coun 507 theory critique of crrabb and hawkins

Running head: A CRITIQUE OF TWO COUNSELING MODELS

A Critique of Two Counseling Models: Effective Biblical Counseling by Dr. Larry Crabb

and A Model for Guiding the Counseling Process by Dr. Ron Hawkins

Denise Alexander

188972

Liberty University

Course and Section #:

201220 Spring 2012 COUN 507- LUO

Sub-term B; Deadline: 1/30//2012

Instructors Name: Dr. James A. Laine

Date of Submission: 1/31/2012

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A CRITIQUE OF TWO COUNSELING MODELS

A Critique of Two Counseling Models: Effective Biblical Counseling by Dr. Larry Crabb

and A Model for Guiding the Counseling Process by Dr. Ron Hawkins

Summary

This critique will offer a well thought-out approach to the theory of Biblical

Counseling as explained by Dr. Larry Crabb and Dr. Ron Hawkins. Each author offers

his reader a wealth of information for Christians who are interested in counseling. Crabb

attempts to link the partition between secular psychology and Biblical truths. He

recommends using secular psychology theories and therapies to enhance the view and

practice of Christian counseling. Crabb argues that if the counselor understands the goal

of counseling, it will enable them to glean valuable information from secular psychology,

without compromising commitment to their faith (Crabb, 1977). Hawkins on the other

hand, concentrates his focus on helping the client construct a plan for the deliverance of

the intervention. Hawkins then engages the client by encouraging him/her to take

ownership of this plan, and the progression of change (Hawkins, 2010).

Strengths and Weaknesses of Crabb

Crabb begins by contending that Christian counselors must have an understanding

of the goal of counseling. If a counselor does not have complete knowledge and

understanding of the goal of counseling and of the basic personal needs of clients, they

cannot help clients move forward in the process of healing. Crabb explains that individual

worth is what people really crave to have. The manner in which individual worth is

accomplished is through security and significance. When we depend on people and things

to meet our basic needs of security and significance rather than God, we will experience

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problems (Crabb, 1977). The Bible tells us that God has “according as his divine power

hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge

of god, and Jesus our Lord” (II Peter 1:3, King James Version).

As Crabb directs the reader toward the methods of Biblical counseling, his aim is

to move people in the direction of what he calls over and up. Crabb (1977) stated, “A

counselor must help the client to move over to the pathway of obedience” (p. 26). This

objective allows a person to approach their problems from a Biblical perspective rather

than a secular perspective. The up objective involves getting a person to replenish their

thinking with Godly thoughts. Crabb believes when a person wishes to forsake their own

desires and pleasures for God’s glory; the process of healing can begin (Crabb, 1977).

Crabb like many other integrationist seek to combine secular psychology and

Biblical truths. His aim is to bring people to an area where they can receive individual

worth. Crabb describes four approaches to integration that counselors could possibly use

to bring individuals to areas of individual worth. These approaches are Separate But

Equal, Tossed Salad, Nothing Buttery, and Spoiling the Egyptian (Crabb, 1977).

The Separate But Equal approach suggest that Scripture deals with problems

pertaining to spiritual and theological matters and psychology deals with behavior,

emotional and mental health issues. The Separate But Equal maintains that each field

plays a pivotal role, but each field should be separate and not combined. This does not

seem to be the most effective method, because both secular psychology and Biblical

truths have human behavior and human potential in common. The second approach

Tossed Salad combines everything, and treats secular psychology and Biblical truths as

equals. This approach does not respect any type of order within them. The Nothing

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Buttery Approach places emphasis entirely on the word of God. This approach clearly

implies that Biblical Truths have much more to offer than psychology to shed light on the

human condition and human psychology. The final approach Spoiling the Egyptians is

identified by Crabb as striking the balance between the Tossed Salad and Nothing

Buttery. According to Crabb this final approach will allow a Christian counselor to

carefully screen secular psychology theories and therapies. It will allow the Christian

counselor to pull useful insight that can be placed alongside Biblical truths, and used in

the counseling process (Crabb, 1977).

Strengths and Weaknesses of Hawkins

Hawkins begins by introducing the counseling student to the thought of Biblical

counseling. He introduces a model that is identified as Concentric Circles Diagramming

the Self. The circles in this model are a representation of the complete person. At the very

core of the circle lies the image of God, and consists of sin, flesh, human spirit, and

breath of life. The second circle houses the soul, and consists of thinking, emotions

feelings volition and conscience. The body is found in the third circle and it deals with

health related and physical problems. Temporal systems are found in the fourth circle,

and it contains family, friends, society, church education, government and the economy.

The supernatural system is found in the fifth circle. God is included in this circle along

with good angels, fallen angels and of course Satan (Hawkins, 2010, Online Slide

Presentation). Hawkins believes in order for counselors to be successful in helping client

work on their problems, they must work inside these Concentric Circles Diagramming

the Self. He argues that this approach allows client to move to an area where they can

think clearly about God and themselves. A person that is healthy psychologically has the

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Holy Spirit at the very core (Hawkins, 2010).

Hawkins places a great deal of emphasis on working with the client to construct a

plan for delivering the intervention, and then allowing the client to take possession of the

plan, along with the development of personal change. Hawkins develops what he calls a

Grid for Tracking Process that consists of four phases. The first step of the four phase

model consists of gaining and understanding of the real problem by allowing the client to

talk while the counselor listens. The second phase involves reality testing which tracks

what the client is saying verbally and it reality test what the client presents. The third

phase consists of formulating a plan of actions where the client is engaged in taking

ownership of this plan of action and responsibility for the outcome. The last phase

consists of the counselor actively helping the client in the process of change. The client

must take ownership for the implementation in order for the plan to be finalized. The

counselor will take ownership for the development of this plan, and the client takes

ownership for the implementation of the plan (Hawkins, 2010).

Personal Reflections

Dr. Crabb and Dr. Hawkins both present an organized approach to Christian

counseling. Both men contend that the inner works of man have outward consequences.

Crabb and Hawkins both understand that without God and Godly living, lasting change

cannot take place in a person’s life. While Crabb believes that there are psychological

theories and therapies that do not contradict Biblical truths: Hawkins approach seems to

be more simplistic and lacking in integration. However, the approaches presented by both

Crabb and Hawkins will be beneficial to me as a future counselor. They both have

equipped me with some valuable tools to help people that are broken and hurting. I do

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believe that secular psychology and Biblical truths have common concerns. Therefore, I

am more aligned with Dr. Crabb’s counseling concepts. As a Christian and future

counselor, when working with clients, I hope to display some of the characteristics of

Christ. I also will find ways to glean form secular psychology and Biblical truths without

compromising my faith.

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References

Crabb, L. J. (1977). Effective biblical counseling. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

Hawkins, R. (2010). Week One Lecture One: Strategy for intervention. Retrieved January

21, 2010, from Liberty University Online.

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coun 507 theory critique of crrabb and hawkins

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