Personal Theory Paper
Working Document (Taking Notes)
(Dr. Brian Campbell)
Take Notes!
First, familiarize yourself with the topics that will be required in your “Personal
Theory Paper” (PTP). Go over the headings given below so you can keep in mind
what types of information you are reading the theorist’s book.
As you read the various books assigned to you, keep in mind that you will want to
take notes on the topics that are to be included in your PTP. I recommend that
after each chapter, you should run through the following handout and determine if
the theorist conceptualizes the constructs that are required to be included in your
PTP. Once again, focus on the headings given in the PTP outline.
As you develop your personal theory, you will need to compare and contrast your
theory with the theories of others. For example, ask yourself whether the theorist
you are reading mentions the concept of “personality.” If so, what does he/she
say about it? How does the view of the theorist regarding personality
compare/contrast with the theory you are proposing?
As you find information on a particular topic, I recommend that you highlight it in
your book and enter a “bullet” underneath the heading. Make sure you give a
page number so you can go back and find any quotation you might want to use.
Here is an example of a bullet that would go under the topic of “Where are
Problems Developed?” You might want to color code these bullets. I have
utilized “blue” for the notes.
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Wilson (2001, pp. 56-58) talks about “lies” about abuse that parents use with
children and the toxic effects of these lies
The introduction section (1st section) does not follow the same format as the other
sections. In the subsequent sections, the theory of CCBT is presented first, in
green. Questions regarding the author’s views on each topic are given in red font.
At the end of the day, when you go to write your paper, you should be able to
expound upon your theory of Christian Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CCBT)
and compare/contrast the theory with that of other theorists. Although you will be
taking notes on each theorist, for each section, you will not use all of your notes
and all of your information. You will select theorists from your notes that help
you compare/contrast your theory with theirs.
Blessings,
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What is Important for Understanding Human Personality?
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To understand human personality, it is important to understand the nature and
impact of beliefs that people hold
What is a belief?
Belief: something we assume to be true
Not all beliefs are, in reality, true
Some beliefs systems are adaptive and lead to mental health
Other belief systems are maladaptive and lead to mental illness.
Many things we believe in are lies
The “lies,” or irrational beliefs, are taught to us by the “world”
“Truths” come from the Bible and the Holy Spirit.
What we believe can have profound effects on our lives
Beliefs affect thinking, behavior, and emotions
The role of the Christian counselor it to help clients identify irrational beliefs,
challenge them, and replace them with Biblical truths
The introduction is typically written last. It is a brief introduction to your
theory—an overview. Begin with the importance of beliefs in determining mental
health and mental illness. The opening sentence is very important. Identify the
basic process of intervention—identify; challenge; replace with the truth. How
does the theory relate to traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy? Point out that
as you develop the theory, you will compare and contrast it to other Christian
counseling theories.
[Utilize your information from the other sections below to draw upon for this
section of your PTP]
Personality
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Our personalities are shaped by our underlying beliefs
The most important concept for understanding human personality is the concept
of “belief"
Personality can be thought of a complex set of beliefs held by an individual
Personality is formed when parents pass on their beliefs to their children
Personalities differ because of the nature and types of beliefs that people hold
Different personality styles emerge as a result of different underlying belief
patterns
The core beliefs of individuals are reflective of their personality
Personality is also affected by biology—genes, underlying sensitivities, etc.
Personality disorders occur when an individual’s core beliefs are maladaptive
Does this theorist talk specifically about personality?
How does the theorist conceptualize personality?
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What shapes a person’s personality?
Are we born with a certain personality?
Is personality shaped by nature and/or nurture—biology or experience?
Does personality change over time?
Is there a characteristic “personality” associated with being a Christian?
What type of personality did Christ have?
How do our core beliefs shape our personalty?
Does belief in Jesus Christ alter our personality?
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Adams:
Anderson:
Backus & Chapian:
Cloud & Townsend:
Crabb:
Hart:
Wilson:
Motivation
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Beliefs are a source of motivation, or lack thereof
What we believe motivates us to act and behave in ways consistent with our
beliefs
Motivation can be affected by different sets of underlying beliefs
Motivation can be affected negatively or positively depending upon our
underlying beliefs
Motivation to be giving, caring, and loving, can result from belief in Jesus Christ
and the truths in the Bible
Motivation to make money and get rich can result from a belief materialism
Lack of motivation can stem from faulty underlying beliefs
If people believe that they are dumb or stupid, they may lack motivation to get an
education
If a person is taught that he/she is lazy, this can affect motivation
Does the theorist explicitly talk about the concept of motivation?
Are there similar concepts mentioned the author?
What would the theorist claim motivates behavior?
What motivates people to behave in certain ways?
According to the author, what is the “driving force” that influences behavior?
How do beliefs influence or motivate behavior?
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Adams:
Anderson:
Backus & Chapian:
Cloud & Townsend:
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Crabb:
Hart:
Wilson:
Human Development
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Human development is a key factor in the development of beliefs
Most beliefs are learned
Parents are a key influence on the development of belief systems
The Bible exhorts parents to train their children “in the way they should go.”
Parents “teach” their beliefs to their children
Parents pass along beliefs about the world, themselves, others, and God
The beliefs that parents teach children can be “positive” or “negative”
Parents are often the source of “toxic” beliefs
Beliefs accumulate over a lifetime
The secular world is a major source of irrational beliefs (lies)
Children typically don’t evaluate the “truth” of beliefs
They typically just accept what we are taught as true
As children develop, their belief systems change
Young children believe just about anything their parents tell them
In many instances, parents teach children false beliefs, or “lies”
As children mature, they start to question their beliefs
In children, their immature brain sets limit on their thinking capabilities
Their beliefs are “simple and childlike.”
As the brain develops, the ability to develop more complex belief systems
develops
Therapy with children typically involves correcting the “false beliefs” taught by
parents or the world (such a bullies)
We teach children the truth about God and how God “views them.”
Are developmental factors important in the author’s theory?
Does the author discuss/conceptualize developmental factors that might influence
behavior?
How would the author’s theory relate to children?
Would the author’s theory be applicable to children? Adolescents? Elderly?
Would children be included in the author’s conceptualization?
Would the elderly be included in the author’s conceptualization?
Is the author’s theory applicable throughout the lifespan?
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Adams:
Anderson:
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Backus & Chapian:
Cloud & Townsend:
Crabb:
Hart:
Wilson:
Individual Differences
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Beliefs differ from one individual to another
No two people have the exact same set of beliefs
Not everyone believes the same thing
Different nationalities hold different sets of beliefs.
Different races and cultures hold different sets of core beliefs
Gender (male/female) also affects core beliefs that individuals develop (are
taught) about themselves and the world around them
Individual differences in beliefs result from different experiences in the world
Is the author’s theory equally applicable to all individuals, regardless of race,
gender, culture?
Does the author’s theory take into account individual differences in life
experiences?
Do treatment techniques promoted by the author take into account individual
differences? Are they tailored to meet the person’s individual needs?
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Adams:
Anderson:
Backus & Chapian:
Cloud & Townsend:
Crabb:
Hart:
Wilson:
Where Are Problems Developed?
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The root cause of problems is belief in “lies”
Problems develop as individuals are taught lies throughout their lives
Development of false beliefs usually start in childhood
The secular world is a source of false beliefs, or lies.
Satan is a source of lies
Pastors, teachers, etc. are also a source of lies
According to the theorist, how and why do problems develop?
What is the root cause of problems?
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How do problems develop over time?
What factors make problems get worse?
What factors make problems get better?
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Adams:
Anderson:
Backus & Chapian:
Cloud & Townsend:
Crabb:
Hart:
Wilson:
Working Definition of Health
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Mental health is associated with belief in the “Truth”
Belief in Jesus Christ
Belief in the truths of the Bible
Belief in truths revealed by the Holy Spirit
Mental health is characterized by “Fruits of the Spirit”
Jesus Christ is the source of all truth
Jesus is the “way, the truth, and the life
Belief in Jesus Christ is the “starting point” for true mental health
Belief in Christ brings us to acceptance of, and belief in, the truths of the Bible
The Holy Spirit (the “Great Counselor”) is also a source of truth
Believing the truths of the Bible results is mental health
Our journey into mental health is a journey into the truth
The truth sets human beings free
Evidence of mental health can be seen in the Fruits of the Spirit
How does the theorist conceptualize mental health?
What does a mentally healthy person “look like?”
How would he/she define mental health?
According to the theorist, what would a mentally healthy person “look like?”
According to the theorist, what would make a person mentally healthy?
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Adams:
Anderson:
Backus & Chapian:
Cloud & Townsend:
Crabb:
Hart:
Wilson:
Working Definition of Illness
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Most psychological problems can be traced to “false beliefs”
Mental illness is associated with the belief in “lies”—about ourselves, our world,
and about God
Maladaptive core beliefs affect thinking, behavior, and emotions
“False beliefs” or “lies” typically lead to psychological problems, and “mental
illness.”
False beliefs negatively affect thinking, behavior, and emotions
Faulty beliefs (lies) can separate us and distance us from God
How does the theorist define mental illness?
How does the theorist conceptualize mental illness?
According to the theorist, what makes people mentally ill?
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Adams:
Anderson:
Backus & Chapian:
Cloud & Townsend:
Crabb:
Hart:
Wilson:
Psychological and Spiritual Illness
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Belief in lies results in both psychological problems (thinking, emotions, and
behavior) and supernatural spiritual problems (separation from God)
Failure to believe in our Lord and Savior is the ultimate “spiritual illness”
Our flesh and spirit are both affected by belief in lies and failure to believe in
Jesus Christ
Does the theorist distinguish between “psychological” illness and “spiritual”
illness?
How important is the work of the Holy Spirit in the theorist’s conceptualization?
Does the theorist believe that all illness is “spiritual” illness?
Does the author’s theory promote spiritual development as a path toward mental
health?
Does the author’s theory emphasize a personal relationship with Christ?
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Adams:
Anderson:
Backus & Chapian:
Cloud & Townsend:
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Crabb:
Hart:
Wilson:
Role of Integration and Multitasking
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CCBT fully integrates psychology (CBT) and theology
CCBT is an extension of secular CBT
Secular treatment techniques and truths emerging from Cognitive therapy are
incorporated into CCBT
Secular treatment techniques and truths emerging from Behavioral Therapy (and
behavior modification) are incorporated into CCBT
CCBT involves multitasking.
Assessment of irrational beliefs involves obtaining data from a wide variety of
sources
Information from many different “levels of analysis” is used to help determine the
cause and subsequent development of irrational beliefs
Client history, background information, interview, questionnaires, and checklists
Psychological tests such as the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory—III (MCMIIII) are also utilized
Information on medical problems, physical disorders, etc. is also relevant to
determine the impacts of these problems on the client’s belief system
Does the author’s theory draw upon multiple sources of information to assess
problems—i.e., does the theory promote multitasking?
Does the theory promote different “levels of analysis?”
Does the author seek to obtain information from a variety of sources that might
have bearing upon the origin and development of problems?
Does the author include any type of formal assessment process? Data collection?
Testing?
Does the author believe in integrating theology and psychology?
Does the author believe that all truth is God’s truth?
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Adams:
Anderson:
Backus & Chapian:
Cloud & Townsend:
Crabb:
Hart:
Wilson:
How to Source Problems and Structure Effective Interventions
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Multiple sources of data are obtained to identify the possible cause for the
person’s irrational beliefs
Clinical interview, client history, questionnaires, and formal psychological testing
are utilized to assess the cause of irrational beliefs.
Educational history, family history, religious history, medical history, and work
history are all evaluated and considered possible causes of irrational beliefs
After underlying irrational beliefs are determined, the counselor develops
effective techniques to challenge, “break up,” and replace the irrational beliefs
with biblical truths
How does the author seek to identify the cause of an individual’s mental health
problems?
According to the author, are there multiple factors that may relate to the cause of
mental health problems?
Are formal test procedures used when attempting to determine causation?
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Adams:
Anderson:
Backus & Chapian:
Cloud & Townsend:
Crabb:
Hart:
Wilson:
Key Elements of My Theory
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Identify irrational beliefs
Challenge irrational beliefs
Replace with Biblical truths
The Truth sets you free
Do the theorists have components in their theories that are similar to yours?
What types of factors are similar?
How does your theory differ from other theorists?
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Adams:
Anderson:
Backus & Chapian:
Cloud & Townsend:
Crabb:
Hart:
Wilson:
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Process and Techniques
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Identify irrational beliefs (lies)
o Client history
o Clinical Interview
o Checklists
o Questionnaires
o Formal psychological tests
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Challenge irrational beliefs
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Questioning: “Thoughtbusters”
Scriptures
Prayer
Cognitive refutations
Help client make behavioral changes that “argue against” irrational beliefs
Behavioral Experiments: to test the validity of the irrational belief
Replace with biblical truths
o Positive corrective statements that focus on the truth
o Scripture memorization
o Changing activities
Does the theorist have a standard set of procedures to follow to bring about
change and mental health?
Does the intervention involve formalized assessment?
Does the theorist use “intervention tools.”
What techniques/tests/tools does the author advocate in order to accomplish
change?
How do the author’s techniques differ from those of other theorists?
What is the “process” or “flow” of therapy?
What “steps” or procedures are typically involved in the treatment process?
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Expectations of Effectiveness
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CCBT is expected to be highly effective
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Draws upon an already established body of scientific literature which has clearly
established the efficacy and superiority of CBT for treating psychological
disorders
Does the theorist give statistics on how many people improve with his/her
therapy?
Is there empirical data on the results of utilizing the author’s theory?
Is the theory similar to other “tried and true” treatments?
Does the author’s theory relate to an already established body of scientific
findings?
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Adams:
Anderson:
Backus & Chapian:
Cloud & Townsend:
Crabb:
Hart:
Wilson:
How Does My Worldview Influence My Theory?
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To embrace CCBT, the counselor must possess a worldview that integrates
secular and religious
Belief that “all truth is God’s truth” is a fundamental assumption of CCBT
A Christian worldview is fundamental and is at the heart of CCBT
Belief in Jesus Christ, the Truth of scripture, the power of prayer, and the power
of the Holy Spirit all essential to the theory
What is the “Worldview” of the therapist?
Does his/her training and background influence his/her theory?
To what extent do you think that the therapist is “biased” because of his/her
worldview?
Have culture, background, and life experiences influenced the author’s theory?
What is your own Worldview, and how might this affect your theory?
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Theoretical Considerations and Worldview Dimensions
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CCBT is limited to counselors with a Christian worldview
The theory is robust in that it draws upon scientifically established treatment
techniques and extends them into the Christian faith
What is a theory?
Definition: “a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something,
especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be
explained.” (Google)
Has the author developed a formal theory of the cause and treatment of mental
illness?
Is the author’s theory simple or complex? Elaborate?
Is the author’s theory vague?
Is the author’s theory testable? Can you do experiments, based on the theory, in
order to test the validity of the theory?
Does the author’s intervention involve prayer? Scriptures?
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Adams:
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Cloud & Townsend:
Crabb:
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Wilson:
Approach to Integration
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Integration lies at the heart of CCBT
CCBT fully integrates secular treatment techniques with truths derived from the
Christian faith
CCBT is an “extension” of traditional CBT to include biblical truths
Does the theory integrate both psychology and theology?
Is the integration explicit or implicit?
Based on McMinn’s conceptualization, how would you characterize the author’s
model of integration?
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Adams:
Anderson:
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Cloud & Townsend:
Crabb:
Hart:
Wilson:
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Conclusion
Try to briefly pull everything together here?
What are your general conclusions about the model you have developed and how
it compares/contrasts with the other theorists you have read?
What have you attempted to accomplish in this paper?