title: Cognitive-Existential Family Therapy: A Proposed Theoretical Integration Model for Pastoral Counselors.
abstract: Fundamental Christianity and psychology are frequently viewed as incompatible pursuits. However, proponents of the integrationist movement posit that pastoral counselors can utilize principles from psychology if they adopt the premise that all truth is God's truth. Assuming this perspective, Cognitive-Existential Family Therapy (CEFT) - a theoretical integration model compatible with Christian fundamentalism - is proposed. The philosophical assumptions and models of personality, health, and abnormality are explored. Additionally, the article provides an overview of the therapeutic process.
authors.affiliation: Tennessee Army National Guard, USA james.a.saunders.mil@mail.mil.
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Saunders
mesh_terms: D002977:Clergy / Q000941:ethics*; D005086:Existentialism; D005192:Family Health; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010327:Pastoral Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D011368:Professional-Family Relations / Q000941:ethics*
keywords: cognitive restructuring; core schemas; existentialism; meaning-making; theoretical integration