Running head: FAITHFUL COGNITIVE THERAPY 1

A Counselors View of Faithful Cognitive Therapy

Michael H. Lait
Counseling 510-B 14
March 1, 2013
Liberty University












FAITHFUL COGNITIVE THERAPY 2


Abstract
Psychology presents philosophical assumptions and concepts, models of human personality,
health, abnormality and psychotherapy. What do these all mean and whom do they represent?
Are these actually questions or statements? Do they epitomize a single psychological theory or
are they the foundation of what must be a theory? So, who is man, how does he develop and
what is health and how does one stay healthy? Are the signs of abnormality available to us all?
How do we recognize the signs and what are the probable causes? Are we overwhelmed with
envy, or is it purely the search for knowledge and power? Either way, man continues to search
for understanding. The answers to the questions above are all found within the walls of brilliant
minds and pioneers of psychologys past. As psychotherapy continues to develop, and the
processes and protocols of many different disciplines try and provide answers, man wonders
what it will ultimately look like. The final answer to an ageless question was born in a manger
and died on a cross; few actually follow it, instead they search for a way around it. Faithful
cognitive therapy (FCT), is a theory for clinicians to follow and will answer many of the
questions posed in this paper.
Keywords: Philosophical concepts, personality, health, and faithful cognitive therapy.







FAITHFUL COGNITIVE THERAPY 3


A Counselors View of Faithful Cognitive Therapy
A study done in 2007 found that almost 100% of all Christian counselors prayed with or
for their clients and approximately 24% of secular counselors prayed for their clients (Eriksen &
Weld, 2007, p. 330). This same study determined that religious beliefs played a significant role
in achieving positive mental health (Eriksen & Weld, 2007, p. 228). Therefore, it only makes
sense that faithful cognitive therapy (FCT) is the logical choice, as it so closely resembles
concepts used by those who have a Christian worldview. In 2
nd
Timothy, Paul writes to Timothy
to let him know that he is praying for him and encourages Timothy to never be ashamed of his
testimony, but to be steadfast and never stop the teachings of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:1-13,
ESV). Counselors can benefit from Pauls steadfast belief that when a person believes deeply in
what they are doing it should never hinder their ability or will to move forward in helping our
fellow human beings.
With new advancements in counseling on the horizon and the historical reluctance of
secular psychologists diminishing, there seems to be many who are dipping their toes into the
world of theology (Hawkins, n.d.). The future is still unclear; , however, it would seem
appropriate to find commonality between theory and religion (Crabb, 1977, p. 47). This
commonality is logical when one integrates faithful working therapy and theology. Whatever
you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men (Colossians 3:23,
NIV).
Philosophical Assumptions and Key Concepts
Faithful cognitive therapy is considered a cognitive behavioral theory which has an
optimistic view of the human condition, positive behavioral changes and is based primarily on
the Word of God. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in mepractice
FAITHFUL COGNITIVE THERAPY 4


these things, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:9, ESV). Faithful working
therapy believes in the equality of men and women and believes that one of mans greatest evils
is mans search for power. The theory somewhat resembles individual psychology and cognitive
behavioral therapy combined. It portrays a more social worldview, which it is much more
important to help mankind then pursue personal wealth and power (Murdock, 2009, p. 108-110).
The main tenets of faithful working therapy are as follows: all human beings strive for
success, teaching the client the correct place to search is imperative and the therapist will always
follow Scripture. Following Gods Word will help provide a clear example of a persons
personality, behavior and life. Personality is unified and self-consistent, the value of human
activity should be viewed from the wisdom shown and ultimately must be obtained through the
Holy Spirit.
Model of Personality
Faithful cognitive therapy utilizes a number of proven theoretical models and is based on
logic and truth, which provides substance to the human personality and how a person develops.
However, ultimately FCT is completely dependent upon God, Scripture, and the faith in the Holy
Spirit. Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils
the breath of life, and the man became a living creature Genesis 2:7, ESV). Man was molded by
God; life was literally given by the grace, glory and love of God. So God created man in his
own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis
1:27, ESV). Woman was made from man, and the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man
he made into a woman and brought her to the man (Genesis 2:22, ESV). The initial creation of
man and woman were of God; Adam and Eve came into the Garden of Eden as harmoniously,
with God and without sin. However, shortly after God created them, sin appeared. Sin has
FAITHFUL COGNITIVE THERAPY 5


followed mankind throughout the ages, it is persistent and unyielding. Without sin, there would
be no need for psychologists, psychiatrists or counselors. These professions would be
unnecessary, because human behavior would mirror that of Jesus Christ.
But there is sin, and with it comes a multitude of behaviors. These behaviors are based
on examples of others who might often times be cruel, unyielding, deficient and unkind.
However, humans also have the capacity to be compassionate, sympathetic, sentimental, kind
and show a great amount of love. Over thousands of years there have been philosophers, medical
doctors and psychologists who have provided articulated descriptions and theories on the human
mind. One of the first philosophers was Plato, who in 387 BC suggested that the brain was the
seat of all mental processes (Myers, 2010, p. 1). Many have provided detailed and interesting
research, which has provided a map of sorts, to the present systems practiced by many different
professionals today. Although, there is a plethora of theories available to the counselor today, it
is important to understand that the reason for them is to help promote mental and psychological
wellbeing.
Model of Health
A healthy person, according to faithful cognitive therapy, is someone who has a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit
within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.
So glorify God in your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV). In addition to having a solid base,
the next attribute a healthy person would have would be an obvious commitment in following
Gods Word. Murdock (2008) states healthy people have healthy basic philosophies (p. 285).
In addition to having a solid foundation, a healthy person would contribute to society in a
FAITHFUL COGNITIVE THERAPY 6


positive manner (Murdock, 2008, p. 120). Do not neglect to do well and to share what you have,
for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16, ESV).
Because God grants the ability to make choices, people can make a variety of choices
throughout their lifetime. Rational cognitive therapy is based on the assumption that people are
born with the ability of rational and irrational thinking. Nevertheless, a healthy person is one
who makes rational, positive decisions and moves throughout life in an affirming lifestyle.
These healthy people are concerned with life outside their own personal surroundings.
They help others without any expectation of reward or pay-off. They are able to see others as
partners and friends, someone whom they can work with to make life better for all. They do not
have any type of self-centeredness and when they see problems, they do so from societys
development versus from their own personal vantage point (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 72). They
view their personal self-worth from successfully helping others around them. Social progress and
stability are more important to a healthy person and they will feel gratification from positive
social types of accomplishments.
Model of Abnormality
Feist and Feist (2009) state, that some people strive for superiority, which is not an
example of someone healthy under the FCT model (p. 72). They go on to give an example of
how people who care for only themselves often suffer from an inferiority complex (Feist &
Feist, 2009, p. 73). A good example of this type of person is, murders, thieves and con artists
are perfect examples of people who strive only for themselves (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 72). Nor
thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of
God (1 Corinthians 6:10, ESV).
FAITHFUL COGNITIVE THERAPY 7


Many who have had to live with emotional disturbances throughout their lives base all
their choices utilizing three or four words that can cause a great deal of destruction. Corey
(2010) states, that if a person finds themselves talking in dogmatic absolutes, using words such
as shoulds, musts and oughts, demands and commands, they will have established a life of
regret (p. 276). He goes on to say that this type of person will continue to live in an emotionally
disturbed state by using these types of self-defeating beliefs and statements.
In addition to those who live within the boundaries of absolutes, there are those who
seem to be maladjusted, as they have underdeveloped interests. According to Feist and Feist
(2009), neurotics tend to: set their goals too high, live in their own private world and have a
rigid and dogmatic style of life (p. 80). As discussed earlier in this paper, it is important that
people adhere to societys rules, working together for the greater good and are looking out for
others best interests. Furthermore, a counselor must be cognizant when a client becomes
obsessed with their own self-worth and have little or no concern for others.
Maladjusted clients often provide signs by the goals they set (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 81).
If a client is setting extravagant goals that could never be reached in a reasonable time or if their
approach is much too rigid, it would be wise to step back and reevaluate the clients planning.
Since goals and objectives are a primary part of the FCT process to improve a clients life, it is
imperative that the client and counselor work together. Having goals that are reachable and
flexible is extremely important for the clients self-esteem (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 82).
According to Alfred Adler (1929-1964) there are three main reasons for people becoming
maladjusted: exaggerated physical deficiency, a pampered style of life and a neglected style of
life (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 83). Feist and Feist stated that Adler (1929-1964) found that people
FAITHFUL COGNITIVE THERAPY 8


who fit into one or more of the three maladjusted states use a concept he referred to as safe-
guarding tendencies to help deal with the day-to-day frustrations of life (p. 81).

Model of Psychotherapy & Counseling
Faithful cognitive therapy relies on a strong personal relationship with the client. The
building of a solid bond is important in creating a trusting and empathetic model of counseling.
There are a number of steps to FCT; however, it is the ultimate goal of the therapist to help the
client move forward in a positive and successful manor. First, there must be a building with a
solid foundation, one that can survive the storms that life will most certainly create. This
foundation will begin with the understanding that Christ is the center of all things. Jesus said to
him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me
(John 14:6, ESV).
During the process of building a relationship, it is important for the counselor to help the
client understand that as human beings, everyone is fallible. Pointing out the clients negative
and positive qualities is not part of the therapeutic process. However, it is important for the
counselor to understand and accept the clients limitations, as they will be of central importance
to the process of helping the client. According to Corey (2010), people have a predisposition for
self-preservation; they also have an inclination towards self-destruction (p. 276). Therefore, it is
important to help the client accept both the good and bad; acceptance to change must also be
discussed, as the counselor moves forward in working toward a healthy conclusion.
Understanding the A-B-C framework is extremely important in FCT as it helps provide
a useful model for the counselor. As Corey (2010) points out, helping clients understand their
feelings, events, thoughts and behavior is extremely useful (p. 278). The A-B-C model is
FAITHFUL COGNITIVE THERAPY 9


represented in the following manner; A represents the activating event, B represents the
persons belief of A, and C is the emotional and behavioral consequence or reaction of the
client (Corey, 2010, p. 279). Corey (2010) points out that C (the emotional consequence), can
either be healthy or unhealthy depending on the how the client feels about A & B (p. 278). It is
important for the therapist to be vigilant when they listen to a client. A clients problem or
consequence may have nothing to do with the actual event; instead, it might be a belief about
the event that is the actual problem. Therefore, when an FCT therapist is working with a client, it
is critical that they discuss the motivations behind the consequences and behaviors of any given
problem. We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak and not to
please ourselves (Romans 15:1, ESV).
Discussion and Conclusion
Dr. Ronald Hawkins (n.d.) introduced a theoretical model called concentric circles
(p.2). Hawkins (n.d.) depicted five circles which illustrate a persons personality. The core, or
inner circle, contains three parts: the spirit of God, breath of life and the image of God (Hawkins,
n.d.). Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we
ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26,
ESV). The four circles outside the core consist of the persons soul and body, and the temporal
and supernatural systems. FCT would deal mainly with the persons core, soul and temporal
system. The core, which represents the foundation of life for a therapist who practices faithful
cognitive therapy, is the starting point.
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I
praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul
knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret,
FAITHFUL COGNITIVE THERAPY 10


intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in
your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as
yet there was none of them (Psalm 139:13-16).
In conclusion, the challenge for the client and counselor is understanding and completing the
goals and objectives that are necessary for a positive outcome during the therapeutic process.
This is why it is critical that the goals are realistic, as unrealistic goals will not allow the client
and therapist meet their ultimate goal. What is that ultimate goal? The clients ultimate goal is
liberating dysfunctional behavior and changing it into positive functional behavior. The major
goal for a FCT therapist is to assist clients in achieving complete unconditional self-acceptance
for themselves and others (Corey, 2010, p. 280).













FAITHFUL COGNITIVE THERAPY 11


References
Butman, R.E. & Jones, S.L. (1991). Modern psychotherapies: A comprehensive
Christian appraisal. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic
Corey, G. (2010). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th ed.). Pacific Grove,
CA: Brooks/Cole.
Crabb, L. (1977). Effective biblical counseling: A model for helping caring Christians become
capable counselors. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan
Erickson, K. & Weld, C. (2007). Christian clients preferences regarding prayer as a
counseling intervention. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 35 (4), 328-341.
Feist G.J. & Feist J. (2009). Theories of Personality (7
th
ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill
Hawkins, D. (n.d.). [Presentation: Strategy for intervention]. Liberty University.
Myers, D. J. (2010). Psychology (9
th
ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers
Murdock, N. L. (2008). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: A case approach (2nd ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Rubric is copied on the next page.







FAITHFUL COGNITIVE THERAPY 12


Criterion
Points
Possible
Points
Earned
Instructor Comments
Introduction and Organization: The writer's central
purpose or argument is readily apparent to the reader
in the introduction. A clear thesis statement is
included. The ideas are arranged logically to support
the purpose or argument. They flow smoothly from
one to another and are clearly linked to each other.
The reader can follow the line of reasoning.
20 20
The thesis and purpose of the paper
is clear.

As far as the content, statements
were supported APA formatted
sources. Counseling theory is
compatible with a Christian
worldview. All six topics were
addressed in the paper:
Philosophical assumptions & key
concepts
Model of personality
Model of health
Model of abnormality
Model of psychotherapy
Discussion and conclusion



Sentence structure and grammar
was fine. Word choices were
appropriate for graduate level
Content: Balanced presentation of relevant and
legitimate information that clearly supports a central
purpose or argument and shows a thoughtful, in-depth
analysis of each topic. Reader gains important
insights. The tone is consistently professional and
appropriate for an academic research paper.
Compelling evidence from professionally legitimate
sources is given to support claims. Attribution is clear
and fairly represented. References are primarily peer
reviewed professional journals or other approved
sources. The reader is confident that the information
and ideas can be trusted. Counseling Theory is
undeniably compatible with a Christian Worldview.
Clearly discusses all six required topics. (10 points
for each topic)
120
120
FAITHFUL COGNITIVE THERAPY 13




Writing: Sentences are well-phrased and varied in
length and structure. They flow smoothly from one to
another. Word choice is consistently precise and
accurate. The writing is free or almost free of errors.
20
20 writing.

APA formatting was evident: title
page (including running head), page
headers, page numbers, citations
and reference page.


Discussion board participation was
noted. Thank you!
APA Style: APA format is used accurately and
consistently in the paper and on the "References"
page.
20
20
Discussion Board Participation: Appropriately
assesses the usefulness and organization of the two
classmates theories. Demonstrates strong insight as
to the theorys compatibility with a Biblical
Worldview. Demonstrates strong critical thinking
skills by identifying mistaken ideas and/or affirming
strengths in the theories.

20
20
TOTAL 200 200