For far too long, there has been a divide between science and spirituality. For people of the Christian faith, the choice is often between and all secular (psychological approach), and all spiritual approach.
There are Christian Counselors that largely use the Bible as their “Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM)”, and Psychologists that see very little value in the “unscientific” use of the Bible in counseling. With the exception of the relatively new Spiritually Oriented Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (SO-CBT), clients typically have to choose between a Christian Counselor, or a Secular Counselor. But does it have to be that way?
Is it possible that the God of everything, could also be the God of science? After all, wasn’t the Christian religion, the biggest supporter of science, until the secular world, began to use it to disprove the existence of God? Until Darwin, both approaches could somewhat comfortably coexist.
I believe it is possible to blend the two by using areas that have been thoroughly tested, and that both sides can agree have little to no possibility of negative side effects. What I offer my clients is a positive alternative to the existing dichotomy between science and spirituality. In my practice for trauma clients, I have combined existing trauma therapy (Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy), with prayer and SO-CBT, as an approach that bridges the gap between all Bible, and an all-psychological approach.
Science
The efficacy of both Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy are well known. The American Psychological Association gives both these protocols, their highest ranking as “Strongly Recommended”. Both approaches have well over forty years of data, to support these recommendations.
Spirituality
Prayer also has been the subject of a number of studies over the last 40 years, with the vast majority finding a significantly positive correlation for prayer. For example, the Permanente Journal stated:
“Jeff Levin, a social epidemiologist, notes that more than 1600 studies have been conducted examining the correlation between religious and spiritual participation and health.1 The evidence is overwhelmingly positive. Findings persist regardless of religious affiliation, diseases or health conditions, age, sex, race or ethnicity, or nationality of those studied.”1
In fact, significant evidence exists, that intercessory prayer (prayer from a distance) also has positive effects. The same journal article notes:
“To date, more than 180 studies have been done in this area, with more than half of them producing significant results. In these experiments, one person through their intention tries to influence the physiology or the physical condition of a target system, such as cell cultures, animal models, and there are human studies.”
Science and Spirituality
What I currently offer clients, is a choice between an “all psychological” approach, and one involving psychology and spirituality. The psychology and spirituality option has been met with marked enthusiasm. Clients appreciate the opportunity to add prayer to a process that often involves deep psychological pain. In fact, I have found that clients are much more likely to complete the trauma process, in the model that includes prayer.
The spiritual option includes prayers addressing protection, deliverance, a prayer asking for the Holy Spirit to join, a prayer addressing the specific type of trauma, prayers focusing on negative core beliefs (called “word curses”), and a prayer of forgiveness.
Addressing Negative Beliefs From Trauma
A significant issue in all trauma therapy, is addressing the negative shift in the person’s belief system because of the trauma. This shift is responsible for much of the negative effects on the self-concept and functioning of the person. In the spiritual approach, the negative beliefs are prayed over and using Spiritually Oriented Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (SO-CBT), the beliefs are compared to Biblical truths. Clients report this to be an extremely effective approach to resolving their negative beliefs.
Conclusion
For Christian clients, this optional Spiritual approach provides the client with the ability to address the trauma with proven science, and at the same time, tap into their spiritual beliefs for added strength and support.
1.Meditation, Prayer and Spiritual Healing: The Evidence; Marilyn Schlitz, PhD Published Online: September 1, 2005
