CCC 27-4_LR 1

CLINICAL PRACTICE

The postulation of MI was based on the outcome of a research project that focused on human potential, which contributed to the writing of the book, Frames of Mind . In this book, Gardner documented the connec tion between cognition and biological and behavioral sciences, stating that it is the ability to solve problems in more than one culture (Morgan, 2021). He argued that an individual possesses more than one type of intelligence that goes beyond the traditional measure of intelligence, indicating several types of capacities (Morgan, 2021). Gardner (2011, p. 6) further mentioned that “virtues of feeling, faith and courage also have been leitmotifs over the centuries” in the search to describe intelligence. They have even sometimes been contrasted with the quest for knowledge. In addition, he posited that each intelli gence represents different ways individuals process information, learn, and develop potential. The initial intelligences included “linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinaesthetic, naturalistic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligence” (Davis et al., 2011, p. 485). The application of the MI theory contributed to increased innovation in the field of education and a deepened understanding of intelligence across cultures. The idea of multiple intelligences is further present in emotional, cultural, spiritual, and reparative intelligence concepts. These concepts have been explored in their application to mental health. For example, the utilization of reparative intelligence could help clients heal relational wounds and realize their human potential within the framework of a Christian worldview. Successful implementation of reparative intelli gence requires both emotional intelligence and spiritual intelligence. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is defined as the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and utilize emotions effectively in oneself and oth ers. Lang (2024) emphasized that EQ is crucial for achieving success in both personal and professional domains. The key components in EQ are self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, and empathy (Lang, 2024). The central importance of EQ for spiritual growth and conforming to the image of Christ has been highlighted by Bage (2024). Several emotions are central to a Biblical EQ and relate to developing an identity in Christ, such as love, compassion, motivation to please God, and seeking inti macy with Christ. Scripture references include Proverbs 3:5, John 16:33, Galatians 5:22-23, and Philippians 4:11-16. The application of Biblical EQ principles leads to a greater capacity to show love and godliness (Bage, 2025). Spirituality is described as a subjective experience associated with the essence of life, interpersonal relationships, relation with the environ ment, and specifically with transcendental thinking. It forms the founda tion for spiritual intelligence, defined as the capacity for transcendence and the adaptive application of spirituality, which means the ability to use spirituality in everyday problem-solving. It is the type of intelligence that helps people find meaning and purpose in life. Emmons (2000) suggested five dimensions for Spiritual Intelligence (SQ): the capacity for transcendence, the ability to have a higher state of spiritual conscious ness, the ability to consider the sacred in everyday life, the capability to solve life problems through spirituality, and the ability to engage in virtu ous behaviors. Reparative intelligence utilizes spiritual intelligence in the appli cation of spiritual truths to steer and motivate reparative actions. It is thus defined as the capability of utilizing spiritual beliefs to solve life problems. RI could be applied to achieve therapeutic goals that are articulated in the restoration of past hurts and the healing of dysfunc

The idea of multiple

intelligences is further present in emotional, cultural, spiritual, and reparative intelligence concepts. These concepts have been explored in their application to mental health.

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16 Christian Counseling Connection