How to Help People by Adams and Telling Yourself the Truth by Backus and Chapman - Research Paper Example

? Analysis of the books “How to help people” by Jay E. Adams and “Telling yourself the Truth” by William Backus and Marie Chapman Analysis of the books “How to help people” by Jay E. Adams and “Telling yourself the Truth” by William Backus and Marie Chapman Summary In “How to help people change” Jay Adams highlights how change plays a vital role as a significant goal in the counseling process. He elaborates how “substantial change requires the alteration of the heart.” However, he also indicates that change forms a fundamental problem in counseling. This is because counselors try to change people without the knowledge of how the outcome should become. With this fact, he displays the connection between theology and psychology to prove that the word of God is enough in counseling. A variety of ways are provided to assist in placing God first before our thoughts. It also involves a sole therapeutic process where Dr. Adams includes teaching, correction, conviction and disciplined training in righteousness as the main aspects. This model derives its roots from 2 Timothy 3:16 which also discusses the need to accept counseling offered from a biblical or Christian context. The Word of God is also shown to play a vital role in this process where the Holy Spirit uses the scriptures as the main tools to change the existence of the counselee. As such, it is a significant part of the counselee’s Biblical change by creating an understanding and compelling the counselee into obedience. Self help therapy is not advocated for as it is considered unbiblical. Using the same approach, William Backus and Marie Chapman the authors reveal the reasons behind things that happen in life in “Telling yourself the truth”. The book mentions that mental health is influenced by how we think about experiences in life. They explain that it is a product of how people think. They, however, agree in relation to the idea of transformation. This is because they contend that for it to take place; people must turn their existence to God. The authors apply what they refer to as the Misbelief Therapy to explain the different methods of thought handling in life. The therapy does not require a therapist as it is a self help towards solving of problems. These they indicate can be applied in varied areas that include the home, in an adverse environment, different circumstances and in handling diverse problems. Thus in both texts the scriptures play a pivotal role in advising individuals on how to conduct their lives. They emphasize on the need for change to be consistent with the word of God. It is through the confirmation of the sufficiency of what God’s word contains to equip his people with what they need. According to Adams, this is depicted in nouthetic counseling and teaching that offer wisdom to individuals to live in a similar manner to the way of Jesus. Otherwise, without Biblical guidance, then it becomes a dangerous action. Strengths and Weaknesses The book is a significant resource in the area of counseling due to its wide range of aspect coverage. It, therefore, elucidates the counseling process not only through the provision of a fresh perspective towards counseling but by also outlining the measures to take during the various counseling stages. With this, a Christian counselor is provided with insights on how to incorporate change in the counseling process. In addition, the Bible is well applied as the author uses varied functions of the scripture to form a basis for his counseling approach. Backus and Chapman also provide a clear illustration of how to maintain happiness by engaging in healthy thinking. In the book, they provide a detailed account and explanation of how people can handle their thoughts in a proper way. The method developed requires the efforts of the involved individuals. Additionally, it is attainable and easy to follow. However, the writer shows a number of shortcomings in the way he tends to address specific individuals. A condescending style of writing is brought out when he at times refers to people as peons. It portrays his weakness since he becomes angry and hence emotional at those who do not share the same field of thought as his own. He is biased through his assertion that the acceptable change obtained from counseling can only be achieved within the Christian setup. He argues that it is the only group that can make use of the outlined framework. For this reason, it discriminates against those who do not practice the Christian faith but are open minded enough to consider change from a theological perspective. The model applied by Backus and Chapman is also weak in the sense that maladaptive behavior and emotional turmoil are directly caused by misbeliefs. It also presents a difficulty for a counselor to believe in the self control views of a counselee. Other elements such as past experiences should be considered as well because the personality of individuals can change with time as a result of certain environmental factors. In this relation, misbeliefs are discouraged as the more they are considered in our lives, the more they are considered to be truths. Application and Personal Reflection Adams’ book is extremely encouraging in the sense that it reminds individuals to find a perfect counselor in the life of Jesus Christ. It is most applicable in areas where Christians need to make decisions. He clarifies that change either moves towards God or away from him. Hence, morality lies in the kind of approach taken with regard to change. With this, he stresses on the need to make wise and Godly decisions. I thus feel that it connects well with the aspects of life that give guidance and offer directives to individuals. “Telling yourself the truth” is extremely relevant in explaining to people why they may experience wrong emotions, reactions and behavior. It is because it connects all emotions to individual thoughts. It is thus applicable in areas where individuals have to deal with their thoughts to get happiness. They claim that learning this tactic of dealing with our thoughts represents the initial step towards determination of mental health. This is in the way it advises individuals on how to transform their misbeliefs into truths. It, therefore, applies in various situations where individuals want to avoid unhappy, anxious and depressive moments. For most counselees in counseling sessions, the therapy model of Backus and Chapian enhance cognitive behaviour. References Adams, E. Jay. (1986). How to Help People Change: The Four-Step Biblical Process. GrandRapids: Zonderven. Chapian, M. & Bakus, W. (2000). Telling yourself the truth. Bloomington: Baker publishing group. Read More