An Interactive Guide to an Integrated Biblical Counseling Model
Synthesizing four key approaches for holistic soul care.
The Quest for a Holistic Framework
This application explores an integrated biblical counseling model, designed to provide a comprehensive toolkit for soul care. The contemporary Christian counseling landscape reflects an earnest pursuit of models that are not only deeply anchored in scriptural truth but also adept at addressing the multifaceted nature of human suffering. While many excellent, specialized models exist, counselors often find themselves needing to draw from multiple sources to adequately address the complex presentations of those they seek to help.
The purpose of this interactive guide is to synthesize four significant contributions to biblical counseling into a single, cohesive framework. By exploring the tabs above, you can delve into each pillar, see how they compare, understand the proposed phased counseling process that unites them, and discover practical tools for application. The goal is to move beyond reliance on a single approach to a more encompassing framework that achieves theological coherence, psychological soundness, and practical utility.
The Four Pillars of the Model
Explore the four foundational models that form the basis of this integrated approach. Click on a pillar below to learn about its core tenets, methodology, and theological significance.
The Phased Integrated Counseling Process
This integrated model proposes a flexible, four-phase counseling process. The goal is to facilitate an experiential appropriation of one's new identity in Christ, dismantle heart idols, heal from past wounds, and cultivate Christ-like character through relational health. Click on each phase below to explore its objectives and key interventions.
Comparing the Models at a Glance
The 19 Relational Brain Skills
A cornerstone of the Life Model (Wilder) is the cultivation of nineteen specific relational brain skills. These skills are critical for emotional regulation, secure attachment, and Christ-like character. They are developed through relational experiences, particularly in joyful contexts. Click on each skill to learn more about its purpose.
Practical Application: Case Vignettes
To illustrate how this integrated model can be flexibly applied, these vignettes show how the four phases might unfold to address specific, common struggles. These examples demonstrate how the strengths of each pillar can be woven together to provide holistic and transformative care.
Case 1: Sarah – Chronic Anxiety and People-Pleasing
Sarah, 35, presents with chronic anxiety, perfectionism, and an overwhelming fear of disapproval. This leads to exhausting and resentful people-pleasing behaviors, rooted in a critical upbringing.
Phase 1 (Safety & Connection): The counselor fosters a warm, non-judgmental space, actively showing joy (Wilder). They gently guide Sarah to recall a positive memory and perceive Jesus’s presence there (Lehman), introducing God’s unconditional love to counter past rejection (Solomon).
Phase 2 (Uncovering Dynamics): Using "X-ray questions" (Powlison), idols of approval, control, and security are identified. The Wheel Diagram (Solomon) illustrates how her "self-life" is driven by these idols, leading to anxiety.
Phase 3 (Healing & Repentance): The Line Diagram (Solomon) explains her new, secure identity in Christ. An Immanuel Approach session (Lehman) revisits painful memories of criticism, inviting Jesus's healing presence. She repents of her idolatry of approval (Powlison).
Phase 4 (Cultivating New Life): Sarah learns practical skills like "Act Like Myself" and "Godsight" (Wilder). Using a "Putting Off/Putting On" framework, she practices assertive, love-motivated actions and cultivates an Immanuel Lifestyle in a supportive community.
Case 2: Mark – Anger, Addiction, and Marital Conflict
Mark, 45, struggles with outbursts of anger, a pornography addiction, and escalating marital conflict. He feels immense pressure at work and a deep sense of inadequacy.
Phase 1 (Safety & Connection): The counselor models calmness, expressing acceptance despite Mark's struggles (Wilder). Initial Immanuel moments connect times Mark felt competent with God’s presence (Lehman), establishing safety.
Phase 2 (Uncovering Dynamics): "X-ray questions" (Powlison) reveal that his anger and addiction are driven by idols of success, control, and escape. The Wheel Diagram (Solomon) shows this "self-life" pattern.
Phase 3 (Healing & Repentance): The Line Diagram and teaching on identification with Christ (Solomon) help Mark grasp that his old self was crucified. A "Freedom in Christ Process" (Solomon/Anderson) addresses spiritual strongholds. He repents for his anger and idolatry (Powlison).
Phase 4 (Cultivating New Life): Mark learns vital relational skills like "Return to Joy from Anger" and "Take a Breather" (Wilder) to manage triggers. He works on replacing addictive coping with God-honoring habits, supported by an accountability group.