DSM5 and Bible Counseling Part 3

The DSM5 Treatment for Depression

• Therapy
• Lifestyle Changes
• Medication

Biblically-based Treatment for Depression

Though taking medicine is a controversial issue there are Bible-based counselors that do accept its use temporarily. We recognize there may be times of temporary, short-term medicative necessity until the client concludes, through the Holy Spirit that it is no longer necessary. This restoration begins with the client. The hope is while taking medication the client begins to identify from deep within what caused the depression in the first place.

The client may think they have nothing to repent for. It is the counselor’s objective to let the client know all of life’s problems are rooted in sin, whether self-inflicted or inflicted through other sources. The counselor seeks to build hope in the client that regardless of which way they found themselves, responding to life’s situations in a righteous manner is what matters. Bible-based counselors seek to use Yah’s responses over those made by man. We believe lasting, permanent change happens when the full restoration is made from a biblical perspective, using integrative psychology. For the client, this can sometimes be a daunting place, but the counselor is guided by the Holy Spirit in compassion.

Anxiety
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25

Notice Scripture relates anxiety to depression. They are not separated, yet many in ignorance are not aware of this. Often the counselor focuses on anxiety and depression as cause and effect. Addressing one helps to alleviate the other. This is healing to the soul.

The Convergence of Secular and Bible-based Therapy

Scriptures combined with the spirituality of self (heart, mind, behavior) in relation to Yah and the Ruach haQodesh both heals and strengthens the hurting person towards spiritual maturity. Compassionate Soul Care Ministry methods are tailored according to the perspective and perception of the client (psychology of the mind), and their biblical worldview as we begin to bring them under Yah’s submission thereby creating a fundamental shift of behavior and thought process as we draw them into partnership with biblical counseling. The client is viewed as ever-changing and always in the process of becoming more “In the Image of Yah.” (Ephesians 5:1-21). There are several therapies in use for helping others. Following is how they converge.

 

Systemic Therapy

Systemic Therapy aims at treating the underlying problem rather than focusing on the problem itself. At the soul level, this means rather than “treating depression” we help the client understand why they are depressed. Once they are ready to receive biblical instruction, we use biblical teachings to identify biblical characters who suffered depression, and their relationship to Yahuah, Yahusha, and the Holy Spirit (Ruach Ha Qodesh). Elijah, David, Hannah (I Samuel. 1:5), Jonah, Job, Moses, Jeremiah, and Yahusha Himself are only a small few we example to make them aware they are not alone, that there is nothing new under the sun and that there is no condition of man that Yah is not aware of and cannot help. Is my arm too short? (Numbers 11:12).

Philippians. 4:11-13; Isaiah. 26:3; Hebrews 13:6; Matthew. 11:29. “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms. 34:18. Also, in Lamentation 3:23, Yahuah’s love renews every morning. These are only examples to identify where and how Systemic Therapy finds identity in Scripture.

Depression is exampled because today it is a dominating crippling condition of society. Thirty-five million Americans (16 %) suffer from depression severe enough to warrant treatment at some time in their lives. In one given period, thirteen to fourteen million people experience the disorder. From the National Institutes (2003). This data is from 19 years ago, imagine the percentage for 2022.

Anguish as stated is attached to depression. Anguish is a deep hurt over difficult circumstances, emotional pain over loss, and soul-searching agony as problems mount. Luke 22:44 speaks to anguish. “And being in an agony (anguish) He (Yahusha) prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Yahusah understood depression and anguish. being made in the image of man He experienced the emotions of humanity. Bible-based counselors know that: “Yahuah our Elohim made Yahusha who had no sin to be sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Yahusha had the weight of the sins of the entire world on Him (1 John 2:2). It was sin that caused Yahusha to cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Psychodynamic Counseling

The goal is to aid clients in developing the psychological tools needed to deal with complicated feelings and situations. Spiritually this means looking at themselves from within the soul. Our soul is the immaterial part of being human, without flesh and blood and bone. Biblically speaking, the soul is the place of reasoning, communicating, experiencing emotions, memory, and social interaction, all of which can be observed in the natural sense as well as one’s relationship with Yahuah our Elohim. [Soul]

 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Combining both cognitive and behavioral approaches, CBT focuses on how thoughts and behaviors dictate a person’s feelings in a given situation. At the soul level this means how we respond to respond to any given situation such as lust, anger, grief, or hurt, all addressed in Scripture while being cognizant of our goal for spiritual transformation. Meaning, that at any given moment we learn how to respond in either a biblical or non-biblical manner. (Ephesians 4:14-32.)

 

Rational Emotive Therapy

It is the client’s belief about a situation, rather than the situation itself, that is the focus of treatment. Biblically this means rather than looking at the situation from a self-perspective we look at it from what Yahuah or His prophets or judges, disciples, or apostles had to say about it. Remember David and the prophet Nathan? In this approach, we help clients avoid self-defeating beliefs such as unforgiveness. Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

 

Reality Therapy

It is based on choice theory, which focuses on the power of individuals to control their behaviors. While not all aspects of life are within our power to change, such as the death of a loved one, human beings are always faced with opportunities to respond rationally or responsibly – or not. Spiritually this means with the help of the Ruach haQodesh and an understanding of biblical principles it is possible to make the right choices based on sound, and proven biblical teachings. Ask, Seek, Knock (Matthew 7:7-8; Luke 11:9-10).

 

Motivational Interviewing

Directing deliberate questions is designed to cause the client to look at the pros, cons, and consequences of the choices they make. On the Soul Level, this means simply understanding the Emet of living a Holy, Set Apart life.

 

 

 

Narrative Therapy

Enables individuals to become experts in their own lives. CSCM sees this as the individual re-creating their new life in Yahusha/Christ the Messiah. We help the client derive meaning from their stories, as they shape and influence how they perceive and respond to their Yah-filled world around them. Spiritually this is the classic example, “For I know the purposes which I am planning for you, says Yah; purposes of peace, and not for evil; to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Conclusion
The DSM5 has its helpful place in Biblical-Counseling. Whereas psychology and the DSM5 focus on the social science of psychology Integrative Psychology recognize the science (Yah’s Omniscience) of psychology and the principles of theology (Yah’s Omnipotence) with the guiding help of the Ruach haQodesh is what leads that soul into truth and healing.