Introduction
Today, religion is still one of the main ways to support morale, which one can turn to find the right way out of a difficult life situation. Christian counseling, as a type of therapy, combines traditional treatment methodologies with the practice of the Christian faith (Prout et al., 2021). The problem of research work lies in the symptoms of painful borderline states of the human psyche that are the same as the manifestation of sin.
The feeling of God-forsakenness, which torments the soul of a Christian, can be both the result of sickness and unrepentant sin. In such cases, Scripture, prayer, and other spiritual disciplines become the methods that heal a sick soul. However, other Christian counseling modalities today, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, also need to be studied in the context of depression.
General Research on Christian Counseling for Depression
The psyche cannot always successfully resist the onslaught of negativity, psychological barriers are difficult to overcome, and an individual falls into a state of depression, which can either be an impetus for conversion to faith or rejection. Nevertheless, it is scientifically proven that people need not only the support of relatives, friends, and the assistance of a spiritual leader but also the help of experts such as a psychotherapist or psychiatrist (Iheanacho et al., 2021). In this regard, research should examine what the Bible says about disorders such as depression and which characters experienced similar feelings. It is important to note how God helps with the symptoms and how this applies in Christian counseling. In addition, it will be necessary for the work to understand how consultants combine the word of God and modern psychological practices.
Christian Counseling Theory on Depression
The cognitive-based theory seeks to integrate cognitive and behavioral approaches, incorporating emotive therapy. The fundamental belief is that behavior, emotions, patterns, and thoughts are interconnected. It is demonstrated that depressed fellows have inaccurate perceptions, which lead to vicious cycles if mismanaged (Joubert & Plessis, 2018). Depressed people quickly jump to conclusions and are cognitively unbalanced, while cognitive-based thinking seeks to balance thoughts and eliminate distortions with positive behaviors and beliefs (Scrutton, 2020). The religious cognitive-based review consists of renewing the mind, contemplative prayer, memorizing Scripture, gratitude, forgiveness, joining a religious community, and using spiritual resources to challenge thoughts.
According to the Bible, repenting is changing our minds and ways of thinking. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Religion recognizes that God only changes the conditions of people who first change themselves.
The depressed person reads the passage slowly and meditates on how the course speaks to them (Ihenacho, 2021). It is recommended that the selection be read a third time, and then the individual records the reflections and responses in reading the passage in the Scripture. Repeating the steps until transformation occurs and completing the session in silence is recommended. Depressed people ought to challenge their thoughts. The process involves activating the event, pinpointing feelings and behaviors, identifying beliefs, disputing wrong beliefs, dealing with the situation, utilizing religious beliefs, and developing new ideas and consequences.
Christian Counseling Techniques on Depression
Psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and interpersonal therapy are techniques used to dismantle depression. Interpersonal psychotherapy works on interpersonal functioning and unburdens the individual (Ogorek, 2021). The approach recognizes difficulties in dealing with relationships with other people and addresses current problems and relationships rather than childhood trauma. Interpersonal relationships and communications are the primary targets, with the program taking not more than 16 weeks (Cook et al., 2022).
The significant sources of depression are identified, including grief and conflicts that bring tension. Interpersonal inventory is done, critical relationships are pinpointed, therapists and patients work to eliminate problems in the middle of sessions, and solutions discussed are implemented. Depression may be an isolating and lonely condition, and Christian counseling can provide a safe and supportive environment for people to express their feelings and experiences.
Matthew 11:28-29 states, “Come to me, all weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me; I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest for your souls.” A Christian counselor can assist a person in identifying and expressing their feelings and provide comfort and support during challenging situations.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a subset of cognitive behavioral therapy recommended for people with intense emotions. The therapy imparts skills to depressed people to manage the situation and enables them to understand their feelings. In addition to dialectical behavior therapy, the Johari window is an effective technique for depressed people as it helps them identify what they know about themselves and others, increasing self-awareness (Braam, 2019). The Johari window, usually applied in Christian Bible study groups, has four components: the open area, or what people know about themselves and can divulge, and the blind spot, which entails what individuals do not know about themselves. The hidden area is what people do not want to share, and finally, the unknown space that individuals do not know about themselves, and others are also unaware of.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hopelessness is a significant symptom of major depression. The Bible says in Colossians 1:5 that Jesus Christ is the sum of all hope. Paul placed his hope in Jesus to deliver him, and the Scripture speaks that in Christ Jesus, depressed people have eternal hope. Depressed individuals ought not to mistreat the grace bestowed upon themselves by Jesus Christ. Everyone must manage their relationships to avoid depression and live a life full of joy.
References
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Cook, C. C., Powell, A., & Sims, A. (Eds.). (2022). Spirituality and psychiatry. Cambridge University Press. Web.
Iheanacho, T., Nduanya, U. C., Slinkard, S., Ogidi, A. G., Patel, D., Itanyi, I. U., Naeem, F., Spiegelman, D., &Ezeanolue, E. E. (2021). Utilizing a church-based platform for mental health interventions: Exploring the role of the clergy and the treatment preference of women with depression. Global Mental Health, 8. Web.
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Scrutton, T. (2020). Christianity and depression. SCM Press. Web.