Contemplation and Counseling: An Integrative Model for Practitioners (Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books)

Review"This book lays out the fascinating links between the tradition of Christian contemplation, mindfulness, and the process of change in psychotherapy. It puts all of these in the context of the vibrant literature that makes up these three fields. Christians everywhere will find it enthralling and practical." -- Sue Johnson, author of Created for Connection, developer of the emotionally focused model of couple and family therapy"Brilliantly written, Contemplation and Counseling provides a practical guide to integrating contemplative practices into contemporary counseling drawing upon scientific research, clinician theory, and spiritual understanding." -- Diane R. Gehart, professor and author, Mindfulness and Acceptance in Couple and Family Therapy"It is easy to be confused by the extravagant claims made for mindfulness in the media today. Here is a wise and measured guide to understanding the connections between the Christian-contemplative tradition and clinical-mindfulness practices. The book provides a rich survey of a wide range of helpful contemplative sources. It is more than a mere survey of practices and perspectives, it contains a clear invitation for readers to draw close to God through contemplative prayer." -- James C. Wilhoit, professor of core studies and Scripture press professor of Christian education, Wheaton College"Gregg Blanton immerses us in a rich integration of the pattern of contemplative prayer, the discoveries of relational neuroscience, and the practice of psychotherapy. In lovely detail, he traces how the attributes of the relationship with God that emerge in centering prayer are identical to the attributes that help us be a healing presence for our clients. While this is stated in Christian terms, the process is applicable to anyone?both client and therapist?who senses that spirituality and psychotherapy are intertwined processes. In many ways, it is an invitation to clients as well as therapists to open to the inherent healing wisdom within and become mystics at the same time. This book is beautiful, inspiring, thorough, wise, and filled with heart." -- Bonnie Badenoch, author of The Heart of Trauma: Healing the Embodied Brain in the Context of Relationships"Gregg Blanton has provided a needed service to the integration world. Contemplation and Counseling sheds light on how a contemplative view of psychology and theology can enhance the therapeutic process. His approach is practical and intervention focused in nature and wisely underscores that contemplative prayer has the potential of leading to deeper awareness of the power of love through real relational connection with a present and communicating God." -- Gary W. Moon, founding executive director of Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture and Dallas Willard Center, Westmont College, and the Renovaré Institute, author of Becoming Dallas Willard"This is a must-read book for any Christian mental health professional wanting to cultivate the practice of contemplative prayer and to cultivate an experience of love in counseling. Blanton courageously illustrates how love is at the center of the contemplative counseling model that he is proposing, both as the goal and as the means to achieve that aim. He creatively blends findings from neuroscience and attachment science with a Christian theology of love as an antidote to human stress and fear. His contemplative-oriented style of counseling creatively weaves interventions influenced by Carl Rogers, Sue Johnson, Dan Siegel, and others together with interventions grounded in openness to receive God's love. In this inspiring and motivating book, Blanton presents a simple and accessible guide to centering prayer as a practice that can be taught to clients but only after the professional develops their own contemplative practice." -- Lorrie Brubacher, author of Stepping into Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, ICEEFT certified trainer in emotionally focused therapy