Demonic Influence and Mental Disorders - Chapter 8 of Counseling and the Demonic

Chapter 8 of Counseling and the Demonic by Rodger K Buffor

Introduction - from Counseling and the Demonic

Introduction of Counseling and the Demonic by Rodger K Buffor

Narcissism

Excerpt: Narcissism takes its name from the legendary figure Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection in a woodland pool and pined away in unrequited love, and has come to refer to self-love. It involves a vain and grandiose selfcentredness, and auto-eroticism, *hedonism, vanity, exhibitionism and arrogant ingratitude are commonly considered to be elements. The late twentieth century has been characterized as the age of narcissism because of its hedonistic self-centred focus

Paradox

Excerpt: ‘Paradox’ is derived from two words that literally mean against opinion. The Oxford English Dictionary (1989; vol. 11, p. 185) identifies several meanings for ‘paradox’. It may refer to: (1) claims contrary to common opinion, often suggesting that the statement is incredible, absurd or fantastic, but sometimes with a favourable connotation as a correction for ignorance; (2) a statement that seems self-contradictory, but which is actually well founded; (3) a statement that involves a genuine *contradiction; (4) in *logic, a conclusion based on acceptable premises and sound *reasoning that nonetheless is self-contradictory. These inconsistent uses of the term pose practical problems for communication, as the intended meaning may not always be apparent

Models of Mental Illness

Excerpt: Although the concept of mental illness is central to the field of mental health and the practice of counseling, there is continuing disagreement about its definition. Several views are widely held. Each has important implications for understanding mental illness, determining which conditions are disorders and who has them, and choosing appropriate approaches to treatment. This controversy involves several important issues

Counseling Approaches - Chapter 11 of Counseling and the Demonic

Chapter 11 of Counseling and the Demoni

Principles of Behavior Therapy and Behavior Modification (Chapter 5 from The Human Reflex)

This chapter examines the theoretical aspects of the application of behavioral psychology (technically, the experimental analysis of behavior) to the process of behavior therapy. Beginning with a brief history, we will then discuss the definition of behavior therapy and behavior modification, survey a conception of problem behavior that grows out of the behavioral approach, examine basic approaches to behavior therapy, look at specific behavior change techniques, discuss biblical parallels, and consider several areas of controversy

Exorcism

Excerpt: A ritual for delivering persons from satanic or demonic domination. It somewhat parallels deprogramming, popularized in the 1970s to free individuals from cult influences. Within the Roman Catholic tradition exorcism ( solemn exorcism ) is restricted to priests with specialized training and commissioning; it is normally used for those who are possessed or dominated by demons. Deliverance ( simple exorcism ) is for persons troubled by demonic influence in some area of their lives who earnestly desire to be freed. Deliverance requires only a simple prayer, such as In the name of Jesus Christ, unholy spirit, I command you to depart from this creature of God (Green, 1981), and may be practiced by all

Covert Sensitization

Excerpt: A form of aversion therapy in which a covert response such as a thought or an image is followed by an imagined aversive event. An individual may imagine himself relaxing in front of the television and eating a large bowl of hot buttered popcorn, enjoying the smell and taste; he then imagines the rolls of fat accumulating around his waist, having to buy new clothes, and being rejected by his girlfriend because of his weight. In covert sensitization the cognitive elements of the stimulus-response sequence rather than overt responses and external stimuli are dealt with. The goal is to block the thoughts and fantasies that precede undesired overt behaviors and increase their probability