Toward pastoral counseling integration: one Bowen oriented approach

Integration between the resources of faith and of the behavioral sciences in pastoral counseling is a challenging endeavor. The two domains have points of contact and many shared values. Yet, their fundamental presuppositions are quite different. The multiplicity of faith positions and of behavioral science positions complicates the effort enormously. This article presents one application of a comprehensive model of integration in one composite case. Based on an understanding of Bowen Theory, such a model (1) treats the relationship between the client and God in a way similar to the client's other significant relationships, (2) involves religious community and sacred texts as "God's available next of kin," and (3) considers "I positions" (which include the idea of therapist neutrality) as a framework for therapist authentic expression of faith without an authoritarian attempt to dictate the faith of the client. This case illustrates how one intervention based on this model made a positive contribution to the well being of a representative client. Therapists with other faith positions and other behavioral science positions would develop different models of integration, of course. This small slice of one case example is offered to further the discussion as others take positions of their own.