Dr. L. Crabb's Model of Counseling

Once a counselor understands the goal of counseling, the motivation, and needs of individuals and the basics of personality, Dr. Crabb’s model for counseling is exceedingly simple. The model is based on Romans 12:2, “do not be conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of the mind, that you may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” [KJV]. Well-prepared counselors can, with the help of the Holy Spirit move the person towards transformation. First, a counselor must identify the problem feelings. The client may state they are angry, depressed, afraid or a variety of emotions but according to Crabb the come down to one of three categories (1) guilt, due to an unreachable goal (2) resentment, due to an external obstacle (3) anxiety, due to fear of failure. Once the problem feelings are identified counselors should focus on identifying the goal-oriented (problem) behaviors. This is where the counselor can begin to help the client with the move-over goal. This step is simple obedience to God’s word. They may not feel like doing it but can began to act the way they want to feel. However, the work cannot stop here. The counselor must then help the client work on the inside to the beliefs and attitudes that have caused the wrong thinking and therefore problem behaviors.

Stage three of Crabb’s counseling model is identifying problem thinking. A wrong basic belief about their significance or their security has caused the problem feelings and behavior. It is only when the wrong thinking is identified that the tough work begins. Stage 4 is changing the assumptions or clarifying biblical thinking. It can be extremely difficult to change someone’s core belief system no matter how wrong it might be. Changing their belief system will not happen overnight but stage 5 can began once they understand the new belief. Stage 5 is securing the client’s commitment to act on the new belief. They must act as if it is already part of their belief system, even if they do not feel it. They must say, for example, “I choose to believe it and commit myself to acting consistently with it even though I do not feel like performing the necessary behavior” (p. 155). Stage 6 moves to client to the planning and carrying out the biblical behavior. The final stage comes when the client feels like something is wrong when they do not act according to the biblical belief system. Stage 7 is the identification of spirit-controlled feelings. “The development of an sense of quietness, togetherness, and peacefulness is a gratify and reassuring experience” (p. 159). It is at this final stage the client truly feels the Holy Spirit moving in their life. They have reached the move-up goal through hard work and transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

Christian Counselors Need to Know

Before a counselor can begin to work with hurting individuals there are specific things they need to know. First, what do people coming into their office really need? What are they looking for? Crabb states that all people are looking for is a sense of personal worth. They want to be whole and accepted. In order to achieve this sense of personal worth individuals need significance and security. Significance comes from feeling important and having real meaning and purpose in their lives. Security at its most basic level is the need to for unconditional love and acceptance.

Next counselors need to understand the motivation individual have to do what they do. Motivation is best viewed as the energy behind an individual’s actions. When an individual’s needs are not currently being met, they are motivated to take action. Crabb feels counselors need to understand that when a need is not met individuals function from a deficit motivation. If the client cannot find a way to met the need they will be motivated to protect themselves. Unfortunately, most of the behaviors chosen at this point are those designed to “anesthetize or compensate for the emotional pains of fleeing worthless (p. 85). They may choose drugs, alcohol, food, or one or more of many other behaviors designed to help them hide from the deficit, failure, or loss.

Finally, a counselor must understand what makes a person tick. Here Crabb describes the person or breaks down the personality into the unconscious and conscious mind, the heart (or basic direction), the will, and emotions. When a counselor understands how events are processed and the affects it has on a person’s basic assumptions. It is how he feels about the event to determine the individual’s reactions/behaviors. Wrong assumptions result in anxiety, guilt, or resentment. Anxiety, guilt, and resentment can lead to crisis and problem behavior. When the goal for change is biblically aligned is promotes complete transformation. Romans 12:2 says “do not be conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of the mind, that you may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” [KJV]. Well-prepared counselors can, with the help of the Holy Spirit move the person towards transformation.

Integration of Christianity and Psychology

Now if the goal is Christian maturity how does psychology fit in? Professional counselors spend years studying often in secular universities. They are taught many theories, theoretical models, and empirically tested techniques. How should a Christian incorporate or integrate psychology and Christianity into their counseling model? Dr. Crabb wants to make sure integration does not turn into a “tossed salad” with a little of everything thrown in. It is his view that Christian counselors should carefully test all models, theories, and techniques through the magnifying glass of God’s truth. His truth is found in the bible, in creation, and in His special revelation. God’s truth can be found in scientifically and empirical tested methods. The author reminds us that screening is not easy. If Christian counselors are not very careful, he will “tend to look at Scripture through the eyeglasses of psychology when the critical need is to look at psychology through the glasses of Scripture” (p. 48).

Goal of Christian Counsling - Dr. Larry Crabb

The goals of counseling are as varied as there are theories, models, methods, and counselors. Secular counselors tend to lean towards the goal of making the client happy. That is why the client is in their office. They want to feel good and be happy. According to Dr. Larry Crabb (1977) ‘there is nothing wrong with wanting to be happy” (p. 20). However, he goes on to remind us that a self-absorbed preoccupation with personal happiness can be an obstacle to finding profound, enduring joy. Therefore, Crabb’s goal of counseling is found in a biblical route to the joy found at the right hand of God, abiding in His boundless love. His goal leads to spiritual maturity. Crabb breaks down his goal in two parts. The over goal is responding to problem circumstances biblically or in obedience to God’s will. Responding in biblical obedience changes problem behavior but this is not enough. Counselors must work to change attitudes, change thinking, and create an atmosphere where clients can renew their mind. This is the up goal. The over goal is an external movement. The up goal however is an inward renewal and transformation.

Crabb, L. J. (1977). Effective Biblical Counseling: A Model for Helping Caring Christians Become Capable Counselors. Grand Rapids, Mi: Zondervan.

Why Precious Promises

Life is not easy. We all experience loss, hurt, illness, pain, and hurt. Christians are no different in that aspect. We live in a fallen world and experience the same pain as others. But there is a difference. We do not have to go through anything alone. We have the interacting presence of a truine God with us at all times. We can live on the Precious Promises found in the word of God. It is those promises that enable us to find joy, peace, love and happiness in every situation. Father thank you for your precious promises found in your word, in creation and in Your Son, Our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for placing your living spirit in us to guide us, give us peace, and the knowledge of your will for us today and everyday.

The begining, Precious Promises

2 Peter 1:4 whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises.....

Father, I don't know how you wish me to use this time and space. I place it in Your hands. Lead me, guide me, direct me. Give me wisdom and knowledge to share your love with others. Maybe I should share my learning and struggles to the benefit of others. Whatever You call me to do let me hear Your word an Your Will. Father, what are You calling me to do today! In the name of my Precious Savior I pray. Amen