Abstract
The aim of the research underlying this article was to develop a Biblically-based therapy programme for a congregation and to evaluate its impact. The aim of the programme was to enhance participants’ acceptance of self, their acceptance of others and their ability to have a meaningful relationship with God. A preand post-test design that included an experimental group (n = 27) and a control group (n = 23) was used. The programme consisted of six weekly individual therapy sessions that were conducted by one of the researchers, and a support and prayer group that supported the experimental group. The impact of the programme presentation was assessed by nine measuring instruments. Results obtained indicated that the participants in the experimental group experienced significant growth in almost all the psychological and spiritual dimensions that had been assessed. It was concluded that a Biblically-based therapy programme could be used to enhance individuals’ intra-psychic, interpersonal and, ultimately, spiritual growth.
Highlights
Die gevolgtrekking waartoe gekom is, is dat ’n Bybelsgefundeerde terapieprogram gebruik kan word om persone se intrapsigiese, interpersoonlike en spirituele groei te bevorder. It is evident from subject-related literature that many individuals who require psychotherapy are religious in outlook and feel the need to have religious issues included in therapy sessions (Diblasio, 1988; Hall & Hall, 1997; Koltko, 1990)
The following conclusions are based on facts gained from the study of relevant subject-related literature, the presentation of the therapy programme and the results obtained :
Results indicated that the Christian belief system can positively be integrated in psychotherapy
Summary
It is evident from subject-related literature that many individuals who require psychotherapy are religious in outlook and feel the need to have religious issues included in therapy sessions (Diblasio, 1988; Hall & Hall, 1997; Koltko, 1990). Religious beliefs have been either regarded as contributing negatively to the psychological functioning of a person, or have been avoided by psychologists (Dickson, 1991; Jones, 1994; Koltko, 1990). The lack of training with regard to addressing religious aspects in psychotherapy, or the psychologist’s own worldview has probably contributed to the traditional approach to the religious beliefs of clients (Bergin & Jensen, 1990; Diblasio, 1988; Jones, 1994). The increased awareness of the importance of the client’s religious convictions and the inclusion of these convictions in a psychotherapeutic approach have led to various attempts to describe psychotherapeutic approaches in which religious convictions are integrated (Bergin et al, 1988; Koltko, 1990). Research undertaken in relation to integration includes studies on how Christian psychologists use spiritual resources in
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