Uses of Scripture in Counseling

I believe there are three critical uses of Scripture in counseling. First, as Johnson (1992) highlights, Scripture can be used to provide a standard of truth. Without God’s Word, the understanding of right and wrong becomes blurred.

Second, Scripture provides a proper frame of what the client is experiencing. When a client is suffering, he or she may feel confused, guilty, or depressed to name a few emotions. By sharing Scripture such as James 1 or 1st Peter 1 in which suffering is seen as a helpful experience in knowing our Savior more intimately, the counselor uses Scripture to provide the proper frame.

Third, it can be used in cognitive therapy to correct faulty thinking (McMinn, 1996). The Bible is full of hope. Many people are not able to see hope in their lives. Thoughts such as being unlovable or not good enough are common. Clients may feel that they will always feel this bad and that the future can only be worse. By exposing clients to Scripture, a counselor can discuss these false thoughts in the light.

Each of these three uses ultimately serves one purpose: to help the client grow closer in his or her relationship with God.

Johnson, E.L. (1992). A place for the Bible within psychological science. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 20, 346-355.

McMinn, M.R. (1996). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.