Author: Strawn, Brad D.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23 (2), Sum 2004, pp. 140-148

Abstract:

The present article suggests three sins of omission in the clinical integration literature and illustrates an alternative approach with a Wesleyan, theology-directed clinical integration. A Wesleyan informed psychotherapy will include six presuppositions. First, it will take seriously the immanence of God. Second, its focus will be healing and not just cure. Third, it will take a holistic approach to the brain and body. Fourth, it will direct its interventions at the core motivational dispositions of persons. Fifth, it will emphasize the relational embeddedness of humanity, and finally, it will personify a telos of love. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy will be presented as a form of therapy that encompasses these six presuppositions and clinical material will be used to illustrate the therapeutic process.