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This case study applies the model put forth by McMinn and Campbell (2007) in their recent volume Integrative Psychotherapy: Toward a Comprehensive Christian Approach. While readers of this journal may think primarily of the relationship between psychology and theology when thinking of integration, McMinn and Campbell discuss Integrative Psychotherapy (IP) as "integrative in two dimensions: theologically and theoretically" (p. 15). The theological integration seeks to define Christian psychotherapy as an endeavor based on a biblical anthropology. Theoretical integration involves drawing from various therapeutic modalities, including standard cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and relational therapies, without having a disorganized "eclectic" approach.
Integrative Psychotherapy
The focus of this article will be on a case example of IP; however, it is necessary to briefly review the major tenets of IP. (Of course for a comprehensive study of IP, I direct the reader to the 2007 book.)
Foundations
McMinn and Campbell devote two chapters of their book to the foundations of IP. The first that they discuss, probably not coincidentally, is the Christian foundation. As mentioned above, IP begins with a biblical anthropology. This is different from other "Christian" therapy models that unfortunately often make use of the following formula: standard therapy + Bible verses = Christian therapy. McMinn and Campbell said it this way: "For responsible Christian psychotherapy to occur, a Christian worldview must provide the foundational bedrock upon which an integrative system is built" (p. 25). A key part of the Christian worldview is the creation of people in the imago Dei. Borrowing from Erikson's (1985) work, McMinn and Campbell discuss at length the functional, structural, and relational views of God's image. They also recognize that psychologists also have functional, structural, and relational perspectives in trying to understand the actions of people. Hence, IP considers intervention at those three levels (to be discussed more below).
The second foundations chapter of IP is devoted to the scientific foundations of the model. McMinn and Campbell (2007) were careful to review literature on psychotherapy effectiveness, models of therapy, and the process of change. They found that indeed, most therapy works, and most of it works equally well. Because the value of a variety of therapeutic modalities is recognized, IP uses a domains of intervention approach rooted in empirically-supported models of cognitive therapy.