Religious counselling Books

Book Synopsis· How do we deal wisely, intelligently and compassionately with those who suffer from mental illness? · Can we really make a difference if we aren’t professionals? · Is it possible to discern between bad behaviour due to illness and that caused by sin? Discover how your church can become a safe, encouraging and healing place. ‘The next-best thing to spending a week shadowing Professor Thomas.’ Sinclair Ferguson ‘Rational, readable and relevant, this book confirms that all involved in pastoral work can help tackle mental illness.’ Andrew Fergusson ‘The go-to resource for those who want to know more: the wisdom of reliable clinical experience laced with academic rigour and good common sense, all grounded in God’s word. I recommend it highly.’ Glynn Harrison ‘Empowers us all to play our part.’ Debbie Hawker ‘An accessible, practical, sensible and biblically grounded resource to help us navigate this challenging terrain.’ Sharon James ‘Presented in a way that will instil confidence that we can work with mental health professionals.’ Nick Pollard ‘Alan Thomas has shared his own important insights in what will become a standard book on the subject, accessible and wise.’ Geoff ThomasTrade ReviewWhether as a professional, carer, family member or perhaps a patient, every one of us will have been affected by mental illness. Christians may face further distress: is this behaviour sin or is it sickness? From a biblical and medical framework, and using case examples, consultant psychiatrist Alan Thomas makes everything clear. Rational, readable and relevant, this book confirms that all involved in Christian ministry and pastoral work can help tackle mental illness. -- Dr Andrew Fergusson * E-mail *Attitudes to mental illness today are still disfigured by too much fear and too little understanding, and Alan Thomas has written the go-to resource for those who want to know more about this crucial area. Firmly rooted in sound scholarship, it is nevertheless hugely accessible to its target readership - pastors, clergy and all those wanting to understand more about their own struggles or those of a family member. Here they will find the wisdom of reliable clinical experience laced with academic rigour and good common sense, all grounded in the Word of God. I recommend it highly. -- Professor Glynn HarrisonThis easy-to-read book improves our understanding of common mental health problems and their treatments. Using case studies and biblical teaching, it also empowers us all to play our part in helping, by reminding us that the little things (like listening, warmth and kindness) can help improved the mental health of those we encounter. -- Dr Debbie HawkerThis is a unique book, coming from a qualified, experience and deeply thoughtful man, dealing with a subject demanding much insight, compassion and also plain speaking. Making a certain distinction between immoral behaviour and that which is the result of a disease of the mind can at times be perplexing. Every case seems to be uncharted territory. There have been occasions when we have needed help. To whom can we turn? Now my friend Alan Thomas has shared his own important insights with us in what will become a standard book on the subject, accessible and wise. -- Geoff ThomasProfessor Alan Thomas is a psychiatrist with research interests in brain imaging and molecular biology. But he believes that human beings are more than just physical matter. Rather, we are holistic combinations of material bodies and immaterial spirits/minds - what he calls ‘psychosomatic wholes’. So, his book combines examples from his clinical practice, with summaries of scientific research, and theological reflections on the Bible’s teaching about the nature of humanity. The result is a comprehensive analysis of treatment possibilities for psychiatric disorders, presented in a way that will instil in church leaders the confidence that we can work together with mental health professionals as we seek to help people find healing from mental illness. -- Nick Pollard (Co-founder of EthosEducation.org and Chair of ‘A Spiritual Path to Mental Health’)This is a most welcome book on a hot topic, especially coming as it does from a respected authority on the subject currently working in the UK National Health Service, Alan Thomas, who is Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at Newcastle University. A recurring theme in the book is reflected in its title - that 'people with minimal training can provide real therapeutic benefit to the mentally ill'. Professor Thomas is concerned that DSM-5, the psychiatrist's diagnostic manual, has widened the definition of mental illness. Now, it seems, the behaviour is the disorder. More people are thus brought within the realm of treatment by the health profession, and this can send a discouraging and disempowering signal to ministers and churches - "this is a job for professionals." The truth is that both have complementary roles, and that wise, experienced, empathetic, 'ordinary' christians with good listening skills, who know the sufferer, can provide vital support to those with mental illnesses. The subtitle of the book is 'A Biblical and Practical Approach', and hence begins with emphasizing the body-and-soul nature of man (mental illness is not just "all in the mind"), and the implications of the Fall on what we were made for. Professor Thomas roundly criticizes Freud's view of the unconscious mind, and provides a very clear assessment of the issue of personal responsibility in relation to mental illness ("Is it sickness or sin?"). He fascinatingly observes the effect of culture upon the manifestation of stress, eg. shell shock, before coming on to an overview of treatments - drugs, ECT, psychological approaches, and their effectiveness across the whole spectrum of mental illness. This is an informative guide and provides a good number of illustrative case studies drawn from many years of clinical practice. Mental illness is difficult territory, but this book impresses as a go-to resource - not a slick read by any means, but giving an all-too-rare Christian perspective on a big subject. -- Christian Bookshop Ossett * http://christianbookshopossett.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/tackling-mental-illness-together.html *Publisher: IVPISBN: 978-1-78359-559-4Pages: 208Price: £9.99BUY THIS BOOK » Geoff Thomas, in his recommendation of this title, writes: ‘This is a unique book, coming from a qualified, experienced and deeply thoughtful man, dealing with a subject demanding much insight, compassion and also plain speaking’. Alan Thomas is a consultant psychiatrist and church elder. He knows that churches find within their congregations all sorts of people and are often perplexed in dealing with them. ‘Is this man mentally ill? Perhaps he’s depressed? Should we tell him that he needs professional help? If he is receiving this, should we back off from trying to help him ourselves?’ This book gives clear biblical guidance on these matters. Mental disorders are on a spectrum, from the almost unnoticeable to the desperately serious. At the lower end of this, the author believes, churches can and should do much. Indeed, sometimes loving, prayerful care by Christians is all that the person needs. Christian leaders are well equipped to give such help. He wants us all to have confidence to do what we can. Psychiatry defines a person’s abnormal behaviour as a disorder. Consequently, everyday stress can be deemed a mental disorder. The author contends that mental illness is a behavioural syndrome which is caused by something else: either physical damage in the brain or outside pressure. Stress may cause mental disorder. Genetic factors plus life experience can tip anyone into stress-related illness, but we each have different tipping-points. Bad behaviour is not illness (although it may be caused by it). Depression has become a hugely inflated diagnosis. ‘Our society has allowed psychiatry to roll its tanks onto ministerial territory’ (p.32). Rather, ‘When someone becomes mentally ill and specialist input is needed from health services, the church should not withdraw. The input of Christians should be an important component of the care of the mentally ill’ (p.85). Church leaders and psychiatrists have complementary, overlapping roles. Sometimes people in clinical trials get better even when they are only receiving the placebo. The reason being that they have contact with research nurses and receive from them kindness, understanding and sympathy. How much more should they receive this help from Christian believers! One useful treatment for mental problems is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). The patient is taught to think about their thoughts and actions and what they should change. Is not this what we should all practice all the time, even upon ourselves, applying what we know from the Scriptures (e.g. Psalm 42 and 43)? The book is written from a Reformed perspective. It is readable and not without humour. It is full of case-studies demonstrating that the approaches which are outlined are indeed effective. A potential improvement would have been the inclusion of an index. Every pastor should read this excellent book. It should also be in every church library so that it can be read by anyone who has contact with the mentally ill or the depressed. John Palmer, Leigh * Evangelical Times *

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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 SynopsisNow the book that has helped hundreds of thousands of people overcome depression includes updated information on medications and treatments.

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Book SynopsisElfie Hinterkopf describes the Experiential Focusing Method, a model to help clients work through religious and spiritual problems, deepen existing spiritual experiences, and bring about new, life-giving connections to spirituality. Focusing can be used in conjunction with any psychotherapeutic model and is an essential part of any mental health professional or counselor's repertoire. Through Focusing, the client learns to examine subtle, but concrete, bodily feelings that are a vital part of spiritual discovery and growth. Hinterkopf describes the Six Focusing Steps and illustrates the attitudes crucial to the Focusing process (receptive, expectant, patient, and accepting) with case examples, revealing how they help facilitate spiritual development. She also discusses how counselors can use Focusing to explore their own spirituality and outlines special considerations to ensure that sessions suit the individual client's religious tradition or spiritual orientation.Trade ReviewElfie Hinterkopf's clearly written book brilliantly presents Eugene Gendlin's Focusing as a method to integrate into counseling-harnessing the authentic spiritual dimension to uplift the challenges within the human experience explored in psychotherapy. Hinterkopf captures the essence of spirituality that can be applied with clients who define their spirituality or religion, and those who prefer not to. Her book presents the depth of Gendlin's Focusing in a manner that is easy to grasp and apply. This is a must read for all clinicians, clergy, and spiritual directors interested in cultivating compassionate presence, deep listening and access to the body's inherent wisdom that carries forward concrete, steps toward transformational healing and change. -- Laury Rappaport, Ph.D., MFT, Author/ Editor, Mindfulness and the Arts Therapies and Focusing-Oriented Art TherapyThis hopeful book will help us all explore the spiritual dimension of the personal growth process in a direct, safe, straightforward, and culturally respectful way. -- Mary Hendricks-Gendlin, Ph.D., Director, The Focusing InstituteHinterkopf examines spirituality in a manner that is real and easily accessible to religious and non-religious clients... An excellent, perceptive, and practical guide on how to use Focusing to facilitate spiritual development. -- John J. Shea, O.S.A., Fordham UniversityTable of ContentsForeword. Preface. About the Author. Acknowledgements. Prologue: My Search for Meaning. 1. Spiritual Wellness and Focusing. 2. Defining the Spiritual Experience. 3. Integrating Spirituality Through Focusing. 4. Focusing Attitudes. 5. Keeping a Certain Distance. 6. Focusing and the Inner Critic. 7. Six Focusing Steps. 8. Asking. 9. Working With Spiritual Process. 10. Special Consideration Regarding Content. 11. An Excerpt From a Psychotherapy Session. 12. How Counselors Can Explore Their Own Spirituality. Appendix A. Focusing Instructions. Appendix B. Resources for Learning Focusing. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisSpiritual direction is a burgeoning ministry in today’s church where the emphasis is on joining in with what God is already doing in the world – an approach that presupposes spiritual discernment. This guide explores spiritual direction from biblical and theological perspectives and aims both to inform teaching and equip practitioners with greater reflective skills. Written by two experienced teachers and practitioners, it includes: • God and Spiritual Direction – divine presence and absence, discerning God, relationship and the Trinity, images of the Holy Spirit; • Humanity and God – being made in the image of God, sin, addiction, desire, freedom, psychology in direction; • The Bible and Spiritual Direction – scripture as a source and authority for direction; uses and abuses of the Bible in direction; • Spiritual Direction across the Christian traditions; • Spiritual Direction and the Church – boundaries, accountability and safeguarding.

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Book SynopsisOn 7 July 2005, Julie Nicholson's life was changed forever. Her daughter, Jenny, was killed on her way to work in the London bombings, shaking Julie's beliefs. With heartbreaking honesty and integrity, Julie tells her story of love, tragedy and heartache for the first time.Trade Review"A Song for Jenny is a raw and riveting account of a mother's anguish at her daughter's death" – The Times "…an extraordinarily moving memoir…" – The Daily Mail "…an unflinching book…Nicholson takes us into every mother's worst nightmare – the fruitless vigil, the DNA test…" – The Sunday Times "A Song for Jenny…examines intimately the terrain of that strange hostile land [of grief]: every exhausting hill and dangerous pothole, and conversely, every breathtaking viewpoint" – Scotland on Sunday

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Book SynopsisDoes it make sense - can it make sense - for someone who appreciates the explanatory power of modern science to continue believing in a traditional religious account of the ultimate nature and purpose of our universe? This book is intended for those who care about that question and are dissatisfied with the rigid dichotomies that dominate the contemporary debate. The extremists won''t be interested - those who assume that science answers all the questions that matter, and those so certain of their religious faith that dialogue with science, philosophy, or other faith traditions seems unnecessary. But far more people today recognize that matters of faith are complex, that doubt is endemic to belief, and that dialogue is indispensable in our day. In eight probing chapters, the authors of The Predicament of Belief consider the most urgent reasons for doubting that religious claims - in particular, those embedded in the Christian tradition - are likely to be true. They develop a version ofTrade ReviewOne cannot fail to admire the unfailing lucidity of the writing, the plangent honesty of the exploration, and the authors untiring determination to consider every direction in which the argument may take them. * Neil Spurway, ESSSAT News & Reviews *Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. Reasons for Doubt ; 2. The Ultimate Reality ; 3. Divine Action and the Argument from Neglect ; 4. The Plurality of Religions ; 5. The Scandal of Particularity, Part I: The Resurrection Testimony ; 6. The Scandal of Particularity, Part II: Jesus and the Ultimate Reality ; 7. Doubt and Belief ; 8. The Spectrum of Belief and the Question of the Church

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Book SynopsisDr. Worthington provides a path to freedom, from self-condemnation to self-acceptance, and to the life that Christ promises in Moving Forward.The partial truth about us is hard to accept: We hurt those we love. We fail to step in when others need us most. We do wrong—and we need forgiveness. From others and from God, but also from ourselves. But the full truth about us is liberating and freeing: while we are more deeply flawed than we can imagine, we also are far more valuable and cherished than we can comprehend. To reach the place of self-forgiveness, we must embrace this truth. The gift of God’s acceptance frees us from self-blame, guilt, and shame. In this practical, inspiring book, Dr. Everett Worthington identifies six steps to forgiving yourself:·         Receive God’s forgiveness·         Repair relation

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisIn the contemporary church, pastors take on many roles. One of the most important roles a pastor must play is that of counselor. However, this isn't always a natural fit for every pastor. In this creative and readable book, Wayne Oates offers a definitive argument for the history and future necessity of pastoral counseling.

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