SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES AND THE PRACTICE OF INTEGRATION - POSSIBILITIESAND CHALLENGES FOR CHRISTIAN PSYCHOLOGISTS

Spiritual practices have received less attention than psychological ch ange techniques in the contemporary integration of psychology and Chri stianity, yet a Christian understanding of health has implications for the personal and professional use of spiritual disciplines as mechani sms for growth. We consider the practical nature of the spiritual disc iplines in promoting change as well as possibilities and challenges in troduced by using spiritual disciplines both outside and inside the co nsulting office. Used outside the consulting office, spiritual discipl ines may affect the professional life of the Christian therapist by de epening his or her knowledge of God, promoting a posture of humble sel f-awareness, and providing a refuge for the stresses of psychological work. Used inside the consulting office, the spiritual disciplines may prove helpful with some clients, but introduce significant challenges and potential problems that warrant careful consideration.