A combination of the principles of sound theology and sound psychology is the greatestdifference between RCBT-mentoring-counseling and secular counseling. In a one-on-one RCBT counseling session, three people are in the room (Holy Spirit, mentor, and client), as opposed to asecular counseling session where just two are there (therapist and client). Only in partnershipwith the Spirit of God can inner hearts be changed, souls cured, and empowerment for spiritualgrowth and maturity obtained, rather than simple behavior modification or alteration (Prov 4:23;Mark 7:21–23; John 17:16).
The idea that our thoughts and interpretations play an important role in influencing ouremotions and our behaviors is common to many world religions. For example, in theJewish tradition, King Solomon wrote ‘For as he thinks in his heart, so is he’(Proverbs 23:7). In the Christian tradition, “metanoia” literally means “change yourmind” or “change how you think,” which the Bible translated as “repent” (Matthew4:17). . . . Sacred scriptures can be used to help form more adaptive and accuratethinking, inconsistent with depression.
According to Pearce et al., “Religion, medicine, and healthcare have been related in one way oranother in all population groups since the beginning of recorded history.”
In RCBT, Gerald Corey emphasizes: “The ultimate goal of integration is to enhance theefficiency and applicability of psychotherapy.”6 The integrative perspective holds strongly to thesufficiency of the Bible, the sufficient and finished work of Christ, and the present work andministry of the Holy Spirit. It recognizes the close connection between the mentee’s emotional orpsychological well-being, level of faith, and scriptural knowledge and all other approaches thatsomehow support aspects of Christian truth. Effective comprehensive solutions to humanbehavioral complexities start with the authority of the Bible, general revelation, and specialrevelation.