Feelings are always related to thoughts???

books:


	• Cognitive Therapy Techniques in Christian Counseling Mark R. McMinn Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2008 - 278 pages average customer review:based on 1 review view larger image
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Feelings are always related to thoughts???

Just reading the title of this book is a dead give away that McMinn is an integrationist. But that does not mean that counselors from both camps cannot learn from McMinn. Understanding the application of cognitive theory and scripture is beneficial to the counselor (i.e. renewing the mind). McMinn illustrates that it is important to determine the core beliefs of your client.

In a mock interview McMinn sums up his definition of cognitive therapy by stating, "My assumption is that feelings are always related to thoughts...I teach people how to think in slightly different ways and, as a result, experience greater control over their feelings" (9,10). In this interview, McMinn was explaining to a depressed client his approach of cognitive therapy. McMinn states that this is an important step in counseling. You must start with a clear path of where you want to take your client, by helping them see that there is hope from the start.

Cognitive therapy will reassure a person that events do not cause emotional problems. McMinn points out Philippians 4:4 shows this type of thinking by stating, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice." If one is able to rejoice in the Lord always then it is evident that the circumstances surrounding a person are not what cause their emotional problems. McMinn says it this way, "Events contribute to feelings, but they do not cause feelings" (18).

One of the pillar texts for cognitive therapy is found in Philippians 4:8, it states, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Scripture shows that a believer is supposed to "think about such things," but they must first yield to God to produce thinking that is in line with him. If we help a person change their thoughts, then the changing of their actions should follow in addition to their emotions.

By pointing out cognitive renewal with the word of God, you will then address things caused by both sinful and non-sinful actions. I lean more toward the nouthetic camp, but this book is not bad, even if I found myself disagreeing with the author on many points...four stars.

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