Counseling Books

Every Man's Battle: Winning the War on Sexual Temptation One Victory at a Time (The Every Man Series)

Stephen Arterburn, Fred Stoeker

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Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Theology -> Ethics

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 161 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

a womans viewpoint 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I really hope people read this from a womans viewpoint. The thing that gets me heated about this is that this is NOT HOW WOMAN THINK! I wish women would get real with their feelings. This is no shock! If you think women don't have battles exactly like this then you would be wrong. Men get sexual gratification through their eyes. Women get sexual gratification from touch and the pursuit of them. Women know what they are doing when they dress a certain way. Im a married woman and when I see a goodlooking guy I honestly think and wonder how he is in bed. I to tell myself not to go to far with the way I think about that guy. The danger for women is that they want to be touched and they want EVERY man to want them. Its just how we are wired. We are all human so if you think this is just a man's problem then u r wrong! Women who are in touch with their bodies struggle also. So the fact that women are shocked by this makes me think they need to truely evaluate themselves. Sorry if this offends anyone but its the truth!!

Editorial Review:

the challenge every man faces...the fight every man can win

From the television to the Internet, print media to videos, men are constantly faced with the assault of sensual images. It is impossible to avoid such temptations...but, thankfully, not impossible to rise above them.
Shattering the perception that men are unable to control their thought lives and roving eyes, Every Man's Battle shares the stories of dozens who have escaped the trap of sexual immorality and presents a practical, detailed plan for any man who desires sexual purity-perfect for men who have fallen in the past, those who want to remain strong today, and all who want to overcome temptation in the future.




Includes a special section for women, designed to help them understand and support the men they love.

The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict

Ken Sande

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 38 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The Peace Maker By Ken Sande 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I have been attending a bible study at my church which is based on the book, The Peace Maker by Ken Sande. I was so impressed with the book and with the study that I ordered a copy of the book for each of my three adult children. The book is well-written and is an "easy" read. I only wish I could have had access to the book thirty or forty years ago! Any adult could benefit from the reading and study of this excellent book.

Editorial Review:

Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." But it often seems like conflict and disagreement are unavoidable. Serious, divisive conflict is everywhere-within families, in the church, and out in the world. And it can seem impossible to overcome its negative force in our lives. In The Peacemaker, Ken Sande presents a comprehensive and practical theology for conflict resolution designed to bring about not only a cease-fire but also unity and harmony. Sande takes readers beyond resolving conflicts to true, life-changing reconciliation with family members, coworkers, and fellow believers. Biblically based, The Peacemaker is full of godly wisdom and useful suggestions that are easily applied to any relationship needing reconciliation. Sande's years of experience as an attorney and as president of Peacemaker Ministries will strengthen readers' confidence as they stand in the gap as peacemakers.

Christian Counseling 3rd Edition: Revised and Updated

Gary R. Collins

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Truly a Comprehensive Guide 4 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Gary Collins does a fine job of writing a truly "Comprehensive Guide." Some readers may find Collins too much of an integrationist. In order to fully understand Collins view of integration, you may want to read his work The rebuilding of psychology: An Integration of Psychology and Christianity. This will help you truly grasp Collins view before you read through Christian Counseling. In a nutshell, Collins advocates that psychology can be rebuilt, but only from a Christian perspective. From that point, you can utilize discovers from secular psychologist.

What makes this book "user friendly" is the organizational factor. As with many counseling books, you have to read them from cover-to-cover, but this book is designed so you can read any chapter without reading the entire book. This is an important factor for those that are trying to help people with a particular problem. Each chapter is laid out as follows (11)...

1. Case Example
2. Introduction
3. What the bible says
4. Survey of causes / effect
5. Counseling considerations
6. Suggested ways to prevent the problem

Even if you do not agree with Collins rebuilding approach, you will certainly find a significant amount of information for helping others. This is definitely the type of book that you will pull off of your shelf more than once.

Editorial Review:

This proven guide in pastoral counseling has been extensively expanded and revised by the author to include recent developments and research, new resources, and attention to newly urgent needs such as AIDS, eating disorders, homosexuality, and violence. Written with clarity and sensitivity, this volume builds on biblical foundations and the best resources of professional psychology. It reflects the insights the author has gained from many years of Christian counseling.

New Sections include:

• The Legal, Ethical and Moral Issues in Counseling
• The Multicultural, Multiracial Issues in Counseling
• Conflict and Relationships
• Dealing with Death and Grief
• Alcoholism and Other Substance Abuse
• Crises and Trauma
• Counseling and Terrorism

Who Needs Theology?: An Invitation to the Study of God

Stanley J. Grenz, Roger E. Olson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

"What must we be, say, and do?" 4 out of 5 stars.
13 of 13 people found this review helpful.

One of the reasons I enrolled in seminary back in 1999 was to cure my theological ignorance. I was tired of being misled by autocratic pastors and high-sounding authors. After I began school, it didn't take long for me to see how naive I was about God. Although it raised all sorts of new questions, a seminary education was worth the time and money. That's because it forced me to continually ask myself the question used for this review's title, which Grenz and Olson claim is theology's fundamental query (94).

However, not every Christian can attend a Bible college (or even wants to). Even so, he or she should have 1) a well-defined theology, and 2) critical thinking skills. "Who Needs Theology?" helps encourage the believer along this path. It is the authors' desire that Christians leave behind credulity and the half-truths of "folk" theology in favor of a more profound lay, ministerial, or even professional level of theology. Of course, there are some pitfalls of theological study. A student can neglect their heart and embrace what the authors call "academic" theology, which is so cognitive that it has no practical worth. However, we should not be afraid of such detours. They can be avoided by remaining in community with other Christians and maintaining a personal relationship with God.

"Who Needs Theology?" isn't overly dry and dense. The authors write in an accessible manner, and even use examples from the "Peanuts" comic strip to drive home some theological points. Their explanation of the differences between Christian dogma, doctrine, and opinion helped me understand these categories better. Practical advice is saved for the last chapter, where study resources and methods are recommended. However, I wish the authors had spent more time emphasizing the value of the classroom. Studying alone is good, but ultimately it's like trying to learn karate out of a book. As with martial arts, the best way to learn theology is from a gifted teacher and by interacting with others. They do recommend teaching as a way to learn, which is a good point. But taking on that role prematurely can be perilous and should be done with care.

One of my theology profs had struggling students read this book and write a report for extra credit. That would have been a valuable exercise for the whole class, because "Who Needs Theology?" is a great introduction to the value of critical thinking and crafting a solid theological foundation. If you're curious about theology, or wonder why you should bother to study it, start here before diving into deeper waters.

Editorial Review:

To many Christians theology is something alien, overly intellectual and wholly unappealing. Even seminary students are known to balk at the prospect of a course on theology. Yet theology--most simply, the knowledge of God--is essential to the life and health of the church.In this short introduction, Stanley Grenz and Roger Olson, two theologians who care deeply about the witness of ordinary Christians and the ministry of the church, show what theology is, what tools theology uses, why every believer (advanced degrees or not) is a theologian and how the theological enterprise can be productive and satisfying. Their clear, easily understood book is ideal for students, church study groups and individual Christians who want to strengthen understanding, belief and commitment by coming to know God more fully.

Modern Psychotherapies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal

Stanton Jones, Richard Butman

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Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Psychology & Counseling -> Psychotherapy, TA & NLP

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Combines scholarly discussion with Biblical insights 5 out of 5 stars.
20 of 24 people found this review helpful.

I have just completed my classes for a doctorate in counseling psychology and have had dozens of books assigned as texts over the years. To be honest, most of them sit in one of my "backroom" bookcases. This book is one of the exceptions.

This work covers the major theories of pscyhotherapy and makes you feel like someone who has a firm grasp of them when you read it. The review from a Biblical viewpoint really gives you a lot to think about. The authors are also very objective, not showing favorites among the various schools of thought. This book is a must for every student and teacher of counseling and psychology.

Editorial Review:

First Christians feared and avoided the modern practice of psychotherapy. Then many uncritically embraced it. This book represents an emerging third stage in the complicated relationship between faith and psychology. That stage is the critical, theologically informed appropriation of psychotherapy.Stanton Jones and Richard Butman, respected Christian scholars and experienced clinical psychologists, survey the thirteen most significant psychotherapies now in use. They fair-mindedly introduce each therapy and evaluate its compatibility with orthodox Christianity. Opening and closing chapters discuss foundational concerns on the intergration of psychology and theology, and present the author's justification of "responsible eclecticism."Among the first of its kind, this comprehensive volume will be of invaluable assistance to teachers, students of psychology, and Christian psychologists and counselors.

Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling (AACC Library)

Mark R. McMinn

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The American Association of Christian Counselors and Tyndale House Publishers are committed to ministering to the spiritual needs of people. This book is part of the professional series that offers counselors the latest techniques, theory, and general information that is vital to their work. While many books have tried to integrate theology and psychology, this book takes another step and explores the importance of the spiritual disciplines in psychotherapy, helping counselors to integrate the biblical principles of forgiveness, redemption, restitution, prayer, and worship into their counseling techniques.

Mark R. McMinn, Ph.D., is professor of psychology at Wheaton College Graduate School in Wheaton, Illinois, where he directs and teaches in the Doctor of Psychology program. A diplomate in Clinical Psychology of the American Board of Professional Psychology, McMinn has thirteen years of postdoctoral experience in counseling, psychotherapy, and psychological testing. McMinn is the author of Making the Best of Stress: How Life's Hassles Can Form the Fruit of the Spirit; The Jekyll/Hyde Syndrome: Controlling Inner Conflict through Authentic Living; Cognitive Therapy Techniques in Christian Counseling; and Christians in the Crossfire (written with James D. Foster). He and his wife, Lisa, have three daughters.

Competent Christian Counseling, Volume One: Foundations and Practice of Compassionate Soul Care

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The authoritative new reference guide that equips counselors, pastors and church leaders, and caregivers for an effective ministry of soul care.

Under the guidance of the highly respected American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), more than 40 leading Christian professionals have come together to provide this comprehensive, authoritative, and up-to-date reference guide for professional and lay counselors, pastors, and leaders in training.
Competent Christian Counseling offers you:
• the best contributions on spiritual formation and pastoral care from Scripture as well as from giants of church history
• the latest research, theory, and successful practice methods in Christian counseling
• a practical, 21st century model of Christian counseling that is not only “counselor friendly,” but also facilitates effective, biblical client change--all geared to help people mature in the ways and wisdom of Jesus Christ.
Competent Christian Counseling, edited by Timothy Clinton and George Ohlschlager, is destined to be regarded for years to come as the authoritative, trustworthy resource for Christian counseling.

Strategic Pastoral Counseling: A Short-Term Structured Model

David G. Benner

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

A helpful book providing a realistic model 4 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

Benner begins this book by discussing the context in which Pastoral Counseling is to take place. He maintains that the challenge for pastors has "been to find a model of counseling that is both distinctively pastoral and psychologically responsible" (p. 13). This is so because Pastoral Counseling (counseling which is genuinely pastoral) must be subsumed under the general rubric of the Pastoral Ministry. In other words, the pastor is not a clinical psychologist and he should not counsel like one. He is a pastor and he must counsel those in his congregation with the selfless, caring nurture which is to characterize those who are responsible to look after the spiritual well-being of Christ's flock.
In the chapter entitled The Uniqueness of Pastoral Counseling, Benner provides what I believe to be the most useful information in the entire book. Here, in addition to defining what he means by Pastoral Counseling, he explores the training, the role, the context, the goals, and the resources of Pastoral Counseling. As I will only be able to touch on one of these elements, let it be known that Benner remarks that "pastoral counseling is unique in its use of religious resources. Prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, anointing with oil or laying on of hands, and devotional or religious literature are all...available as potential resources for the counseling process. The failure ever to employ any of them suggests an erosion of the distinctively pastoral aspects of one's counseling" (p. 29). Lest there is any question of Benner's commitment to Christianity, see his comments under the heading, Explicitly Christian Counseling, on pages 57-61.
It is obvious that Benner wants to be able to provide real-life pastors with a Pastoral Counseling model that will work in real-life situations. In fact, this seems to be the main thrust behind the whole idea of a strategic short-term model. He realizes that most pastors are either too busy, or not properly equipped to undertake a massive, long-term counseling approach. Besides, he explains that a counseling session need not be excessively long in order to be effective. A key to undertaking the short-term approach is for the pastor to be up front with the parishioner about the nature of the counseling model. Benner suggests that an individual be seen over the course of five sessions..."The limit of five sessions should be communicated no later than the first session and preferably in the prior conversation when the time is set for the first session" (p. 45). This is absolutely crucial to the short-term model.
The body of the short-term model is composed of three stages, each with their respective tasks (see Table 4, p. 64). In the encounter stage (1 session), the boundaries of the sessions are set, the central concern and any relevant history is explored, a pastoral diagnosis is conducted, and both the Pastoral counselor and the parishioner agree upon a focus for the counseling. In the engagement stage (3 sessions), the feelings, thoughts, and behavior of the parishioner are examined. As well, resources for coping and/or change are sought after and explored. In the disengagement stage (1 session), the progress of the meetings is evaluated and any remaining concerns are assessed. At this time, a referral is given (if one is needed), and the counseling session is terminated. It must be kept in mind, as Benner points out, that "the person seeking help may be back again at some point in the future for further help. There is no assumption that Strategic Pastoral Counseling fixes people up for life" (p. 45).
Towards the end of the book (chapter 5), Benner provides a case study where we are given opportunity to see this short-term model in action. This is valuable in that it provides opportunity to see this model fleshed-out. The Appendix includes the results from a survey of Pastoral Counseling practices giving opportunity to see the pulse of those involved in counseling.

Editorial Review:

Therapeutic counseling in a Christian context can be highly effective when it maintains narrowly focused goals in a time-limited setting. The details of this proven model of pastoral counseling are described in this practical guide. This second edition of Strategic Pastoral Counseling has been thoroughly revised and includes two new chapters. Benner includes helpful case studies, a new appendix on contemporary ethical issues, and updated chapter bibliographies. His study will continue to serve clergy and students well as a valued practical handbook on pastoral care and counseling.

The Reciprocating Self: Human Development In Theological Perspective

Jack O. Balswick, Pamela Ebstyne King, Kevin S. Reimer

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Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

On the basis of a theologically grounded understanding of the nature of persons and the self, Jack O. Balswick, Pamela Ebstyne King and Kevin S. Reimer present a model of human development that ranges across all of life's stages: infancy, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood, elder adulthood. They do this by drawing on a biblical model of relationality, where the created goal or purpose of human development is to become a reciprocating self--fully and securely related to others and to God.Along the way, they provide a context for understanding individual development issues--concerns, tensions, worries or crises encountered by the self in the context of change. Awareness of these issues is most pronounced at developmental transitional points: learning to talk and walk, beginning to eat unassisted, going to school, developing secondary sexual physical features, leaving home, obtaining full-time employment, becoming engaged and then married, having a child for the first time, parenting an adolescent, watching children move away from home, retiring, experiencing decline in physical and mental health, and, finally, facing imminent death. Throughout, Balswick, King and Reimer contend that, since God has created human beings for relationship, to be a self in reciprocating relationships is of major importance in negotiating these developmental issues.Critically engaging social science research and theory, The Reciprocating Self offers an integrated approach that provides insight helpful to college and seminary students as well as those serving in the helping professions. Those preparing for or currently engaged in Christian ministry will be especially rewarded by the in-depth discussion of the implications for moral and faith development nurtured in the context of the life of the church.

Every Man's Battle Workbook: The Path to Sexual Integrity Starts Here (The Every Man Series)

Stephen Arterburn, Fred Stoeker

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Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

A practical guide for individuals and men’s groups designed to help you win the war on sexual temptation…the comprehensive workbook you’ve been waiting for: the companion workbook to the liberating message proclaimed in Every Man’s Battle.

Every Man’s Battle Workbook guides you through serious Bible study, intense examination of your personal life, and an honest application of biblical truth. In these practical, real-life lessons–easy to use by individuals or groups in both 8- or 13-week tracks–you’ll find:
• Realistic help straight from God’s Word to actively train your eyes and your mind.
• A special focus on the standard set by God in Ephesians 5:3: “There must not be even a hint of sexual immorality.”
• Highlighted excerpts from the best-selling book, Every Man’s Battle.
• “Personal Journey into God’s Word” sections including reflective explorations of topics such as God’s holiness, your power for victory, God’s view of true manhood, God’s gift of purity, your deepest desires, and many others.

Let Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker guide you through self-discovery and Bible study, equipping you with a practical battle plan to live a pure life God’s way–even in the midst of a sexually soaked culture.