Review of Use of Prayer and Scripture in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy



Review of Use of Prayer and Scripture in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Summary

The article “Use of Prayer and Scripture in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy” is published in the Journal of Psychology and Christianity in 2007, by the author Siang-Yang Tan. This article discusses about the incorporation of prayer and scripture into the practice of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT); how to approach using Christian values in therapy. The article also gives a historical overview of behavioral therapy, throughout the years. In the field of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a proposed mindfulness has arisen related to two-component model which involves self regulation, focuses on present conditions, and adopts an orientation to the acceptance of one's circumstance. The author shows that this model of CBT can be attached with the prayer and scriptural truth in order to come up with lasting benefits to clients. Tan referred different studies which depicts a historical process of behavior therapy and that was divided into 3 general movements and consisted a transition gradually from traditional BT and CBT to contextual approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (Tan, 2012, p.101).

Further this article pointed out a self-developed biblical model for this approach which includes eight parts process. This process consist of emphasizing agape love and resolving past memories; discovering spiritual meaning; using scriptural truth to promote behavior change; relying on the Holy Spirits ministering; focusing on the big picture and adhering to techniques that are biblical; and the consultation of ongoing research before making conclusive declarations about the superiority of CBT (Tan, 2007, p.102).

Moreover, this article also indicates that in therapeutic situations implicit and explicit integrations can be used. The need of client should determine the choice of implicit or explicit approach and the Holy Spirit should be relied upon the guidance (Tan, 2007, p.102-103). However, ...