Learning Clinical Integration: A Case Study Approach

Abstract

The present article identifies three waves in the integration of psychology and theology literature including apologetic, model building, and empirical validation, bringing the discussion to a fourth wave, clinical integration. Rather than a model or destination, clinical integration is an emergent phenomenon of the dynamic complexity of the particular therapeutic configuration and therefore is best learned through supervisory experience, which includes observing, hearing, and reading cases. Subsequently, the articles that make up this special volume are case studies. In addition, the article notes the lack of cultural and theological diversity in the integration literature so invited authors were selected not only for their scholarship, but also for being newer voices in the field and for their personal diversity. The rewards, challenges, and ethics of writing about clinical cases are also explored.

Benefits and Barriers to Professor Transparency

“…As we are increasingly engaging a postmodern and contextual frame-of-reference, conversations we are having, in public and private spheres, are shifting. For example, we are increasingly considering the complexity of culture, gender, social location, place, context, experience, and relationality (Counted & Watts, 2019; Neff & McMinn, 2020; Rowson & McGilchrist, 2017; Schore, 2014; Sandage & Brown, 2018; Strawn et al, 2018). As this shift occurs, it is opening up new conceptual spaces for complex conversations around social location, intersectionality, multiplicity, and intersubjectivity (Cooper-White, 2011; Fort, 2018).…”

Re-imagining Integration: Student and Faculty Perspectives on Integration Training at Christian Doctoral Programs

“…Ripley (2012) reflects that while philosophy and theology will remain important aspects of integration there is increased need to focus on “things relevant to the field of psychology, Christendom and society” (p. 152). Ripley’s push toward increased relevancy of integration is similarly reflected in more recent suggestions that integration is moving toward inclusion of theologically and culturally diverse voices as well as increased emphasis on case conceptualization and experiential learning (Strawn, Bland, & Flores, 2018). Contemporary integration emphasizes contextual, relational, and dialogical dimensions (Bailey et al, 2016; Neff & McMinn, 2020; Sandage & Brown, 2018), leading us to wonder what may be next for training in the integration of psychology and Christianity.…”

Clinical Integrative Practice: Second Issue

“…The CIP section exists within the long historic line of the in-depth clinical case study. Perhaps the integrative clinical case study is one of the most powerful ways to stimulate clinical integrative creativity and imagination (Strawn et al, 2018). So while there is an important, ongoing, ever increasing literature on clinical integration, there is still a need for more examples via clinical case studies.The CIP section of JPT is a once-to twice-yearly section of papers consisting primarily of case studies and critical integrative exchanges with psychotherapy theory and practice.…”