Counseling Theory: The Bondage Breaker
In The Bondage Breaker, Neil T. Anderson presents a very religious and somewhat controversial approach to therapy; he believes that some problems may be the result of demonic possession and his therapeutic approach incorporates traditional Christian methods for dealing with demonic possession. It is important to realize that Anderson does not believe all psychological problems are the result of demonic possession or even that they represent the struggle with sin. Instead, he believes that demonic possession and the concept of sin should be examined after ruling out organic and traditional psychological causes for problems. He points out that the belief that there can be metaphysical causes for real-world problems may go against modern scientific notions, but is supported, not just by Christian theology, but by the modern Western interest in what he refers to as the “two tiers” of reality: an upper transcendent world and a lower empirical world (Anderson, 2006).
He also believes that Satan is overtly interested in manipulating people on the earthly plane, and that reliance upon Christ can be a key to overcoming that manipulation, which manifests as mental illness. Anderson has a very basic theological approach to sin, in that he believes that earthly issues are inherently sinful. He believes Satan rules over Earth, while God rules over Heaven, though he also believes that every believer in Christ has authority over the “kingdom of darkness” (Anderson, 2006). He does not think of himself as an exorcist, nor does he believe that exorcism is necessary to free people from demons. Instead, he presents specific steps to spiritual wholeness: renunciation of any past involvement with non-Christian beliefs; changing self-talk to reflect truth; forgiving those who have sinned against the individual; submitting to God and resisting Satan; embracing humility; choosing freedom; and renouncing the sins and curses of one’s ancestors.
Strengths and Weaknesses
At first blush, many in the counseling community may want to dismiss the idea of possession as a possible source of mental illness. After all, the history of psychology demonstrates a development in understanding of mental illness that has transitioned away from the idea of demonic possession, rather than moving towards the idea of demonic possession. Therefore, one of the weaknesses to his theory is that it may not be accepted by many mainstream mental health professionals and may even be rejected by other Christian counselors who do not believe that the concept of sin extends to actual demonic or Satanic control over an individual. As a result, it could be difficult for a therapist embracing Anderson’s theories to work in conjunction with other mental health professionals. Furthermore, when one looks at the types of horrific abuses that some well-intentioned people have committed under the guise of exorcism, there is a concern that any discussion of possession will have people concerned about the ethical implications of such treatment.
However, the reality is that Anderson incorporates a comprehensive approach to treating patients with a suspected demonic possession. First, he does not suggest avoiding scientific approaches; he is not against medication or traditional counseling interventions. Instead, he suggests that when someone has proven resistant to scientific, earthly interventions, it may be appropriate to examine metaphysical causes and take a metaphysical approach to healing. Furthermore, it is important to examine the core steps of Anderson’s intervention theory. None of those steps would appear to have negative mental health consequences, even if a person was not suffering from a possession. The only possible negative consequence would be that mentally ill individuals who did not find release from suffering through his program would engage in self-blame linking their continuing symptoms to a lack of faith, but, if incorporated into a comprehensive program with traditional scientific mental health practitioners, it seems that a therapist could alleviate that side-effect.
Personal Reflection and Application
The core concept of this theory is a controversial one: demonic possession. The Christian community actively debates whether Satan and lesser demons are actively involved on Earth, offering temptation to human beings and possessing some of them. While many mainstream Christian denominations downplay the possibility of possession, my understanding is that almost all churches still have at least an unofficial means of recognizing demonic possession. Therefore, to embrace this theory, one must first embrace the concept that demonic possession occurs. My personal experience with demonic possession is limited to a friend who, after a suicide attempt in his youth, was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic because of auditory command hallucinations. He resisted treatment, certain that he was not schizophrenic. He continued to have what I considered auditory hallucinations, but went on a spiritual journey that he felt brought him closer to God. While he would continue to have command hallucinations that told him to harm himself or others, he resisted those commands, having placed them in the context of the Devil urging him to be harmful. Honestly, watching his experience, whether or not he was truly possessed by a demon became immaterial to the story of his recovery. He believed that he was, but he also believed that he had the strength to resist the commands to injure himself or others and he did so.
I do not know that I will ever encounter the unique combination of circumstances that would lead me to incorporate this therapeutic approach in my work with clients. I am far less certain than Anderson is that Satan is actively manipulating people in a way that would manifest as mental illness. Moreover, I am concerned that, because I am uncertain, using this approach would not be helpful. However, I do believe that the seven steps he outlined would be positive steps to incorporate in any Christian-based counseling approach and to not actually require a belief in an active possession.
References
Anderson, N. (2006). The Bondage Breaker: Overcoming Negative Thoughts, Irrational
Feelings, Habitual Sins. Eugene: Harvest House Publishers.
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