Religious counselling Books

Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisWith godly guidance and practical experience, counselor and social worker Leslie Vernick helps readers recognize emotionally destructive relationships and addresses the symptoms and the damage with biblical tools. Readers will discover how to reveal behaviors that are meant to hurt, confront and speak truth, and build an identity in Christ.Trade Review“Leslie Vernick powerfully communicates essential truths for anyone even questioning whether they are the victim of abuse. This book is a must–read—not only will it educate the reader to take the necessary steps to freedom, but it will also prevent future destructive relationships. Thank you, Leslie, for having the courage to write this much needed book!”—Michelle Borquez, author of God Crazy and host of I–Life Television’s Shine“The Emotionally Destructive Relationship provides a critical first step down the path of healing and growth for those who find themselves stuck in abusive relationships...with no idea how they got there and no idea how to get out. Those who suffer in these relationships and those who want to help them will find a humble fellow–traveler in Leslie. As always, Leslie meets the sufferer and the sinner with compassion, truth, concrete direction, and lots of hope. I look forward to using this book with my counselees”—Winston Smith, MDiv, director of counseling services and faculty member at Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation“Emotional abuse is often overlooked, but it is toxic to spirit, mind and brain chemistry. The church rarely tackles it even though the Bible significantly covers it. Leslie wonderfully and practically addresses this tough topic that cripples the body of Christ and our witness to the world."The Emotionally Destructive Relationship will be a catalyst to help you see your own story as abuser and victim—and a catalyst to help you let the Holy Spirit empower you to renew your mind and transform relational skills so you will be a lighthouse of hope, shining God’s glory for all to know His love and grace.”—Karl Benzio, MD, psychiatrist; founder and executive director of Lighthouse Network“Periodically books come along that fill a significant need in the world of Christian counseling. This is one of those books. Leslie Vernick’s new work helps persons caught up in harmful relationships gain perspective on what has gone wrong and what needs to be made right.“The Emotionally Destructive Relationship avoids confusing psychological lingo and places the emphasis where it belongs, on the heart of men and women who must seek Christ in order to make changes in themselves in order to make changes in their relationships. Readers will first find themselves in these pages as a victim of harmful or abusive relationships; as enablers of harmful relationships; and perpetrators of harmful relationships.“Vernick’s treatment of each situation is evenhanded, tull of clinical insight, practical and concrete, and most important, biblical. Readers will walk away with a plan of action on how to change themselves and how to change the patterns of their relationship. I intend to use this book both for the persons I counsel and the graduate students learning how to counsel others.”—Jeffery Black, PhD, associate pastor of Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia, licensed psychologist, chair and professor of the masters in Christian counseling at Philadelphia Biblical University“Here is a book I deeply wish didn’t need to be written, but also one I am so grateful Leslie Vernick has had the courage to write. You will be moved by her compassion, be appreciative of her candor, and be helped by her professional skills honed in the trenches of real life.”—Gene Appel, lead pastor, Willow Creek Community Church“Often the Christian community negates or minimizes the destructive nature of emotional abuse, which destroys the spirit of an individual and leaves invisible wounds that scar the soul. The Emotionally Destructive Relationship connects emotional abuse to its spiritual roots and provides practical tools to help victims heal. The biblical solution is found in the condition of heart, the renewing of the mind, and the refocusing on one’s relationship with the Lord.“This book challenges readers to take a united stand against emotional abuse...the cancer that is destroying our families. Our ministry will utilize this book as a valuable tool to train pastors and support group leaders, and in ministering to families in crisis.”—Brenda Branson and Paula Silva, FOCUS Ministries, Inc., authors of Violence Among Us: Ministry to Families in Crisis“If you have been wounded or trapped in a destructive relationship, you are not alone. Your life story isn’t over. These are the life–transforming themes of hope that Leslie affirms as she shares her healing journey, encouraging others to discover what’s wrong in their relationship and find a biblical understanding of God’s solution. As you apply what you read, you will learn how to let go of destructive ways and will heal and grow to become healthier and changed by God’s loving grace. A must–read for everyone longing for assurance of God’s love.”—Dr. Catherine Hart Weber, coauthor of Secrets of Eve and Unveiling Depression in Women; adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary“If you came from an emotionally healthy family, are contentedly single or happily married, and have good relationships with every one you know, consider yourself very fortunate! Reality for the rest of the world often involves difficult, painful, and even destructive relationships. Leslie Vernick addresses some of the toughest situations women (and men) face in her book, The Emotionally Destructive Relationship. Written from a biblical rather than psychological perspective, the book gives principles of healthy relationships based on Scripture. If you resonate with what this book covers, I would encourage you to read it for your own understanding and direction. If you are a ministry leader or ‘people–helper,’ please make an effort to get this book. It will give you vital knowledge and skills for being a channel of Christ’s love and wisdom to others.” —Poppy Smith, international speaker and author

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Book SynopsisSecret Freedom is a practical guide to help any individual overcome keeping secrets. Ilonka Deaton explores the pitfalls and struggles people carry when they keep secrets and the resulting effects. She guides each reader into a journaling experience to not only explore their own story but to walk deeper into a place of healing and freedom. Secret Freedom provides real life stories as examples and readers find a meaningful avenue to explore their own struggles. Through this practical guide, readers gain a stronger emotional voice and learn how to fly again.

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Book SynopsisDiscipleship that Deeply Changes Your Relationship with Others As Part 2 of the Emotionally Healthy Discipleship Course, Pete and Geri Scazzero developed Emotionally Healthy (EH) Relationships over a 27-year period to directly address core biblical principles to guide you and others into an experience of discipleship that will deeply change your life.In EH Relationships Expanded Edition, everyone will learn eight practical relationship skills to develop mature, loving relationships with others, such as: Stop Mind Reading and Clarify Expectations Climb the Ladder of Integrity Incarnational Listening Clean Fighting And since loving others and loving God cannot be separated, each person will also grow in their personal, first-hand relationship with Jesus by incorporating stillness, silence, and Scripture as daily life rhythms. Part 2 of the Emotionally

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Book SynopsisWhy should we care about marriage? There is a lot of confusion about the purpose of marriage today: outside the church as well as within it. Written by a distinguished Christian sociologist, Christian Marriage is a theologically rich, biblically robust, and sociologically informed treatise on the nature and value of marriage. Drawing on recent social science research, empirical data, and social history, Ayers paints a picture of marriage as an institution meant for human flourishing. Along the way, Ayers addresses such topics as: Dating and selection of a spouse The importance of premarital counseling Sex and procreation Mentoring and supporting unmarried believers Divorce and remarriage Current controversies surrounding premarital sex and same-sex marriage Though the book is academically and theologically informed, it is written with a pastoral heart. It seeks to provide a rich resource for pastors and counselors on a topic of supreme importance to a vibrant church and society.

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Book SynopsisThe New York Times bestselling author of the classic The Care of the Soul addresses the needs of those providing soul care to others—therapists, psychiatrists, ministers, spiritual directors, teachers, and even friends—sharing his insights for incorporating a spiritual or soulful dimension into their work and practices.Soul Therapy is the culmination of Thomas Moore’s work. In his previous acclaimed books, he explored the soul in important areas of our lives—work, sex, marriage, family, religion, and aging. In this wise guide, he now returns to his core vocation: teaching practitioners—therapists, psychiatrists, ministers, spiritual directors, and others—how to offer soul care to those they assist.A training manual infused with a lifetime’s worth of wisdom, Soul Therapy is divided into five sections: What therapy or “soul care” is and how it

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Book SynopsisThe New York Times bestselling author of the classic The Care of the Soul addresses the needs of those providing soul care to others—therapists, psychiatrists, ministers, spiritual directors, teachers, and even friends—sharing his insights for incorporating a spiritual or soulful dimension into their work and practices.Soul Therapy is the culmination of Thomas Moore’s work. In his previous acclaimed books, he explored the soul in important areas of our lives—work, sex, marriage, family, religion, and aging. In this wise guide, he now returns to his core vocation: teaching practitioners—therapists, psychiatrists, ministers, spiritual directors, and others—how to offer soul care to those they assist.A training manual infused with a lifetime’s worth of wisdom, Soul Therapy is divided into five sections:  What therapy or “soul care” is and how it works; What soul work is required of the helper to be able to address the needs of others; How to access and move forward the spiritual dimension; How to apply this work to specific areas, such as work, marriage, parenting, or teaching; How to deal with other issues that arise, such as developing a therapeutic style, dealing with one’s shadow, and the need for self-care.  Profound yet practical, enlightened yet grounded in real-world experience, Soul Therapy will become a definitive resource for caregivers and practitioners for years to come. 

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Book SynopsisA well-researched biblical and scientific overview of abuse--its various types and effects and how to heal from it. Abuse can be sexual, physical, neglect, spiritual, and verbal. The chief arguments pursued throughout the book are: Abuse is far more rampant than most Christians realize, but due to human depravity and satanic influence, widespread abuse is predicable. All types of abuse create profound, long-term soul damage due to the way abuse perverts various aspects of the image of God. God is the healing redeemer. Human salvation came through horrible physical abuse. Healing must take place in the context of relationships. Humans are deeply impacted by others due to being made in the image of God. Just as surely as abusive relationships have tremendous power to wound the soul, so healthy relationships have tremendous power to nurture and heal the soul. Questions answered in the book include: How can a genuine believer abuse a child? Why would someone abuse a child? How can parents and children''s workers identify abusers? How can abuse victims heal? What does genuine healing look like? Is anger appropriate or hurtful for abuse victims? Where does forgiveness fit in? This second edition has been updated to reflect research conducted and published in the past 15 years on abuse and trauma. It accounts for the significant social changes and increased mental health struggles in our culture, including dramatic escalation in rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, and isolation, which exacerbate the effects of abuse and complicate the healing process. Based on their now-extensive trauma care experience, this new edition helps readers how to minister to new domestic and global victims such as sex trafficking survivors, foster children, refugees, and survivors of genocide. Examples and illustrations are updated with more recent ones from high-profile abuse cases and the aftermath of the #MeToo movement. The appendixes include lists of helpful resources for child protection policies, worker/parent child abuse education, warning signs of potential abusers, and general abuse resources (books, internet sites, and organizations) to equip ministry leaders are provided in appendices. Illustrations, case studies, and art therapy drawings.Trade Review'After five years of teaching Mending the Soul courses in Spanish in eleven Latin American countries and the United States, we saw such powerful healing from abuse and trauma that we started a nonprofit--Resplandece Internacional--to empower us to reach more people. We're grateful for this new edition of Mending the Soul in which Steven and Celestia Tracy combine their expertise to amplify their compassionate, community-based healing. We highly recommend Mending the Soul to all who want to better understand abuse and find healing for themselves and others.' * Resplandece Internacional board members Magdalena Sánchez, interim president of the Centro Hispano de Estudios Teológicos; Carmen Quinche, Evangelical Covenant Church pastor; and Debbie Taylor, retired missionary, pastor, and therapist *'Even with the explosion of technology, social media, and resources, hard truths remain about various forms of abuse that society and the church often want to ignore. Steven and Celestia Tracy boldly present the sobering truth about abuse and trauma with updated and relevant research and stories to educate the reader on today's more nuanced forms of abuse. However, the authors do not leave the reader in a place of despair. Rather, they courageously light the path forward with hope-infused stories of healing and redemption, along with the sharing of strong biblical evidence for God's hatred of abuse and for his redemptive plan to bring good from evil. This is a must-read for anyone searching for personal healing, as well as for caregivers who desire freedom and wholeness for those they love.' * Kelsey Hawk, PhD, LMHC *'Every Christian leader needs a theology of abuse in this broken world, and thus every Christian leader needs this book. For almost a decade, the Mending the Soul book and workbook have been used as an essential part of our transformational curriculum for upper-division students. I can testify to the power of this model to help heal and transform the lives of our Native American staff and students, many of whom are planning to take this approach back to their tribes. I'm thrilled at the additional information provided in this new edition.' * Dr. Jason Koppen, DMin, president of Indian Bible College *'For almost two decades, I have watched the MTS model mend the souls of our students and heal our broader community. The new edition of Mending the Soul is biblically sound, trauma-informed, tested, and proven. Steven and Celestia Tracy are authentic, faithful servants who travel the world offering help and hope to victims of abuse both outside and inside the church. This updated edition will surely bless the next generation.' * John DelHousaye, PhD, professor of Bible and theology at Arizona Christian University *'In an era when we regularly learn of faith systems that not only condone but propagate and cover up abuse, Mending the Soul stands out as a trustworthy beacon of hope for survivors and those who care for them. With its integration of theology, social science, and practical application, this book serves as an essential resource for spiritual leaders to face head-on the dark and destructive nature of abuse and walk alongside victims in the painful journey of recovering from its staggering impact.' * Cheryl M. C., survivor, Chandler, Arizona *'In this updated edition of Mending the Soul, you can expect to once again be even more deeply moved by God's healing love. Steven and Celestia Tracy guide the reader in tracing the emergence of beauty and dignity from the dark distortions of abuse and shame. They equip you to provide real help to survivors, look evil in the face, and see our Lord Jesus doing his most stunning work in those difficult places.' * Michael Rehm, LPC, Stillwaters Counseling *'Mending the Soul is a penetrating, delicately documented, hands-on guide to wholeness. Its fresh approach, energizing language, tangible case studies, mastery of human experience, and simple yet effective model make it a manual for anyone who wants to understand what is wrong with humanity, grow in wholeness, and improve relationships. It helps survivors know where to begin. If you are a minister, social worker, nurse, educator, or caregiver, this book is for you.' * Jean-Pasteur Kahindo Katavo, Christian education program officer for the Baptist Community of Central Africa denomination *'Mending the Soul is powerful medicine for the ancient pandemic of abuse. This resource is unique because it is refreshingly holistic. Steven and Celestia Tracy are expert tour guides who do not shy away from revisioning the spiritual realities of victims, while also unpacking the complexity of trauma. This book should be in every pastor's library and be essential fodder for annual training.' * Andrew J. Schmutzer, professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute and author of Divine Suffering *'Mending the Soul is therapy with God.' * Christina Tree-Lasiloo, BBS, Indian Bible College *'Mending the Soul sets the standard for integrating biblical foundations and research-based approaches to healing the trauma of abuse. This major upgrade incorporates the Tracys' lessons of fifteen years of worldwide utilization and is an essential resource for pastors, counselors, and teachers whose goal is to bring whole-person healing to traumatized and abused people.' * Gerry Breshears, PhD, professor of theology at Western Seminary, Portland, Oregon *'Regardless of how tidy everything may look on the outside, one thing is certain--sitting in the pews of every congregation are women and men who are living with the effects of unhealed trauma and abuse. As a pastor and someone whose own soul needed mending from the abuse I suffered as a young boy, I'm a firm believer in the Tracys' message and ministry. We must go beyond simply acknowledging that abuse exists to offering the healing power of Jesus embodied in people equipped to walk alongside those who travel their own mending journeys. While exposing the depths of abuse's darkness, Steven and Celestia always point to the power of God's healing strength with humility, grace, and the utmost care.' * Rick McKinley, founding pastor of Imago Dei Community, Portland, Oregon, and author of This Beautiful Mess *'Steven and Celestia Tracy deliver a thorough examination of the devastating problem of abuse and suggest practical ways to listen to, understand, and support victims of abuse. They tap into their experience as scholars and clinical and pastoral counselors, as well as share the fruit of their work on the African continent. This is an excellent resource for professional counselors, pastors, church leaders, and lay counselors to help those who need to regain their wholeness.' * Honoré Bunduki Kwany, PhD, professor and rector at Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (Christian Bilingual University of the Congo) *'Steven and Celestia Tracy have done a remarkable job updating, refining, and elaborating on their seminal work. This new edition is well-organized and clearly written, covering difficult material with grace, thoughtfulness, and careful exegesis without being either academically dry and heady or simplistic and naive, ensuring that Mending the Soul remains on the bookshelves of another generation of graduate students, pastors, and laypeople. This is essential reading for every abuse survivor, therapist, and ministry leader.' * Justin Smith, PsyD, LMFT, founder and director of The Family Room LLC *'There is no better resource for pastors and ministry leaders who desire to build healthy and thriving communities than Mending the Soul. During the past decade, we've introduced MTS models to churches in Ecuador, the United States, and Spain and have witnessed God's power at work in each of these church communities. Steve and Celestia Tracy not only help us understand abuse for what it is--the result of the sin that entered the world after the fall--but they also provide a road map for moving forward. The MTS model begins with individuals and in time transforms churches and broader communities and leads to wholeness and healing through Christ.' * Titus Folden, WorldVenture, Spain *

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Book SynopsisDrawn from the Beatitudes, Celebrate Recovery helps people resolve painful problems in the context of the church as a whole. Rather than setting up an isolated recovery community, it helps participants and their churches come together and discover new levels of care, acceptance, trust, and grace.

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Book SynopsisThe Celebrate Recovery Participant''s Guides are essential tools for the personal recovery journey. In the seven lessons in Guide 3: Getting Right with God, Yourself, and Others, you will move through principles 4-6 of the recovery process:4  Openly examine and confess my faults to God, to myself, and to someone I trust. Happy are the pure in heart (Matthew 5:8).5 Voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects. Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires (Matthew 5:6).6  Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I''ve done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others. Happy are the merciful (Matthew 5:7). Happy are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).By working through the lessons and exercises found in each of the four Participant''s Guides you

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Book SynopsisThe Celebrate Recovery Participant''s Guides are essential tools for the personal recovery journey. In the seven lessons in Guide 4: Growing in Christ While Helping Others, you will work through the final two principles on the road to recovery. More than just maintenance, these principles will help you prevent relapse and give you the necessary tools to help others in their recovery process.7  Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination. Bible reading and prayer in order to know God and his will for my life and to gain the power to follow his will.8  Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and by my words. Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires (Matthew 5:10).By working through the lessons and exercises found in each of the four Participant''s Guides you will begin to experience the true peace and serenity you have been seeking,

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Book SynopsisDrawn from the Beatitudes, Celebrate Recovery helps people resolve painful problems in the context of the church as a whole. Rather than setting up an isolated recovery community, it helps participants and their churches come together and discover new levels of care, acceptance, trust, and grace.

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