Should a Christian ever get involved with hypnosis/hypnotism?
Hypnosis is problematic for a Christian for several reasons: 1) The fruit of the Spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). As we follow the Spirit’s lead, He will give us the power to better control our own selves. Hypnosis involves the transfer of control away from ourselves to another person. 2) We are to yield ourselves—body,…
Should a Christian trust psychology?
In determining whether a Christian should “trust” psychology, it’s necessary to know what psychology is—and what it’s not. Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. The study includes topics such as intelligence, marriage and parenting, leadership, morality, art, psychological disorders, sleep, personality, discrimination, religiosity, and much more. Literally everything that involves humans…
Is neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) compatible with the Christian faith?
Neuro-linguistic programming is most often characterized as a form of psychotherapy that can be used to modify behavior patterns and treat problems such as phobias, depression, learning disorders, and the like. It has also been classified as a quasi-religion belonging to the New Age or Human Potential Movements. However, neuro-linguistic programming can also be covert,…
What is reality therapy, and is it biblical?
Mental health counselors often disagree about the legitimacy of secular counseling theories; Christians have proven even more skeptical. Many secular theories are based on unbiblical philosophies that are unacceptable to Christians. However, not everything the theories posit is inherently unbiblical. When Christian counselors think critically about the theories to which they ascribe and apply the…
What is emotional freedom technique (EFT)?
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also commonly referred to as “tapping,” was introduced by Gary Craig in the 1990s. Emotional Freedom Technique has since been adapted by various others to be used in counseling and as a self-healing tool. Tapping involves using one’s fingertips to tap several times on each of the twelve main meridian points…
Is Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs biblical?
Abraham Maslow (1908–1970) was a humanistic American psychologist. Many are familiar with his name due to his “hierarchy of human needs.” Maslow studied generally healthy humans and observed that there are certain needs humans have, and he arranged these needs in a hierarchical structure. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is most often presented in a pyramid…
What is person-centered therapy, and is it biblical?
Christians have had varied reactions to psychological theories. Some believers claim the entire field is corrupt, and others fail to ever question the theories posed. We believe there can be a balanced approach to psychology in which secular theories are filtered through a biblical framework to glean what is useful. Psychology itself is not an…
What is theophostic counseling, and is it biblical?
The word “theophostic” comes from two Greek words which mean “God” and “light.” Theophostic counseling is essentially “God bringing to light the truth.” Theophostic counseling was originally developed by Dr. Ed Smith. The primary theory behind theophostic counseling is that many issues that require counseling, such as depression and anger, are based on falsehoods that…
What is existential therapy, and is it biblical?
Psychological theories are generally based in more pervasive philosophical concepts, such as naturalism or humanism. These underlying philosophies often cause Christians to reject a psychological theory. However, once psychological theories receive some biblical correction, Christian counselors can effectively use them to assist clients. Existential therapy is unique in that it is more of a philosophical…
What is neurofeedback therapy, and can a Christian consider it?
Neurofeedback therapy is a drug-free treatment to promote brain function using EEG (electroencephalography) to monitor brain waves. It is also called electroencephalogram biofeedback. According to proponents, neurofeedback therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, depression, memory issues, and other brain-related complaints. A small number of patients claim the therapy made symptoms worse or created new…