Hawkins and Clinton Book Review
Summary
Hawkins and Clinton's 2015 book, The New Christian Counselor, provides a summative approach to Christian counseling. It offers a biblical foundation and framework that focuses on the use of scripture in counseling while highlighting the need for understanding and applying transformational principles in order to help people make lasting change. The authors acknowledge the importance of incorporating psychological theories and evidence-based intervention strategies into the counseling context while still maintaining a faith-based approach. They also provide practical guidance on using sound clinical practices that are rooted in Christian principles. For instance, the authors write that the new Christian counselor is committed to definitions of Christian counseling that do justice to biblical truth regarding sin and the brokenness of damage people experience because of sin (p. 37). Thus, they pinpoint the locus of psychological illness on sin. However, they go on to say that the new Christian counselor must address the complexity of human nature, including hidden elements that are often the true source of distress and thus should be willing and able to use every compatible resource in the medical community, the psychological community, and the pastoral community to effect positive transformation (p. 37).
Out of that framework follow the eight main points of the book, which focus on what Christian counselors should do in counseling:
1. Incorporate scripture into counseling (p. 184)
2. Understand and apply transformational principles (p. 211)
3. Implement faith-based intervention strategies (p. 17)
4. Combine current psychological theories with spiritual practices (p. 260)
5. Create a safe, confidential environment (p. 181)
6. Introduce prayer and spiritual disciplines (p. 332)
7. Find hope, healing, and restoration (p. 322)
8. Root counseling and evidence-based practices in Christian principles (p. 167)
Analysis
Hawkins and Clinton's approach to integration is based on a holistic modelone that combines medical, psychological, and pastoral tools. Throughout the book, the authors refer to other works, both medical and pastoral to support their arguments. For instance, they cite Moon (2004) when they state that in spiritual life, we experience a constant battle between willingness and willfulness (p. 130). They also refer to the Bible for support, as they do when they discuss the example of...
…also a matter of the spirit. True transformation begins with transformation on the spiritual level, as it is essential to have a relationship with God in order for any real change to occur. Application of this principle therefore allows for the Christian counselor to emphasize the importance and value of prayer, faith, and repentance in the healing process, showing that it is God who ultimately performs the work of healing and transforming lives. This mindful and holistic approach can help clients develop strong problem solving skills, strengthen their relationships, and manage their own
mental health and spiritual health and daily tasks more effectively. The counselor should remember that Christian counseling is triadic at its relational foundation. God (by invitation), the client, and the counselor are engaged in a collaborative and highly interactive process moving along a continuum of change from dis-ease in one or more dimensions of the soul to higher levels of a sense of easesafety, peace,
forgiveness, joy, healing, and well-being (p. 41). When the counselor keeps this relationship in mind, the process of client transformation becomes…
