Date of Award

4-1997

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology

Abstract

This exploratory survey is an attempt to examine assumptions that shape and direct Christian psychologists' professional thoughts and actions in order to further the research on the efficacy of Christian psychotherapy. Major assumptions about change sustaining Christian counseling have been expounded without much empirical support. The Christian Psychologist Survey, concerning the assumptions about the sources of gain in Christian counseling and psychotherapy, was completed by 164 Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) members, 112 males and 52 females. This study endeavors to discover practicing therapists' beliefs of what makes Christian therapy effective, and what aspects make counseling "Christian." Regarding critical components, respondents rated "God is primary healer and the counselor is His agent" as the most important and "Ecclesiastical role (i.e. pastoral)" as least important. Regarding the most significant active ingredients leading to change, respondents agreed that "God, Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit brings about change," was the most significant.

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