Comparisons of REBT and Christian Counseling

Abstract

It was discovered through the researcher's supervisions that many Christian counselors and Christian clients realized there were similarities between REBT and Christian Counseling theories and they wanted to have a clear understanding of this. However, there are few research articles on the topic. Therefore, this study was to try to compare the similarities and differences of REBT and Christian Counseling theories, in order to help counselors' conceptual understanding of the two theories and provide suggestions for future development of REBT theory. This study was done through bibliography researches. The results show that there were similarities in the two theories on the human nature, in terms of human dignity, source of unhappiness, how to get peaceful mind and human emotion. And 4 counseling stages in the two were similar. But there were differences in pursuing counseling objectives: rational thinking in REBT, and following God's principles according to the Bible in the Christian Counselings. And REBT showed practically helpful techniques more in emotive, behavioral approaches for the clients. Several suggestions were made, such as applying meditation, making use of language and imagination, Socrates style discussion, passive attitudes and guilt feeling & etc. by collaborating the two theories for the development of REBT theory. And the need for future research was mentioned.