Counseling Books - Page 5

Released from Shame: Moving Beyond the Pain of the Past

Sandra D. Wilson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Do you feel

• that your problem is not what you do but who you are?
• caught in patterns of destructive relationships?
• that you never get enough affirmation?
• afraid you'll pass bad patterns along to your children?
• that God probably loves you less than others?

If these questions fit you, you may be experiencing shame. Often shame comes from being raised in a family that has an impaired ability to provide its members with healthy nurturing. As a result, you carry emotional scars into adult life, longing for happiness but feeling unworthy of it.Sandra Wilson knows much about "shame-based" families--both from personal experience and from her years as a family therapist. Drawing from this background, she teaches you biblical principles that have helped her and many others work through painful issues and learn new, healthier ways to live. In this revised edition, Wilson also includes help for parents who want to break the intergenerational cycle of shame and give their children a "grace-based" foundation for life.

Cultivating Wholeness: A Guide to Care and Counseling in Faith Communities

Margaret Zipse Kornfeld

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

Counselor In Community 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Cultivating Wholeness
Margaret Kornfield


Pastoral Care is a very important function of today's church. Pastors much choose how much of their time and energy they can put into this vital ministry. Margaret Kornfield wrote Cultivating Wholeness from her extensive training and experience with this subject. She provides a comprehensive textbook for pastors, rabbis, priests, and others seeking to understand themselves and the community they minister in.
Kornfield is more than qualified to write about any one of the many subjects she integrates in this text. She is a psychologist, theologian, sociologist, as well as an able educator and practitioner. She writes in a clear and intelligible style. She includes a very helpful bibliography as well as an extensive appendix, including charts and forms for the counselor.
In place of pastor or rabbi Kornfield uses the term "counselor in community". That is a very good description what a pastoral counselor should be involved with. It also sends a clear message for what Kornfield believes the counselor should be about.
In the opening chapter Kornfield discusses change, its various components and how it effects those who need the "counselor in community". She introduces us to the analogy that outlines the book when the comparison is made with the gardener. The closing chapter comes back to this theme of change, only now she wants to discuss the effect of change on "the gardener" In fact the last section is Our Changing Way, the first section deals with Tending Yourself This section is particularly helpful to the "counselor in community". Kornfield reveals her own heart and concern when she makes the following statement, "Maybe you are unaware of your personal condition because you have become absorbed in the lives of others." In order to be whole, she recommends that the pastor, lay minister and counselor in community be well connected to a community. That is where your best work can be done. Margaret Kornfield has given us an excellent work I highly recommend to pastors and ministers especially.

Editorial Review:

Designed for religious or lay people involved in counselling, this text provides a practical, comprehensive and contemporary guide to community care and counselling in religious contexts. It emphasizes the dynamics of change, on wholeness, and on community as not only the context for healing but the means by which healing happens.

Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse (AACC Counseling Library)

Diane Langberg

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Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

This powerful book deals with the issue of how Christians, especially those called to counsel, can help survivors of sexual abuse find healing and hope. From 20 years of experience, the author demonstrates how counselors can walk alongside people deeply wounded by sexual abuse as they face the truth about who they are, who their abuser was, and who God is as the Savior and Redeemer of all life. Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse issues a strong call to the church at large to walk with survivors through the long dark nights of their healing.

Diane Mandt Langberg, Ph.D., has been a licensed psychologist in private practice for nearly 25 years. She is a speaker at local and national conferences for clergy, women, couples, students, and professionals. Dr. Langberg writes the counselor column in Today's Christian Woman magazine. Her books include Feeling Good, Feeling Bad and Counsel for Pastor's Wives. Diane lives in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, with her husband and two teenage sons.

The Heart of Mentoring: Ten Proven Principles for Developing People to Their Fullest Potential

Robert Tamasy, David A. Stoddard

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Life changing principles that lead to a true legacy 5 out of 5 stars.
13 of 14 people found this review helpful.

This book really captures the essense of a successful mentoring relationship. Anyone who leads, coaches, manages or influences others should read this book - a few times. The principles have literally changed my life and have given me the understanding and confidence to now help others. After all, the legacy any of us can hope to leave can only be measured in the lives of other people.

Disappointed 1 out of 5 stars.
13 of 16 people found this review helpful.

I was looking for a book to describe a structure, do's and don'ts, and general guidance for developing a business oriented mentoring relationship/program. I found the book lacked any specificity to the business world as opposed to general living. Worse, I found that by reading the first sentence of each paragraph, I got the idea, rather than spending time going into each repetitive example. On the chance I was too negative about the text, I loaned it to an associate who is heavily involved with mentoring and he also found the book to be redundant with rather obvious recommendations. Purchase another text if you are looking for a guide to mentoring in the business world.

Editorial Review:

Author David Stoddard has discovered that in mentoring, giving often involves receiving, and receiving involves giving. By sharing your life with others, you will help them develop their values and priorities--not with a rigid formula or agenda, but in the natural course of a meaningful relationship.

In The Heart of Mentoring, you will see that sharing your life with others is the most rewarding gift you can give--and the most satisfying gift you can receive.

Pure Desire: Helping People Break Free from Sexual Struggles

Ted Roberts

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Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Compassionate, passionate, humorous, on-target 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Ted's personal experiences both in his struggle with sex addiction and in his career as a pilot provide a compelling unity to this book. He has a passion for helping the many people who struggle with this problem, but who are not receiving the help where they should be receiving it -- from their churches, who have the truth of the Bible, but often don't focus it in this area.

The book has a dual-fold purpose. Foremost, to help the person caught in the bondage of sex addiction. Secondly, to sound a "wake-up call" to churches who are letting these persons slip through the cracks. It is effective on both counts, though I think Roberts sometimes tries to address both simultaneously, and would be better off focusing on the sex addicts as his primary audience, then addressing the churches in dedicated chapters toward the end.

It is an easy read -- he writes in a conversational and "story telling" manner. He uses humor frequently and in good taste to help break the tension of a tough subject. There are also some helpful chapters from his wife offering her perspective on what it's like to heal along with her husband.

I've read many books on the subject, starting with SLAA's big book, the SA white book, and Christian books such as Every Man's Battle (Arterburn and Stoecker), Faithful and Tree (Laaser), Not Even a Hint (Harris), and the Purity Principle (Alcorn). I found something helpful in all of them, but Roberts' is one of the best. It has the "empathy" of the secular 12-step "big book" literature on sex addiction, but goes beyond self-defined bottom lines and "God as I understand him" to a much more Biblically grounded faith and vision.

Editorial Review:

Dr. Ted Roberts found Christ in the skies over Vietnam, where he flew life-and-death missions as a Marine fighter pilot. Unbeknownst to his wife, however, he also brought home from the war an addiction to pornography. Since his recovery, Dr. Roberts has spoken to thousands of men about similar problems, and he has reached an inescapable conclusion: Hell is using sexual bondage to tear the Church apart! Our world, our homes, our churches have become raging battlefields over this issue, and the Internet a stealth bomber from hell with pornography as its payload. More and more men-even Christian leaders-are fighting for their spiritual lives. Now churches can counterattack the enemy's assault with this effective battle plan and strategy for dealing with sexual addiction. It's a matter of spiritual life or death.

Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration

David N. Entwistle

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Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Intellectually addresses psychology and religion 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I am currently in a graduate counseling program, and by far this is on my short list of favorite texbooks. Entwistle's arguement validates psychology as a science, the pursuit of truth, and the realization that psychology and Christianity do not have to be at odds with one another. Yes, this book is not an easy read, but Entwistle expertly addresses a debate that all counseling students of a religious background must grapple with.

A Brief Abstract 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

In Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity David Entwistle (2004) discusses the integration of theology and psychology. One purpose of this book is to ground the discussion about this relationship in the context of worldview and philosophical issues that are prerequisite to integration, but which are rarely discussed in books of integration (Entwistle, 2004, 7). As one is able to see this book dives deeply into the principles of both theology and psychology. When one hears the word psychology more than likely they think of a secular science. This book illustrates that when psychology first began it was not founded on secular principles; it was later psychologist who created such secular theories. Wundt merely looked at how God had put the machinery of the mind together (Entwistle, 2004, 48). 'Freud's belief that psychopathology was caused by anxiety-motivated repression was popularly misconstrued as a tacit recommendation to rid ourselves of our inhibitions and unleash our darker impulses. Yet a fair reading observed in the free associations of his patients, rather than to sanction the contents as something to celebrate' (Entwistle, 2004, 49). The foundation of the book is to truly understand these two disciplines (theology and psychology) and to properly understand the integration.

Another aspect about this book is worldviews. Everyone has a worldview-a window through which he or she views the world, assumptions and beliefs that color what he or she sees (Entiwistle, 2004, 67). As one is able to see a worldview can alter one's perspective. The worldview helps the person to understand their perspective on how they choose to believe something. If one has a distorted worldview, then this will distort their thinking.

The book concludes by stating the chapter titled 'Truth and Two Books'. This title sounds almost unorthodoxy. Since our understanding will reflect theology and psychology rather than directly and perfectly reflecting scripture or creation, we must then look at the relationship between theology and psychology as interpretive disciplines (Entiwistle, 2004, 260). As one is able to see there is an extreme importance of the integrative of both psychology and theology. 'Finally, those who see integration as faithful reading believe that the origin of truth is in God's action in word and deed. Since our ultimate allegiance is to God, and since He is the author of both books, it is assumed that truth can be found through the study of the book of God's word and God's work' (Etiwistle, 2004, 275). This is basically stating that it is not enough for one to understand the word of God; it must be put to action. This book basically covers the integration of theology and psychology to be a mixture of two distinct disciplines which can be used to glorify God. In conclusion, one's worldview can also aid or distort one's perception of these two disciplines. Therefore it is imperative to have a sound worldview which has a firm foundation upon God's word in order to have the proper integration of theology in psychology.

(Written by Joy Mays)

Note: Another interesting development in psychology has been the provision of Online Counseling and Telephone Counseling. I have found this clinical guide to be very helpful: The Therapist's Clinical Guide to Online Counseling and Telephone Counseling: The Definitive Training Guide for Clinical Practice

The Mark of the Christian

Francis Schaeffer

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A down and dirty litmus test for Christians 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I first read this book as a young Christian and now am impressed with how many of the concepts I have adopted in my own creed. I detest pop Christian symbols and the urge to define a Christian by market forces. Schaeffer attempts to challenge the reader into not only glimpsing in the mirror, but to really make changes accordingly.

The Final "Apologetic"... 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

As with most of Francis Schaffer's books... though written in the 1970's it seems like it was written yesterday. A short but powerful book looking at John 13 & 17 and what he calls is the "Final Apologetic". He basically asks "How will they know we are Christians?" And expounds on that. A highly reflective book. A book we need today. A Must Read.

Excellent book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Schaeffer writes a book here that is challenging and very needed. He simply takes two statements of Jesus on how we should love one another and strive for peace and unity instead of discord and pride, and demonstrates the crucial need to follow these verses. A Christian is supposed to be a bearer of love and peace to every other human being (Christian or not; you can promote peace and show love without sacrificing truth). This book along with his "True Spirituality" are both on the top of my list of messages that have made the most impact on me. All of Schaeffer's work is good but this book is one of my favorites. I second the motion that this is a must read for any Christian.

Editorial Review:

In this brief challenge, late philosopher-theologican Frances A. Schaeffer encourages Christians to respond effecively and compassionately to a needy world.

Preparing for Marriage: Leader's Guide : The Complete Guide to Help You Prepare Couples for a Lifetime of Love

David Boehi, Brent Nelson, Jeff Schulte, Lloyd Shadrach

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Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Perfect find! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I was overjoyed to discover this resource and certainly recommend it's use for anyone seriously interested in preparing for a biblically based, Christian marriage. The questions and personal projects are an excellent aid to any pre marriage training and should be offered as "required reading" for engaged couples.

Great Intro 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

My wife and I used this resource before getting married. It was a great start for setting the foundation for a Godly marriage. Looking back I know it was helpful for several reasons: 1) communication - sharing our needs/learning each others 2) brought up topics we had not discussed that are vital before you say "I Do" 3) confirmed that she was the one....we saw how much in common we had and how much our worldviews were equal. It confirmed we were on the Gods path, in His will. We would recommend it to engaged couples.

Editorial Review:

As a supplement to the book Preparing for Marriage, this leader's guide is an invaluable tool for pastors, Christian marriage counselors, and mentor couples to help engaged couples build a vision of marriage firmly established in Jesus Christ.

Perfecting Ourselves To Death: The Pursuit Of Excellence And The Perils Of Perfectionism

Richard Winter

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Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Perfect body. Perfect clothes. Perfect family. Perfect house. Perfect job.

We strive for excellence in all areas of our lives. And there's nothing wrong with a healthy, mature pursuit of excellence. But what begins as healthy and normal can sometimes become neurotic and abnormal, leading to debilitating thoughts and behaviors:

eating disorders anxiety and depression obsession and compulsions fear of failure relational dysfunction

In Perfecting Ourselves to Death, Richard Winter explores the positive and negative effects of perfectionism on our lives. He looks at the seductive nature of perfectionism as it is reflected in today's media. He examines the price and perils of perfectionism. And he explores the roots of perfectionism, delving into what originally awakens this drive in us. After analyzing the negative feelings and defeatist behaviors that unhealthy perfectionism births, he provides practical strategies for how to change.

"The important thing to see," writes Winter, "is that we are to strive to become better people, not just to be content with who we are or how we measure up to the standards of the culture around us." For Christians this means becoming more like Christ in every area of our lives.

Here is the "perfect" book for those who struggles with perfectionism and for those pastors, counselors and friends who want to understand and help perfectionists.

Caring for People God's Way: Personal and Emotional Issues, Addictions, Grief, and Trauma

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Wonderful Counselor 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This book is a must have for all ministry leaders. There is such a great wealth of information within this book. If you are a Christian counselor this book will be a tremendous asset.

Editorial Review:

Caring for People God's Way presents Christian counseling in a systematic, step-by-step manner that outlines the process as practically as possible. It then applies the process to the most common issues faced by Christian counselors: personal and emotional issues, trauma, grief, loss, and suicide.