Temperament Therapy – Arno Profile System

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:13-14

The Arno Profile System (APS), used in conjunction with Christian-centered therapy, is a powerful tool that measures and identifies the individual’s temperament in three different areas:

  • Inclusion – A person’s social orientation and intellectual energies.

  • Control – A person’s willingness or unwillingness to make decisions for self and others.

    It determines whether an individual is independent (a leader) or dependent (a follower).

  • Affection – A person’s interaction in deep relationships.

Drs. Richard and Phyllis Arno developed this therapeutic procedure over a seven-year study through a systematic research with over 5000 individuals. Their objectives were to base it on Scripture; to save clients and counselors precious time; and to produce effective, positive, and more immediate results with those being counseled.

This temperament profile has been proven highly successful in clinical studies. The counselor gains insight into the behavior tendencies of the client and then uses this evaluation to help each person understand their inborn temperament. This assessment clearly measures the strengths and weaknesses within a person’s temperament and therefore has been a proven tool to help people with personal growth issues and for improving group relationship dynamics. In using this profile, consideration is given to learned behavior, personality, family of origin, and birth order, as well as the individual’s relationship with God.

When temperament is combined with perceptions learned through family of origin, a person may develop patterns of behavior, styles of communication and forms of humor based on what was customary in their family. These customs may become an expected code of behavior by its members. These expectations can be surprising and even objectionable to others that have come to expect another set of rules. People from different families have typically learned different structural principles, values, and beliefs, even if both have been reared in a Christian home. When these family structures and personal inborn temperaments are blended together, it can seem as if the other person has come from a different culture.

The APS is an eye opening, in-depth assessment that helps individuals grow in their understanding and appreciation of themselves and each other. Once we understand how we are “wired” we can apply biblical truth to overcome weakness and strongholds and actualize our potential. Each individual will be given a personal report to take home that is full of insight into their temperament.