PSYCHOLOGY, THEOLOGY, AND COUNCELING

Integration of Psychology, Theology, and Counseling



Integration of Psychology, Theology, and Counseling

IntroductionThe paper discusses the article “The Effects of Forgiveness Therapy on Depression, Anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress for Women after Spousal Emotional Abuse” written by Gayle L. Reed and Robert D. Enright. It highlights women who experience the emotional abuse from their spouses, which results in the prolonged depression and anxiety. The article mentions the recovery procedures based on the forgiveness therapy.

Summary

The women, who experience the emotional abuse from their spouses, undergo severe mental stress and depression. Their self esteem is hurt and it becomes difficult to overcome the long term effects of the suffering. During this situation, the theological counseling helps for some, whereas the other tries to ignore their self ego. Keeping in view this situation, the article mentions the contribution of the forgiveness therapy in addressing the emotional stress of the abused women. During the past several years, a significant consideration is given in integrating the modern counseling practices with the theological counseling support. This article discusses the workability of forgiveness theory in relation to the alternative techniques like anger management, assertiveness, and interpersonal skills building. The author supports the arguments by identifying a research finding that was conducted on the suffered women. Today, this is one of the significant elements of Christian counseling where the forgiveness therapy is integrated within the modern technique. The article justifies the effectiveness of therapy by describing a survey method. Women who acquired the forgiveness therapy recovered earlier than those who underwent the modern technique only. According to the author, this therapy helps women move towards a stable state of mind through forgiveness and good will for the other person. However, it promotes the proclamation of the valued personal qualities like compassion without neglecting the wrongdoing of the former ...