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Christian Clients Preferences Regarding Prayer as a Counseling Intervention Journal Article Review 1 Brandon Douglas

COUN506, Section 12, Fall 2011 Subterm D End of Class Date: Professor: Dr. Glenna Dunn Submission Date: 10/30/11

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Christian Clients Preferences Regarding Prayer as a Counseling Intervention

Summary In this article it is noted that using prayer during counseling sessions plays a major role in the healing process of clients. According to the study it is recorded that not only Christians require or prefer prayer during sessions but a significant percentage of the secular world does as well. I found this article to be interesting due to the fact that secular clients are not opposed to prayer from Christian counselors. Another interesting fact that I found in the text was that many clients would not mind the use of God in prayer during counseling sessions, perhaps because around 80% of the US population believes in God (Gallup, 2007) and the power of prayer (Princeton Survey Research Associates, 2003). In summary the article states how the majority of clients in sessions desire audible prayer and also the need of therapist to introduce the thought of prayer. The method used was descriptive correlation, with surveying a convenience sample. Questions were asked such as what are the preferences of clients concerning the intervention of prayer at faith based counseling agencies? And are there differences between client religious affiliation groups in client prayerfulness and client expectations regarding prayer? (Eriksen & Weld 2007). Interaction Having been a counselor for some years this article resonates with situations I have found myself in at times. There is a fine line that cannot be crossed when utilizing strategies such as praying for clients. I encounter many youth who may be faced with challenges or need some guidance in life. Unfortunately my company does not promote its employees to pray for their clients. However if the client does bring up religion in an open forum the conversation can take

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place if both parties are open to discuss it. I can remember a former client asking me to pray for him because he was having some issues. Due to him no longer being in care I was able to pray and encourage him regarding his particular situation. Being able to pray for someone means more than helping them but it also means doing Gods will. After reading this article it is a confident feeling to know people who may not know Christ personally will request prayer because they know there is a god somewhere. As Christ like individuals it is our job to show them Christ through our living, this way we do not have to force Christ on anyone. We can only hope that through prayer and our example of a Christ filled life, that people can and will come to a relationship with Christ. Application After reading this article, operating as a clinician I would promote myself not as a Christian Counselor but as a Counselor. Secondly before addressing the concern of the client I would ask what the religious preference was or what values were important to the client. I would vocalize my religious beliefs and not impose mine on the clients. If the client requested prayer I would show them scriptures on faith such as Matthew 15:28; Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour. I would then explain that the first part to prayer is believing that what you are asking for is going to happen. I would also explain that in praying, asking for forgiveness will allow the client to come to God with an open heart before making his request known. Then I would explain that God forgives for all of our wrongdoings (this is important due to the belief that some things God will not forgive.) Lastly I would give the client homework dealing with their issue and how it relates to God. I would explain the importance of reading the word every day because it brings confidence,

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builds faith, and will enable them to look at circumstances differently as well as provide life changing instructions. Encouragement would remain in the forefront of my mind during the entire process because it is important when providing counseling to the client as it will strengthen the clients will to improve their situation.

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References Eriksen, K., & Weld, C. Clients Preferences Regarding Prayer as a Counseling Intervention. Journal of Psychology and Theology 2007, Vol. 35, No. 4, 328-341