Evangelical Psychotherapy

Paper Summary:

This paper considers three different theoretical approaches to psychotherapy that have all had a significant and damaging impact on the way that mental health is pursued, psychodynamic theory, redecision therapy and pharmaceutical treatment. In particular, the paper briefly explores the approaches and looks at each view from an Evangelical perspective and the conflict that pervades the relationship between psychotherapy's principals and the Christian imperatives of honesty and clarity within.

From the Paper:

"For patients suffering from depression, origins are often divided along the same lines as therapeutic schools of thought, which is to say that in individuals exhibiting qualities of depression such as self-exile, a diminishing ability to sustain personal relationships and a damagingly low self-esteem, explanations will be distributed to theories of neurological dysfunction as well as to explanations relating to the inability to cope with external pressures. Psychodynamic theory is a form of psychotherapy that determines to probe the recesses of the experiential basis for such exhibited symptoms. This approach supports the premise that there is a relevance to memories which may have been forgotten by the subject but which remain prevalent psychic effectors. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Gabbard M.D., Glen O. & Jerald Kay M.D. (2001). The Fate of Integrated Treatment: Whatever Happened to the Biopsychosocial Psychiatrist. American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 158, p. 1956-1963.
• Scherstuhl, Holly. (2003). Interpersonal Therapy. Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. Online at < http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_gx5197/is_2003/ai_n19119386>.
• Southeast Institute. (2007). Redecision Therapy. Chapel Hill: Southeast Institute. Online at <http://seinstitute.com/redecision.html>

More papers on Evangelical Psychotherapy:

• Descriptive Essay # 117896 : "Disciples of the Evangelical Lutheran Church"
• Research Paper # 71505 : "Psychotherapy"
• Research Paper # 93838 : "Treatment Planning in Psychotherapy"

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