What do you think?
Rate this book
Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books
Embodying Integration: A Fresh Look at Christianity in the Therapy Room
Discussing spirituality and religion in the therapy room is increasingly accepted, some even forgetting that integration of psychology and Christianity was once a rare thing. Yet even as the decades-long integration movement has been so effective, the counselor's lived context in which integration happens grows increasingly complex, and the movement has reached a new turning point. Christian practitioners need a fresh look at integration in a postmodern world. In Embodying Integration, Megan Anna Neff and Mark McMinn provide an essential guide to becoming integrators today. Representing two generations of counselor education and practice, they model how to engage hard questions and consider how different theological views, gendered perspectives, and cultures integrate with psychology and counseling. "Many students," they write, "don't want models and views that tend to simplify complexity into categories. They are looking for conversation that helps them dive into the complexity, to ponder the nuances and messiness of integration." More than focusing on resolving issues, Neff and McMinn help situate wisdom through personally engaging, diverse views and narratives. Arising from conversations between an up-and-coming practitioner and her veteran integrator father, this book considers practical implications for the day-to-day realities of counseling and psychotherapy. Personal stories, dialogues between the coauthors, and discussion questions throughout help students, teachers, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in psychology and faith to enter--and continue--the conversation.
280 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2020
62 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Megan Anna Neff
7 books46 followersDr. Neff is a clinical psychologist, researcher, writer, and self-described accidental "Instagram Therapist" and content creator.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 23, 2021
I so enjoyed this book and the conversations that came from it both in and out of the classroom. It was a guiding hand that I would recommend to any therapist who is interested in integrating faith. There are definitely no “how-to” instructions, but it provides a framework for my future career! Yay!
June 18, 2022
This was required reading for my counseling program on integrating theology and psychology in psychotherapy. I found it to be incredibly encouraging and challenging. Highly recommend for anyone working to integrate their faith into the role of professional counseling.
February 19, 2025
Absolutely LOVED this book. As one of the endorsers said it is both 'theologically and psychologically sophisticated'.
However, rather then being focused on dry principles and theoretical analysis of what it means to integrate Christian faith and psychology, it moves our reflections on this topic into the domain of conversation and embodiement.
At the end of the day, whatever our theoretical understanding of integration is, - it's the way it informs and shows up in our conversations, it's the way that it influences us and how we are in the world and how we show up in the therapy room, - that really matters.
Highly recommended read for anyone interested in the topic of integration of Christian faith and psychotherapy. My students and I have enjoyed it as a textbook for our Christian Perspectives in the Helping Professions course.
However, rather then being focused on dry principles and theoretical analysis of what it means to integrate Christian faith and psychology, it moves our reflections on this topic into the domain of conversation and embodiement.
At the end of the day, whatever our theoretical understanding of integration is, - it's the way it informs and shows up in our conversations, it's the way that it influences us and how we are in the world and how we show up in the therapy room, - that really matters.
Highly recommended read for anyone interested in the topic of integration of Christian faith and psychotherapy. My students and I have enjoyed it as a textbook for our Christian Perspectives in the Helping Professions course.
December 9, 2023
Deeply thought provoking
October 8, 2025
About the Author:
Megan Anna Neff earned her Master’s of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. She is pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology at George Fox University. She is the daughter of the co-author, Mark R. McMinn. Mark McMinn is a professor at George Fox University, where he serves as the director of faith integration in the Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology. He earned his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University and he is the author of several other books (back cover and p. 1).
Purpose and Audience:
Embodying Integration is written for students, Christian counselors, and psychotherapists. The authors state a new generation of integrators created the need for the book. The new generation of integrators are asking difficult questions regarding the blending of faith and practice in counseling and are seeking answers in a conversational and contextual manner. Therefore, the authors are not seeking to provide a systematic study of theology and where theology intersects with counseling and therapeutic methods. Instead, Neff and McMinn employ conversational strategies centered around the questions and issues of integrating theology and psychology which students will face and current Christian counselors and psychotherapists are facing in the counseling room (p. 19-22).
Identification of key themes or ideas:
The book is divided into three parts. Each part consists of two chapters and a final conversation. The
first section addresses two ways counselors can help clients who are experiencing chaos and trouble;
lamenting and embracing the biblical wisdom of Ecclesiastes.
The second part of the book focuses on how a person thinks about God and how those thoughts, whether explicit or implicit, impact health and healing both for the client and the counselor. The client’s and the counselor’s understanding of different theological stances or theological narratives combine with personal narratives and influence achieving therapeutic goals according to the authors.
The final two chapters focused on the counselor’s view of the place of God in the world because a
counselor’s understanding of God’s mission and God’s place in the life of a client gives clarity to the
evangelistic and missional call of the Christian counselor in integrating theology and psychology in the counseling room.
Points of interest and points of personal agreement and disagreement
Points of interest
• The phrase “theology of witnessing” (p. 29), which was used in reference to being a witness to
suffering, and the similar phrase, “empathy of presence” (p. 86) were interesting. By calling attention
to the need for a theology of witnessing the suffering of others and by stating empathy is not a tool to
achieve a therapeutic goal, but rather presence in pain, the authors invite the Lord into the work of
simply being in the room with one who is hurting.
• I found myself very interested in the topic of buffered verses porous self. The discussion how a
buffered self leads to burnout due to isolation and exhaustion was personally enlightening and
convicting having personally experience burnout (p. 135)
• The chapter on lamenting was fascinating due to recent personal conversations concerning the need to simply say things aloud without seeking a solution and, therefore, finding a level of peace by putting words to personal pain or frustration.
Points of disagreement
• While I agreed with the authors’ belief God is already at work in the lives of clients prior to a
counseling session and therefore, counselors are freed from the pressure to resolve a client’s issues (p. 192-193), I disagreed with their application in Elena’s story (p. 190). The authors stated Elena’s story is a “powerful reminder that mission is embedded in God’s nature rather than our efforts” (p. 190). However, Christians are to be on mission with God. The Lord uses His people and their words to
affect change in others. God’s mission then is embedded in His nature and in His calling of His church
to be on mission with Him.
• Perhaps the terminology caused confusion, but I disagreed with radical acceptance (p. 91-93). Better
stated, I agree with radical acceptance in a global perspective. We live in a fallen world and things
will not always be without hebel. However, while we can acknowledge the truth of a fallen world and
the truth every individual is a fallen person, we should not accept there is nothing we can do to
overcome the effects of the fall in our own lives. Therefore, from a personal perspective, we should
not accept our plight and move on, but rather continually strive to live a life worthy of our calling. As
Christians, we have the Spirit of God within us. Life in the Spirit, by the Spirit, and through the Spirit
makes it possible to live rightly in a fallen world.
Points I agreed with
• I read and re-read the section on Ecclesiastes. At first reading, I was concerned with what I interpreted to be a fatalistic view of life. I walked away from my initial reading believing the authors were basically saying, “What will be, will be.” However, after re-reading the section, I garnered a better understanding. I do not understand the authors to be advocating for a hedonistic lifestyle, but rather for a lifestyle of contentment and trust. An attitude of gratefulness and enjoyment of life can be lived out even in difficult and painful times.
• I agreed the view of persons from Scripture is the humanity is good, yet fallen. Often times in
evangelistic zeal, Christians can focus on the badness or wickedness of sinful humanity. While a
person must understand sin before understanding the need for a savior, it is good to be reminded that
people are created in the image of God which brings inherent dignity and worth and value to every
individual.
Significance of the book to the counseling field:
My assumption, from an admittedly limited perspective, is the significance of integrating theology and psychology is one of major importance to Christian counselors and pastors. By writing from different generational perspectives and leaving room for questions and uncertainties, the authors highlighted the reality of the tension between the theological truths and the application of those truths in the complexities of life. The authors did not propose a model of integrating faith with psychology as a counselor, but advocated for allowing faith to inform psychology when speaking to and working with a client.
Critique of the overall work:
Overall, I found this book to be a great read and a challenge to personal preconceived ideas. As a pastor, I particularly found the use of Scripture in illustrating psychological concepts very engaging. The book was personally challenging as it opened my eyes to a different way a pastor and a counselor might work with and respond to chaos and pain in a person’s life. The book provided a better understanding that while everything might be black and white, there are numerous shades of black and white. Helping a person through integrating faith and therapy could simply be more of helping them move from one shade to another.
Usefulness of the book for potential clients:
I do not consider Embodying Integration useful for clients to read, however the ideas contained within
are useful for counselors in their work with clients and for students who are opening up greater spaces for theology to inform psychology and vice versa. I would not likely recommend for a client to read Embodying Integration because it is written for students, Christian counselors and psychotherapists, not for clients. However, if clients present with issues which can be traced to a certain theological perspective and a shift in their perspective would be beneficial, then I can see sharing portions of the book with them or using its conversations to further conversations in the counseling room.
Megan Anna Neff earned her Master’s of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. She is pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology at George Fox University. She is the daughter of the co-author, Mark R. McMinn. Mark McMinn is a professor at George Fox University, where he serves as the director of faith integration in the Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology. He earned his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University and he is the author of several other books (back cover and p. 1).
Purpose and Audience:
Embodying Integration is written for students, Christian counselors, and psychotherapists. The authors state a new generation of integrators created the need for the book. The new generation of integrators are asking difficult questions regarding the blending of faith and practice in counseling and are seeking answers in a conversational and contextual manner. Therefore, the authors are not seeking to provide a systematic study of theology and where theology intersects with counseling and therapeutic methods. Instead, Neff and McMinn employ conversational strategies centered around the questions and issues of integrating theology and psychology which students will face and current Christian counselors and psychotherapists are facing in the counseling room (p. 19-22).
Identification of key themes or ideas:
The book is divided into three parts. Each part consists of two chapters and a final conversation. The
first section addresses two ways counselors can help clients who are experiencing chaos and trouble;
lamenting and embracing the biblical wisdom of Ecclesiastes.
The second part of the book focuses on how a person thinks about God and how those thoughts, whether explicit or implicit, impact health and healing both for the client and the counselor. The client’s and the counselor’s understanding of different theological stances or theological narratives combine with personal narratives and influence achieving therapeutic goals according to the authors.
The final two chapters focused on the counselor’s view of the place of God in the world because a
counselor’s understanding of God’s mission and God’s place in the life of a client gives clarity to the
evangelistic and missional call of the Christian counselor in integrating theology and psychology in the counseling room.
Points of interest and points of personal agreement and disagreement
Points of interest
• The phrase “theology of witnessing” (p. 29), which was used in reference to being a witness to
suffering, and the similar phrase, “empathy of presence” (p. 86) were interesting. By calling attention
to the need for a theology of witnessing the suffering of others and by stating empathy is not a tool to
achieve a therapeutic goal, but rather presence in pain, the authors invite the Lord into the work of
simply being in the room with one who is hurting.
• I found myself very interested in the topic of buffered verses porous self. The discussion how a
buffered self leads to burnout due to isolation and exhaustion was personally enlightening and
convicting having personally experience burnout (p. 135)
• The chapter on lamenting was fascinating due to recent personal conversations concerning the need to simply say things aloud without seeking a solution and, therefore, finding a level of peace by putting words to personal pain or frustration.
Points of disagreement
• While I agreed with the authors’ belief God is already at work in the lives of clients prior to a
counseling session and therefore, counselors are freed from the pressure to resolve a client’s issues (p. 192-193), I disagreed with their application in Elena’s story (p. 190). The authors stated Elena’s story is a “powerful reminder that mission is embedded in God’s nature rather than our efforts” (p. 190). However, Christians are to be on mission with God. The Lord uses His people and their words to
affect change in others. God’s mission then is embedded in His nature and in His calling of His church
to be on mission with Him.
• Perhaps the terminology caused confusion, but I disagreed with radical acceptance (p. 91-93). Better
stated, I agree with radical acceptance in a global perspective. We live in a fallen world and things
will not always be without hebel. However, while we can acknowledge the truth of a fallen world and
the truth every individual is a fallen person, we should not accept there is nothing we can do to
overcome the effects of the fall in our own lives. Therefore, from a personal perspective, we should
not accept our plight and move on, but rather continually strive to live a life worthy of our calling. As
Christians, we have the Spirit of God within us. Life in the Spirit, by the Spirit, and through the Spirit
makes it possible to live rightly in a fallen world.
Points I agreed with
• I read and re-read the section on Ecclesiastes. At first reading, I was concerned with what I interpreted to be a fatalistic view of life. I walked away from my initial reading believing the authors were basically saying, “What will be, will be.” However, after re-reading the section, I garnered a better understanding. I do not understand the authors to be advocating for a hedonistic lifestyle, but rather for a lifestyle of contentment and trust. An attitude of gratefulness and enjoyment of life can be lived out even in difficult and painful times.
• I agreed the view of persons from Scripture is the humanity is good, yet fallen. Often times in
evangelistic zeal, Christians can focus on the badness or wickedness of sinful humanity. While a
person must understand sin before understanding the need for a savior, it is good to be reminded that
people are created in the image of God which brings inherent dignity and worth and value to every
individual.
Significance of the book to the counseling field:
My assumption, from an admittedly limited perspective, is the significance of integrating theology and psychology is one of major importance to Christian counselors and pastors. By writing from different generational perspectives and leaving room for questions and uncertainties, the authors highlighted the reality of the tension between the theological truths and the application of those truths in the complexities of life. The authors did not propose a model of integrating faith with psychology as a counselor, but advocated for allowing faith to inform psychology when speaking to and working with a client.
Critique of the overall work:
Overall, I found this book to be a great read and a challenge to personal preconceived ideas. As a pastor, I particularly found the use of Scripture in illustrating psychological concepts very engaging. The book was personally challenging as it opened my eyes to a different way a pastor and a counselor might work with and respond to chaos and pain in a person’s life. The book provided a better understanding that while everything might be black and white, there are numerous shades of black and white. Helping a person through integrating faith and therapy could simply be more of helping them move from one shade to another.
Usefulness of the book for potential clients:
I do not consider Embodying Integration useful for clients to read, however the ideas contained within
are useful for counselors in their work with clients and for students who are opening up greater spaces for theology to inform psychology and vice versa. I would not likely recommend for a client to read Embodying Integration because it is written for students, Christian counselors and psychotherapists, not for clients. However, if clients present with issues which can be traced to a certain theological perspective and a shift in their perspective would be beneficial, then I can see sharing portions of the book with them or using its conversations to further conversations in the counseling room.
October 1, 2021
A good introduction to the ways that integration can be done well in therapy. What I appreciated most about Neff and McMinn's book is that it showcases the ways in which they "do" integration rather than merely talking about a methodology for doing so. Many books on the topic get stuck in the realm of theory with little practical guidance. This book is the exact opposite.
The book reads like a collection of integration essays rather than a coherent body of thought, which makes for a bit of an uneven read. Some chapters are rich with counseling insights with theological and spiritual backing. Others are less interesting, though still offering some interesting reflections for those intrigued by the intersection of Christianity and counseling.
The book reads like a collection of integration essays rather than a coherent body of thought, which makes for a bit of an uneven read. Some chapters are rich with counseling insights with theological and spiritual backing. Others are less interesting, though still offering some interesting reflections for those intrigued by the intersection of Christianity and counseling.
January 8, 2025
I was eating this stuff up! it maybe wasn’t flawlessly written, but I gave it 5 stars for its points that felt so rich and important. as an emerging counselor, how can I integrate theology and psychology in a way that is both honoring to the person across from me and authentic to who I am? and what theological questions do I need to confront myself before sitting with others in the midst of their suffering and existential questions? this book speaks to those sorts of thoughts, although it’s meant to spark further conversations rather than provide straightforward answers. I really appreciated it.
May 10, 2021
Megan Anna's theology is all out of whack. I would only recommend this if you have sure foundations in the Word already, because she has some crazy (and dangerous) viewpoints. Mark doesn't seem to, but he only interjects on occasion- I wish he would have interjected more.
There were some points that were thoughtful and good to be challenged on, but overall, this book was angrifying! It's not particularly well put together, either. It's unorganized.
I was forced to read this for class, as most probably are. I do not recommend it for lay reading at all!
There were some points that were thoughtful and good to be challenged on, but overall, this book was angrifying! It's not particularly well put together, either. It's unorganized.
I was forced to read this for class, as most probably are. I do not recommend it for lay reading at all!
September 8, 2025
i loved the introspection and theoretical exploration of certain concepts (like lament and atonement) and how that relates to what counseling will look like with christian clients.
this book also helped me to look at my own relationship with faith in relation to the therapy space, but there were parts of the book that were a bit “been there done that” imo (nothing new lol).
at the end of the day, i think this quote puts it really well about faith in the therapy room but also about conversations in the world in general:
“Simple certainties that cover complex realities are barriers to curiosity and searching conversations”
this book also helped me to look at my own relationship with faith in relation to the therapy space, but there were parts of the book that were a bit “been there done that” imo (nothing new lol).
at the end of the day, i think this quote puts it really well about faith in the therapy room but also about conversations in the world in general:
“Simple certainties that cover complex realities are barriers to curiosity and searching conversations”
March 17, 2022
This book is a must-read for anyone pursuing counseling in a Christian-based setting, practice, or agency. It's hard to put down because it has a conversational tone even though it has a ton of research behind the topics. It's also very eye-opening to unknown (to me) histories of theology and it's also very open-minded to not on the acceptance of all people (regardless of religion, sexual orientation, gender, etc.) but the encouragement to work in the healing professions with an approach of empathy and grace. I'm very happy this was required reading in my MA program.
November 22, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I had to read it for one of my master’s program classes and at first I was like “this is an academic book, more like a textbook.” However, I was WRONG. Oh my, the authors shared a lot of great insights about the integration of Psychology and Christianity that really make you think, reflect, and grow in your faith as a mental health practitioner and even as a graduate student like myself.
Whether you’re a counselor-in-training or a mental health professional, read this book! 📖 🤍
Whether you’re a counselor-in-training or a mental health professional, read this book! 📖 🤍
May 10, 2021
I read this for my Christian counseling capstone class. I highly recommend it, not only to those in the counseling field, but anyone who wants to better understand how their theology impacts their day to day life, interactions with others, response to suffering, etc. It is challenging and creates great conversation.
October 6, 2023
I would recommend this book if you are primarily working for a Christian practice. There’s a lot of lines that can get blurred if you are not working at a Christian practice and can be difficult to emphasize with certain clients.
Overall I liked the perspectives for implementing certain theological thoughts in practice.
Overall I liked the perspectives for implementing certain theological thoughts in practice.
December 8, 2021
Challenging. Conflicting. Thought-provoking. Insightful. Let’s discuss!
Another assigned reading, but I loved it. I have only two regrets: 1) not being able to go slow to process and digest and 2) not enough opportunities to discuss. Would make for a great book club/study!
Another assigned reading, but I loved it. I have only two regrets: 1) not being able to go slow to process and digest and 2) not enough opportunities to discuss. Would make for a great book club/study!
December 9, 2021
Profound and thought-provoking. There were certain theological points on which we differed, but I never felt as if the authors were trying to convince me of their points of view. I appreciated the open conversational style of this book.
October 13, 2023
Read for my class (CNS 5306) - thought it was a solid introduction to the concept of Clinical Counseling with a Christian lens (what I’m studying) vs Biblical counseling - and how to be excellent as a clinical counselor while integrating your faith in appropriate ways.
June 14, 2025
Perhaps a game changer for Christian counsellors and therapists because it respects lived experience over abstracted theology or doctrine in supporting personal and formative spiritual transformation.
June 28, 2025
One of the required reading for my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health counseling. I liked the concept of the book and how they had conversations about integrations within a counseling setting. I probably wouldn’t have picked this book up by myself.
Want to read
May 20, 2021Densem recommendation
December 15, 2021
My favorite counseling book I’ve read so far!
November 2, 2022
FANTASTICALLY conversational and intriguing. Important for counselors but also humans in general.
December 2, 2022
Great insight into integration counseling and why it’s important. “Lament” section was crucial.
June 24, 2023
Read this for class! Very interesting topic! Would be great to read and discuss in a group setting.
October 5, 2023
Wonderful read!!!!
April 25, 2024
just so great
December 6, 2024
read a few chapters for a grad school class & found the chapters to be exceptionally well-written, thoughtful, and applicable for future and current counselors & therapists alike.
February 5, 2023
Assigned as part of Mental Health Counseling curriculum but very insightful. Highly recommended for anyone inside counseling or not.
September 5, 2025
Would recommend this book to any Christians considering going into counseling/psychology! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews