coun 507 theory critique of crrabb and hawkins
TRANSCRIPT
Running head: A CRITIQUE OF TWO COUNSELING MODELS
A Critique of Two Counseling Models: Effective Biblical Counseling by Dr. Larry Crabb
and A Model for Guiding the Counseling Process by Dr. Ron Hawkins
Denise Alexander
188972
Liberty University
Course and Section #:
201220 Spring 2012 COUN 507- LUO
Sub-term B; Deadline: 1/30//2012
Instructors Name: Dr. James A. Laine
Date of Submission: 1/31/2012
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A CRITIQUE OF TWO COUNSELING MODELS
A Critique of Two Counseling Models: Effective Biblical Counseling by Dr. Larry Crabb
and A Model for Guiding the Counseling Process by Dr. Ron Hawkins
Summary
This critique will offer a well thought-out approach to the theory of Biblical
Counseling as explained by Dr. Larry Crabb and Dr. Ron Hawkins. Each author offers
his reader a wealth of information for Christians who are interested in counseling. Crabb
attempts to link the partition between secular psychology and Biblical truths. He
recommends using secular psychology theories and therapies to enhance the view and
practice of Christian counseling. Crabb argues that if the counselor understands the goal
of counseling, it will enable them to glean valuable information from secular psychology,
without compromising commitment to their faith (Crabb, 1977). Hawkins on the other
hand, concentrates his focus on helping the client construct a plan for the deliverance of
the intervention. Hawkins then engages the client by encouraging him/her to take
ownership of this plan, and the progression of change (Hawkins, 2010).
Strengths and Weaknesses of Crabb
Crabb begins by contending that Christian counselors must have an understanding
of the goal of counseling. If a counselor does not have complete knowledge and
understanding of the goal of counseling and of the basic personal needs of clients, they
cannot help clients move forward in the process of healing. Crabb explains that individual
worth is what people really crave to have. The manner in which individual worth is
accomplished is through security and significance. When we depend on people and things
to meet our basic needs of security and significance rather than God, we will experience
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problems (Crabb, 1977). The Bible tells us that God has “according as his divine power
hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge
of god, and Jesus our Lord” (II Peter 1:3, King James Version).
As Crabb directs the reader toward the methods of Biblical counseling, his aim is
to move people in the direction of what he calls over and up. Crabb (1977) stated, “A
counselor must help the client to move over to the pathway of obedience” (p. 26). This
objective allows a person to approach their problems from a Biblical perspective rather
than a secular perspective. The up objective involves getting a person to replenish their
thinking with Godly thoughts. Crabb believes when a person wishes to forsake their own
desires and pleasures for God’s glory; the process of healing can begin (Crabb, 1977).
Crabb like many other integrationist seek to combine secular psychology and
Biblical truths. His aim is to bring people to an area where they can receive individual
worth. Crabb describes four approaches to integration that counselors could possibly use
to bring individuals to areas of individual worth. These approaches are Separate But
Equal, Tossed Salad, Nothing Buttery, and Spoiling the Egyptian (Crabb, 1977).
The Separate But Equal approach suggest that Scripture deals with problems
pertaining to spiritual and theological matters and psychology deals with behavior,
emotional and mental health issues. The Separate But Equal maintains that each field
plays a pivotal role, but each field should be separate and not combined. This does not
seem to be the most effective method, because both secular psychology and Biblical
truths have human behavior and human potential in common. The second approach
Tossed Salad combines everything, and treats secular psychology and Biblical truths as
equals. This approach does not respect any type of order within them. The Nothing
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Buttery Approach places emphasis entirely on the word of God. This approach clearly
implies that Biblical Truths have much more to offer than psychology to shed light on the
human condition and human psychology. The final approach Spoiling the Egyptians is
identified by Crabb as striking the balance between the Tossed Salad and Nothing
Buttery. According to Crabb this final approach will allow a Christian counselor to
carefully screen secular psychology theories and therapies. It will allow the Christian
counselor to pull useful insight that can be placed alongside Biblical truths, and used in
the counseling process (Crabb, 1977).
Strengths and Weaknesses of Hawkins
Hawkins begins by introducing the counseling student to the thought of Biblical
counseling. He introduces a model that is identified as Concentric Circles Diagramming
the Self. The circles in this model are a representation of the complete person. At the very
core of the circle lies the image of God, and consists of sin, flesh, human spirit, and
breath of life. The second circle houses the soul, and consists of thinking, emotions
feelings volition and conscience. The body is found in the third circle and it deals with
health related and physical problems. Temporal systems are found in the fourth circle,
and it contains family, friends, society, church education, government and the economy.
The supernatural system is found in the fifth circle. God is included in this circle along
with good angels, fallen angels and of course Satan (Hawkins, 2010, Online Slide
Presentation). Hawkins believes in order for counselors to be successful in helping client
work on their problems, they must work inside these Concentric Circles Diagramming
the Self. He argues that this approach allows client to move to an area where they can
think clearly about God and themselves. A person that is healthy psychologically has the
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Holy Spirit at the very core (Hawkins, 2010).
Hawkins places a great deal of emphasis on working with the client to construct a
plan for delivering the intervention, and then allowing the client to take possession of the
plan, along with the development of personal change. Hawkins develops what he calls a
Grid for Tracking Process that consists of four phases. The first step of the four phase
model consists of gaining and understanding of the real problem by allowing the client to
talk while the counselor listens. The second phase involves reality testing which tracks
what the client is saying verbally and it reality test what the client presents. The third
phase consists of formulating a plan of actions where the client is engaged in taking
ownership of this plan of action and responsibility for the outcome. The last phase
consists of the counselor actively helping the client in the process of change. The client
must take ownership for the implementation in order for the plan to be finalized. The
counselor will take ownership for the development of this plan, and the client takes
ownership for the implementation of the plan (Hawkins, 2010).
Personal Reflections
Dr. Crabb and Dr. Hawkins both present an organized approach to Christian
counseling. Both men contend that the inner works of man have outward consequences.
Crabb and Hawkins both understand that without God and Godly living, lasting change
cannot take place in a person’s life. While Crabb believes that there are psychological
theories and therapies that do not contradict Biblical truths: Hawkins approach seems to
be more simplistic and lacking in integration. However, the approaches presented by both
Crabb and Hawkins will be beneficial to me as a future counselor. They both have
equipped me with some valuable tools to help people that are broken and hurting. I do
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believe that secular psychology and Biblical truths have common concerns. Therefore, I
am more aligned with Dr. Crabb’s counseling concepts. As a Christian and future
counselor, when working with clients, I hope to display some of the characteristics of
Christ. I also will find ways to glean form secular psychology and Biblical truths without
compromising my faith.
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References
Crabb, L. J. (1977). Effective biblical counseling. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Hawkins, R. (2010). Week One Lecture One: Strategy for intervention. Retrieved January
21, 2010, from Liberty University Online.
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