Christian Counseling – a comprehensive guide (3rd Edition)

Forlagets omtale:
A comprehensive introduction to a wide variety of problems that a counsellor may be called upon to address. In his classic text, Collins surveys causes, effects, prevention, solutions and a biblical perspective.

This proven 'course' 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 and eating disorders. Written with clarity and warmth, this volume builds on biblical foundations and reflects the author's practical experiences.

This comprehensive guide has been written to help Christian leaders in their counseling work. Each chapter begins with a case history and introduction followed by a consideration of what the Bible says about the problem. This then leads to a survey of causes, effects, counseling considerations, and suggested ways to prevent the problem. The result is practical, relevant, useful, and up-to-date information for counselors.
The author discusses:
* Personal Issues. anxiety, loneliness, depression, anger, guilt
* Developmental issues: child rearing, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, later years
* Interpersonal issues: interpersonal relationships, sex apart and within marriage, homosexuality, violence and abuse
* Identity issues: inferiority and self-esteem, physical illness, grief, singleness, choosing a marriage partner
* Family issues: premarital counseling, marital problems, pregnancy issues, family problems, divorce and remarriage
* Other issues: mental disorders, alcoholism, addictions, financial and vocational counseling, spiritual issues
The enthusiastic response given the first edition proved the value of this book as a resource guide for individual counselors, including pastors. It has also served as a textbook for students and their professors, a training tool for lay counselors, and a source of information for those who want a greater understanding of human behavior, a clearer perspective on the biblical basis of counseling, and a greater awareness of the people-helping skills.

This proven guide in pastoral counselling 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 counselling.

New Sections include:

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

Gary R. Collins, Ph.D.