Abstract

The practice of clinical mental health counseling benefits from the integration of a Catholic Christian meta-model of the person. This paper will briefly define and describe a paradigm that guides the practice of clinical mental health counseling. It will then demonstrate how a Catholic Christian view of the person aligns with and extends the dimensions of the practice paradigm resulting in a deeper understanding for the conceptualization of both presenting clinical concerns and their respective treatment. After describing an integrated model for professional practice, two brief case studies will illustrate its application. Finally, implications for clinical practice and recommendations for research are discussed.