A Critique of Two Theories

A Critique of Two Theories

Effective Biblical Counseling by Dr. Larry Crabb and

Model for the Counseling Process by Dr. Ron Hawkins

Shanikqua Sharp

Liberty University

COUN507

5/27/2012

A Critique of Two Theories

Effective Biblical Counseling by Dr. Larry Crabb and

Model for the Counseling Process by Dr. Ron Hawkins

Life can be very rewarding in that we are blessed with families and friends that love us and we can experience moments that we will cherish and remember for a lifetime. Life can also be complicated in that some of the experiences can create circumstances that are difficult and hard to cope with. Every individual will encounter some type of an experience that is challenging. The challenges that we encounter enable us to grow as individuals. According to Crabb (1977), our challenges are simply the way we interpret our experience whether good or bad. Some people internalize their problems and self blame, other feel that their problems are a result of external stimuli and the world is out to get them. Regardless of our responses to life’s difficulties the often take three different forms: guilt, resentment, or anxiety (Crabb, 1977).

Dr. Crabb wrote Effective Biblical Counseling in an effort to integrate Biblical Christian counseling and the principles and theories psychology has to offer (Crabb, 1977). In his book, Crabb focuses on the transformation of the mind as his main idea. He depicts the role of the local church as the primary source for counseling and stresses the Christians are a big family of believers helping each other. In Effective Biblical counseling Crabb (1977) proposes four uniquely distinct approaches that implement information from two of the most important bodies of literature relevant to biblical counseling: The World of God and secular psychology (p.32).

Crabb’s first integration approach, “Separate but Equal”, emphasizes a strong dichotomy between the Word of God and secular psychology (Crabb, 1986, p. 34)....