Integrative Counseling is developed from the understanding, that a person’s mental, physical and spiritual dimension are intimately connected and interact continuously.

For example psychological problems will affect the person’s physical health on one hand and the person’s spiritual life on the other.

And the other ways around also: The person’s physical health and lifestyle, for example, will influence the person’s psychology ( such as energy levels, motivation and moods ).

And his spiritual beliefsystems will determine his worldview and thereby influence his decisions which in turn then will impact both his psychology and physical health - for better or for worse.

But why integration in ONE approach ?

Dr. Peter answers:

“In order to obtain the best results as quickly as possible, we need to operate with a theory and a practical approach that appreciates the unique quality of the human person as a WHOLE INTEGRATED BEING. If we treat only a part of the person  the results are often less than satisfying to the client. We can do a marvellous job in doing  90 % right, and still not get the results we want, if we miss the remaining 10 %.  When a person’s mind, body and spirit are all brought in balance, an experience of fullness and meaning will come about.

As long as the three dimension are not in balance, a state of misery, discouragement, depression or hopelessness will unfold,  gradually worsening the state of the individual over time through a downward spiral.”

Why bring Christian spirituality into psychological counseling ?

“ I have come to understand  psychological problems as challenges to grow from - not mental illnesses to be cured for. I have no doubt, that a competent psychological counseling course sooner or later will uncover depths and intensities of human suffering that I think can best be understood and approached within the context of the Christian faith. I believe that most - if not all - psychological problems at the core have spiritual roots. And these roots go deeper into the human soul than psychology, by its very nature as a secular science, can dig.  Ironically speaking, then, psychology on its own will  fall short of solving psychological problems. Teaming up with the Christian faith, however, offers creative resources for psychological healing that it would be unscientific to ignore.

The Catholic faith

The Christian faith, of course, comes to us today in many different versions.  I have found that the Roman Catholic version of the Christian faith to me presents the one presented with most intellectual clarity and deepest understanding of the suffering person - in other words the best explanation of what it means to be a human person. The answers given here satisfy my intellect and give peace to my heart.  So I converted to Catholicism in 1991.

My program has for many years helped numerous hurting people from all walks of life, but is of course especially appreciated by Catholics, who either take their faith very serious in daily living or would like to get back to it.

Within this context the psychological problem can be seen as a unique and welcome opportunity to dive deeper into yet unknown areas of ones faith and discover the healing ressources available here for any troubled condition.

However, persons with a troubled mind, or a heart partially closed from too much pain, anger or bitterness, will have great difficulties exploring this potential on their own. Professional guidance will be required in many cases. Thus Integrative Counseling uses sound concepts and methods from modern psychology to cut through mental blockages and other psychological confusion in order to identify the underlying spiritual core of the problem. When  the problem is seen in a new light, new unexpected solutions may introduce themselves. “I never thought of it that way” is a joyful comment I hear from the client when we reach this layer.

Let me say it this way:

Our Catholic faith is like a bottomless well from which oceans of healing wisdom can be drawn for many conditions - as often as we thirst for it. Psychology can many times provide the extra rope we may  need to reach deep enough into the well ! “

Why integrate the physical health ?

There is no doubt, that mind and body is connected in a profound way. What we do to the body will always influence our mind, for better or worse. Our life style, (such as nutrition and habitual usage of stimulants, stress patterns and quality of rest) are tremendously important. These factors have generally a much  greater impact on our energy levels, mood levels, mental clarity and  well-being, than most of us are aware of or will believe as long as we have not experienced it. But Holy Scripture has many references to the importance of treating the body with great respect and care as the “temple of the spirit”. If we do not, behavioral health deteriorates and various symptoms of mental dysfunctioning may gradually begin to unfold and darken our spiritual capacities. We need a healthy body to host a healthy mind, and we need a healthy and pure mind to host a healthy spiritual outlook that can remain as open as possible to receive healing.

Grace, of course, is the overriding principle beyond our control, that can cut through to any person no matter what their state of health is. But we need do to whatever we can with the parameters that are within our control. And simple - but tangible - changes in the daily lifestyle can often accelerate the recovery process.

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