Care of Souls:
Therapy? Original Goodness instead of Revisioning Christian Nurture and Counsel,
Original Sin as the Starting Point for Therapy 1998, pp. 143-148
and Theology 179 Mike Sheldon (Great Britain) in conversation
55 Comment: Phil Monroe (USA) with “Understanding our Humanity: in Soulful
57 Walter Thiessen: The Mosaic of Maturing Spirituality, 2011 pp 27-37”.
Spirituality. An Alternative Model for Spiritual 185 Then And Now Response from David G.
Development Benner
67 Comment: Kevin Eames (USA)
Forum
70 Comment: Krzysztof Wojcieszek (Poland)
72 Kelvin Mutter: Mindfulness or The Peace of 189 Invitation to write us about the topic of the
Christ? Forum on our new Blog
83 Comment: Dana Wickers 190 “Guidance Through the Holy Spirit During
the Counseling or Therapy Session: Blessings
Christian Psychology alive
and Problems” (Vibeke Møller - Denmark,
85 Sharon Habermann: My Experiences as a Genevieve and Peter Milnes - Australia, David
Christian Working in Secular Public Health Appleby - USA, Bill Miller - USA, Sarah
89 John Auxier: On Teaching Forgiveness Groen-Colyn - USA)
102 Inspired by Christian Psychology:
Book
Psychological Students Meet Former Articles of
the e-Journal 5 201 The Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul
Care (Agnes May, Germany)
Challenges for Christian Psychology
202 Books of EMCAPP-Friends 2014-15
109 Jackie Stinton: A Reflection: The Practice of 204 Next Number / About us
Contemplative Prayer from an Evangelical
Perspective: a Seeking and a Yearning
119 Comment: Roland Mahler (Switzerland)
New! Invitation to write us about the topic of the Forum. Click here: The Blog
Note: By clicking the desired contribution in this Contents list, you immediately reach the relevant page.
Around The World: The Contributors
Click on the pictures, then you can read about the person
The first six numbers
Christian Psychology Around The World
The main articles - Number 1
•• SAIKntrsetsyeposr zcbvtiyioae tfswi toWe wnpo iowtjchfei Ce Awshzgereariktesa:t liNReaanuadt sPu a-srk yAec bohfoo uDlote gtshipseta sib r(eAgCinPn)i ning sP oofl atnhed . MaRFineoa cadur tosi ucclore usfiP nrionstlrt i Esynh:nu Pgmolilbsahen rad: nd in
• Romuald Jaworski: The Role of Religious Trust in
Overcoming Conflicts.
• Romuald Jaworski: Personal & impersonal religiousness:

A psychological model and its empirical verification
• Anna Ostaszewska: Anxiety Therapy from the Perspective
of the Integrative Psychotherapy: A Christian Approach
• Anna Ostaszewska: Insight into a Therapy - Ela
• A Portrait: Władysław Schinzel
• Forum: Christian Psychology, only for Christians?

The main articles - Number 2
• Eric L. Johnson What is a Christian Psychology?
••• AWFGrgoeineardnle es–e mr MG Maaonyadn:y’ s Th:A ThThlesde elrio vHaripfne:y agM lG irnyhog yaTh tlN?heomra opfy hGeoalatlh –y Yaboiulirt iTheserapy MRFaeoiancd ua osr tucicro luseGesnc teiornrynm E d: an Gnnguelirmsmhb aaennry:d in
• Wolfram Soldan: Process models in the field of healing in
a Christian psychology with the inner forgiveness model
as an example
• New Paths in AD(H)D Counselling.
An interview with Joachim Kristahn
• Hanne Baar - a portrait: „Interpreting spiritual things
spiritually to the spiritually-minded“
• Forum: The fundamental meaning of conscience in CP
The main articles - Number 3
• Romuald Jaworski:
The relevance and beauty of Christian Psychology
• Andrey Lorgus:
•• ThFoBfeo dperoi acsrs o BtVnorracaasetliup lcyst a:uo rNkfe :oa P tperesa ryosenor n t&h a ece cxoopuretderriine cngic rtcionl egO oirnft ho tpohpde oocnxoyenntetsx t RMFeaoadci unoas uan crrdo tti uhcinnlier tRsdr y uinn:s u sREimaunnsbgseliiras:h
of Christian Psychology
• Elena Strigo: The psychic reality and the image of God
in Christian psychotherapy – Case context and methods
• Olga Krasnikova: The specifics of the Christian Orthodox
psychotherapy and consulting. Contemplations of a
christian psychologist
• Tatiana Grigorieva, Julia Solomonik, Maria Joubert:
Symbols in restoring moral self-awareness in trauma
psychotherapy
• Forum: Strong theismus (Brent D. Slife) in discussion
All e-Journals: http://emcapp.ignis.de
The first six numbers
The main articles - Number 4
• Wolfram Soldan (Germany):
Characteristics of a Christian Psychology
• Manfred Engeli: Understanding of Marriage and Final
•• MSERThaffeamneer céruvt iaeHiavllgu eePeeftn f C eeio,si fofLs eue,a rmThnr: ssPp eeKrilrraläiaiyncgpeaigyr,l M–re Pasersiayarc cDhhor dfeocyrhn tsahlmeer i:cc lsin, ical pra ctice of GMeFrRaomeicnaaud nas , ro cttuoiwcrulo enf osit nuriny rIt: t EhaS lnwniaguintlimz seahbrn leadarnn :Fddr einn ch
a Chris tian specialist clinic for psychosomatics, psychiatry
and psychotherapy
• Maria Drechsler: Religious coping and post-trauma tic
growth in the course of a trauma therapy
• Forum: Can neuropsychology find a fruitful place in
Chris tian psychology?
The main articles - Number 5
• Tim Sisemore: Grace Matters: A Christian Psychology
Story
• Paul Watson: Babel of Rationalities: Christian Psychology,
Incommensurability, and the Important Role of Empirical
Research
• Eric Jones: The Roles of Automatic and Conscious Thought
in Worldview Consistency
•• KFEodeui Wtnhd eHalctohiou: ndAse :Cf oThhr raeis PMtisayynsc thPeorsylyoc oghfyo Plooefgr Psisoetnr sason: ndCs aBtihbolilcica l RMeFaaodicn uo asu rrct oificuftlenhst rinnyu: EmUnbSgeAlris:h
Counselor?
• 2003-2013: On 10 years of the Society for Christian
Psychology in the USA - Interview with Eric L. Johnson
• Paul C. Vitz and Jennifer M. Meade: Self-forgiveness in
Psychology and Psychotherapy: a Critique
• Diane Langberg: The Role of Christ in Psychology
• Phil Monroe: Telling Trauma Stories: What Helps, What
Hurts
• Contributions by Charles Zeiders and Dana Wicker:
“What Role should Play the Interpretations of Dreams in a
Christian Psychology?”
The main articles - Number 6
• Eric L. Johnson (USA): Is a Christian Psychology a
•• LTAPoserygni ciPith iTumoeotrahnhteteoir ::aa WpAnidCsh tVCast i n Fadebioenl dePla SaThnscdtioee, ornCaltohli figrCciysa Ptrfioerarorns?j e AaThcnntd?eth oCrloohgpriiocsltaoilag ny &Ethics MainRF eaoarctdiuc osle ucsro iusnin xFttrihny :ni sFuhim nalnbadenr dE: nglish
Annotations for Professional Helpers
• Ritva Belt: Attachment Theory and Mother-Infant
Psychotherapy Groups among Drug-Abusing Mothers
• Jorma Niemelä: The Role of Spirituality in Treatment and
Recovery of Addiction
• Tarja Vilppola: Mission Possible. A Presentation of the
Therapeutic Process of Adult Victim of Child Sexual Abuse
• Saara Kinnunen: A Case Study: How Individual Therapy
can help with Marital Problems
All e-Journals: http://emcapp.ignis.de
Michael Strating Michael Strating,
B.A. Second year
Introduction to the
Master’s student
Canadian Contributions in the Adult Cli-
nical Psycholo-
gy program at
In terms of education and training opportuni-
the University
ties in Canada, there are some Christian semi-
of Windsor. Pri-
naries and universities that offer graduate level
mary area of re-
programs related to psychology and counsel-
search is in psy-
ling. However, at this point in time there are
chotherapy pro-
almost no programs in Canada that are compa-
cess-outcome research with a focus on emo-
rable to the Christian PhD and PsyD programs
tion change processes. He is also interested
in the USA. Alternatively, the primary draw-
in the intersection of Christian faith with
back in pursuing education at a secular Cana-
mental health and topics related to resilience
dian university is that I must actively seek out
and stress-related growth, personal identity,
critical discourse in psychology and personal
and the construction of life narratives, as well
interaction with the Christian academic com-
as the integration of theology and psycholo-
munity beyond my regular study and contact
gy more broadly.
with colleagues at school.
Unfortunately, there are no formal societies
or associations for Christian psychologists in man edition. In his introduction he addresses
Canada. So where does a young and aspiring the limitations of psychology as being less than
psychologist like myself turn to find such a a perfect science, that is, as a means of gleaning
community? I was able to connect with a few objective truth in an absolute sense. As much
Christian counselors and social workers I knew as I enjoy learning about psychological theory,
in my own community, but I predominantly statistics, and research methods, its inherent
looked south to find fellow Christians with a fallibility is a concern that continually sticks
passion for psychology. As I set out on this jour- with me. At times it even evokes a creeping sen-
ney only a few years ago I was blessed with the se of despair, knowing that psychology can ne-
opportunity to meet individuals like Eric John- ver even remotely attain the status of the truths
son and others whose work is permeated with revealed in Scripture.
a love for God and His Holy Word. From the- However, this is not to say that this work is fu-
re I have been introduced to Werner May and tile. Many of us are convinced that, as a method
was delighted to discover that this work is being of systematic study, psychology provides us
done by many others worldwide as well, as this with valuable insights into our lives when it is
journal attests to. firmly grounded in the Scriptures and is held
Admittedly, as a result of this sequence of expe- in close dialogue with Christian theology, phi-
riences, in some ways this is as much an intro- losophy, history, and community. And, when
duction to Christian scholarship in Canada for rooted as such, there is little reason to believe
me as it is for many other readers of this edition. that Christian psychology cannot be advanced
However, this does not mean that Christian psy- by critical and open dialogue with mainstream
chology is absent in Canada. On the contrary, I psychology as well. Given this prioritization I
have the pleasure of introducing you to some think it is also important that we maintain clo-
of the excellent work that is being done here as se dialogue with those in the Biblical/Nouthetic
well. I hope you find, as I have, that Christian Counseling tradition as well. While awareness
psychology is alive and growing, just as it is in of the limitations of psychology may be frustra-
many other regions of the world. ting at times, in many ways I see it as a correc-
As I was familiarizing myself with previous is- tive pulling us back to the real Source of Truth.
sues of the EMCAPP journal, I was struck by In an interview with Werner May, Russ Ko-
several comments made by Werner in the Ger- sits shares with us what such transdisciplinary
7
scholarship entails and how it can foster a Chri- Kelvin E. Mutter examines Mindfulness-Based
stian psychology that is richer and deeper than Stress Reduction (MBSR) practices and its ap-
the “modern psychology baptized with Scriptu- propriateness for use with Christian clients. He
re” approaches that are prevalent today. Chri- concludes that there is an essential incompa-
stian psychology will be strengthened if it is tibility in the underlying meanings associated
informed by various Christian traditions while with MBSR and Christian spiritual practices
increasing its presence in mainstream psycho- which renders the “Christianizing” of MBSR
logy. Such scholarship should be persuasive and techniques inappropriate.
will play a missional role, even if that is not the Sharon Habermann shares with us how her
primary aim. Kosits envisions a discipline foun- faith has played a role in her work at a secular
ded firmly upon God, the realization of which chronic pain clinic. She is encouraged by the
will require courage and humility in the face of openness of the healthcare profession to reco-
great challenges as we strive to glorify Him. gnize clients’ spiritual and religious wellbeing
Relationship is a central concept in both theo- as an important factor in the process of coping
logy and psychology and we understand that and healing. In a subsequent article, she also as-
man, as an image-bearer of God, is inherently a sembles a collection of Providence Theological
relational being. Relational therapy recognizes Seminary student reflections on articles from
the importance of relationships and, as E. Janet EMCAPP’s 5th edition (USA). In these papers,
Warren argues, reflects the relational characte- students provide thoughtful discourse about
ristics of God. The task of the Christian psycho- inspiration they found in topics related to wor-
logist, then, is to actively reflect God’s patterns king out one’s identity as a Christian therapist,
of relating as an image-bearer in the therapeutic the neurological underpinnings of authentic
relationship. In a second article, E. Janet War- change, and the implications of multiple ratio-
ren calls for new metaphorical language to de- nalities and postmodern skepticism for Christi-
scribe God’s dealing with sin. As an alternative an theology and psychology.
to traditional spiritual warfare language, sin is Reflecting on his experience as an educator at
represented as dirt and God exercises authori- Trinity Western University, John Auxier obser-
ty over sacred space through cleansing or “holy ves how the culture of higher education often
housekeeping”. promotes an “obsessive-compulsive workaho-
Sam Berg demonstrates how theological positi- lism” which inhibits student authenticity. He
ons regarding the imago Dei influence the way then goes on to describe how this lead him to
we interact with clients. In contrast to original restructure a course on “Theological Issues in
sin and total depravity, he argues that we need Counseling”. Rather than providing an over-
to see the inherent good in people and help view of theological themes common to many
them to recover the goodness that was in man client problems, the course instead focussed on
before the fall. When we do, rather than seeing the theme of forgiveness. This allowed for de-
the person as the problem we will begin to see eper reflection on, and critical evaluation of, a
a person with a problem and respond accordin- single area which not only served as a model
gly. for exploring other themes, but also enhanced
Walter Thiessen outlines a theoretical two-di- students’ own spiritual formation as well.
mensional model of spiritual development as Contemplative prayer is a deeply experiential
an alternative to James Fowler’s popular faith encounter with the Mystery of God. Jackie Stin-
development theory. The first dimension repre- ton shares her journey of discovery and practice
sents a continuum of maturity (complexity and of contemplative prayer and introduces these
integrity) while the second represents several techniques to a small group of individuals. In
recurring themes which individuals deal with her article she presents survey data collected
throughout life. from participants regarding their definition,
One task of Christian psychology is the critical meaning, experience, and objections to con-
evaluation of existing theories and interventi- templative practices.
ons in mainstream psychology. In his article, Expanding on Gilbert Durand’s theory of the
8
imaginary, Christian Bellehumeur and Thanh Thinking about this inherent goodness vs sin-
Tu Nguyen present a sample of their work with fulness discussion, I’ve conceived of a metaphor
Vietnamese immigrants in Canada. In her doc- which, though imperfect, has helped me to un-
toral dissertation, Nguyen demonstrates that derstand this apparent paradox. To me, I think
the imaginary – the construction of symbolic of the condition of man as being that of a bro-
representations of God (particularly images) – ken and rusted classic car that was parked and
is related to an individual’s understanding and left in a remote corner of a farmer’s field deca-
feelings about God. Moreover, the imaginary des ago. For all intents and purposes, the car has
appears to integrate and give meaning to life lost all innate material value that it once had,
events and functions as a means of coping with and yet we can still stand and marvel at what
existential anxiety. In a subsequent interview, that scrap heap once was and what it still re-
Christian Bellehumeur further expands on his presents. In the same way, we are image-bearers
understanding of the imaginary and its impor- of God and whatever is good in us is only that
tance to Christian psychology, tracing its roots which reflects His Goodness worked in us by
from Gilbert Durand to his current program of His Spirit.
research.
The Canadian edition concludes with a series Throughout this edition we are treated to the il-
of articles focussing on the work of Canada’s lustrations of artist and author, Michael O’Brien.
most prolific and well-known Christian psy- As evidenced in the selections presented here,
chologist, David Benner. This section contains O’Brien sees “each visual image and each work
excerpts from some of Benner’s previous works of prose [as] an incarnation of a word, a state-
in which he discusses the implications of Bib- ment of faith.” He, like many psychologists, has
lical and theological insights (e.g., imago Dei, faced professional pressure to exclude religion
sin, and the incarnation) for therapy and the from his work, however, he has firmly commit-
therapist’s role. Wolfram Soldan then dialogues ted himself to portraying explicitly Christian
with Benner as he elaborates on the necessity of themes. The product and process of his artistry
moral frameworks and Christ-like attitudes in is bold and deeply devotional – certainly a great
therapy as pastoral conversation (i.e., listening inspiration for all of us.
to another while also speaking for God). Mike
Sheldon then provides commentary as Benner A Taste of Canada
explores humanity and what it means to be- Canada is a culturally diverse nation with two
come fully human. Finally, Benner shares his official languages, English and French. Here is
reflections as he looks back on these excerpts, a taste of Canadian culture and our beautiful
emphasizing the importance of attending to landscapes.
the psychospiritual dynamics of the therapeutic As the second largest country in the world, the-
process. re is much to see and do: Canada - Keep Explo-
ring or: Canada Shared by Canadians
I have really appreciated the variety of topics Here’s an overview of some of the most well-
and perspectives that have been presented in known cities in Canada: Cities of Canada
this edition. One of the most striking articles
for me was the “original goodness” article by Two famous Canadian events are the Calgary
Sam Berg. “As iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs Stampede: Calgary Stampede 2012
27:17), Sam Berg has called me to wrestle with and the Winter Carnival in Quebec City:
and refine my own understanding of man’s sin- Carnaval de Québec
ful nature and I thank him for this. While I do
not state the case quite as strongly as Sam Berg,
there is certainly much value in identifying and
encouraging individuals’ gifts and strengths in
the context of counseling (for example, I am re-
minded here of 1 Corinthians 12).
9