Running head: PERSONAL THEORY

My Personal Theory to Change from an integrated Biblical Approach Theology and Spirituality in Counseling WORKING OUTLINE Laurie Hartlein Liberty University

2 PERSONAL THEORY I. Introduction: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (Luke 4:18). We live in a fallen and corrupt world that manifests suffering and ruined lives. As Christian Counselors we must be careful to always keep our eyes fixed on our Lord and take extra care in the nurture of wounded souls that he entrusts to us. II. What is Important for Understanding Human Personality? A. Personality But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). According to Crabb (1977), there are five elements of personality that include the conscious mind, unconscious mind, basic direction, will, and emotions. Transformation depends upon renewing the mind (Crabb, 1977, p. 108). B. Motivation Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

3 PERSONAL THEORY In Dr. Wilsons approach, she seeks to motivate by emphasizing choices and consequences. If we want new consequences, we must make new choices (Wilson, 2001, p. 88). According to Backus and Chapian (2000), You make yourself miserable by the things you tell yourself (Backus & Chapian, 2000, p. 68). Gaining others approval of our choices and lives is ever present and demanding. So much of our Christian activity is motivated by a personal desire to win someones approval and hence become acceptable (Crabb, 1977, p. 24). C. Human Development For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones (Ephesians 5: 29-30). According to Jones and Butman (1991) our human structure is composed of not only body but also of spirit and soul. To be a human being is to reflect God in our capacity to act responsibly (Jones & Butman, 1991, p. 47). D. Individual Differences We are all created equal in the eyes of God, however, we do possess individual characteristics and personalities which set us apart from each other. According to Cloud and Townsend (1999), describe a complete person as being able to give and receive love, be independent of others, have values and act responsibly with selfconfidence in all facets of life (Cloud & Townsend, 1999).

4 PERSONAL THEORY III. Where are Problems Developed? A. Working Definition of Health Dont you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).