Summary:
The integration of theology and psychology has been debated and written about for many decades, but in this workshop participants will examine Principled (theoretical-conceptual and research), Professional (clinical or practice), and Personal (intrapersonal including spirituality) Integration with a focus on the integration of psychology and theology or Christian faith in clinical practice based on Tan(2001, 2012; 2022a, 2022b; see also Eck, 1996; Malony, 1995; Strawn & Bland, 2025; Whitney & Dwiwardani, 2024). Personal or intrapersonal integration including the spirituality of the psychologists, licensed mental health professional or ministry leader is viewed as the foundational area of integration without which integration in the principled and professional areas cannot be substantially achieved (Tan, 1987; 2001). In particular, the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the grace-filled use of the spiritual disciplines, both traditional and circumstantial (authentic) are emphasized. Intentional and prayerful integration covering both implicit and explicit integration in clinical practice will be described, with an approach that is Christ-centered, biblically-based, and Spirit-filled or Spirit-led (Tan, 2022a, 2022b). The empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of religious and spiritual therapies, including Christian therapies for willing Chrisitan clients (see Captari, et al., 2018) will be briefly covered, as well as ethical guidelines for the appropriate practice of such therapies.
devastation to individuals, couples, and families. The statistics are tragically high regarding the impact of the trauma of all types of sexual betrayal. The field of Partner Trauma continues to inform psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and ministry leaders about the impact of discovery and disclosure of sexual infidelity, including the “PTSD” effect on partners of those involved in sexual compulsivity. In this workshop, participants will explore connections with attachment, family or origin trauma, and neurochemistry on compulsive sexual behaviors. Amid this crisis, there is significant help and hope for the recovery of individuals, couples, and families. This pre-conference workshop will provide psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, medical professionals, and ministry leaders with up-to-date statistical and proven, practical clinical information and a treatment plan of recovery for individuals, betrayed partners, and couples, with a special emphasis on Christian clients.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the three major areas or categories of integration of psychology and theology: principled, professional, and personal.
Summarize a Christian approach to the integration of psychology and theology in clinical practice including implicit and explicit integration, that is Christ-centered, biblically-based, and Spirit-filled or Spirit-led.
Examine the empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of religious and spiritual therapies, including Christian therapies and the ethical guidelines for the appropriate practice of such therapies.