Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide

by Gary R. Collins

Publisher:

Thomas Nelson

, 2006

Overview

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.

This revised, expanded, and updated version contains nearly 1,000 pages of information!

Contents

Part 1 - Introductory Issues

• The Changes in Counseling
• The Counselor and Counseling
• The Church and Counseling
• The Community and Counseling
• The Core of Counseling
• The Legal, Ethical, and Moral Issues in Christian Counseling
• The Multicultural Issues in Christian Counseling

Part 2 - Prominent Issues

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Anger
• Guilt and Forgiveness
• Loneliness

Part 3 - Developmental Issues

• Childhood
• Adolescence
• Twenties and Thirties
• Forties and Fifties
• The Later Years

Part 4 - Interpersonal Issues

• Conflict and Relationships
• Sex Apart from Marriage
• Sex Within Marriage
• Homosexuality
• Abuse and Neglect

Part 5 - Identity Issues

• Inferiority and Self-Esteem
• Physical Illness
• Grief
• Singleness
• Choosing a Marriage Partner

Part 6 - Family Issues

• Premarital Counseling
• Marriage Issues
• Pregnancy Issues
• Family Issues
• Divorce and Remarriage

Part 7 - Control Issues

• Mental Disorders
• Alcohol-Related Problems
• Addictions
• Financial Counseling
• Vocational Counseling

Part 8 - Concluding Issues

• Crises
• Trauma, Terror, and Terrorism
• Other Issues
• Spiritual Issues
• Counseling the Counselor

Part 9 - Future Issues

• Counseling Waves of the Future

Top Highlights

“Reactive changes are those that come into our lives from the outside and require a response.” (Page 7)

“As a counselor, you are a change specialist. Your job is to help people deal with the changes that come into their lives and make changes that will improve their lives. If you want to counsel effectively, it is essential that you understand the change process. You must have knowledge of how people try to change themselves, why change is difficult, and what makes change last.” (Page 4)

“According to this research-based theory, self-change often fails because we set unrealistic expectations.” (Page 6)

“Third, help people develop a lifestyle that reduces the possibility of temptation” (Page 10)

“Second, learn the coping skills that enable a person to avoid the problems.” (Page 10)

Endorsements

Several names emerged as leaders of the burgeoning Christian counseling movement in the 70s—Jay Adams, Larry Crabb, and Gary Collins among them. Collins was not only a counselor, but a student of Scripture and an entrepreneur. Under his leadership the American Association of Christian Counselors was birthed (with over 50,000 members as of 2005).

Those in the biblical counseling movement see Collins as too integrationist. While those in the later emerging Protestant spiritual formation movement see “Christian Counseling” as overly therapeutic.

Regardless of one’s orientation, Collins’ work raises vital issues that continue to resonate with people helpers. Given his role in Christian counseling, the text now stands as a classic and one historical researchers will cull for years to come.

—Bob Kellemen, PhD, author, Soul Physicians, Spiritual Friends, Biblical Psychology, Martin Luther’s Pastoral Counseling, and Sacred Companions: A History of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction.

Product Details

• Title: Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide
• Author: Gary R. Collins
• Edition: 3rd ed.
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Print Publication Date: 2006
• Logos Release Date: 2007
• Pages: 976
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Pastoral counseling
• ISBNs: 9781418529062, 1418529060
• Resource ID: LLS:CHRCOUNSELNG
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T22:38:46Z

About Gary R. Collins

Gary R. Collins is a licensed psychologist with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Purdue University. Described by Psychotherapy Networker magazine as “the father of Christian Counseling,” Collins is a professor, co-founder of the American Association of Christian Counselors, founding editor of Christian Counseling Today magazine, and author of Christian Coaching and many other books. He lives near Chicago, speaks on Christian counseling around the world and is Distinguished Professor at Psychological Studies Institute in Atlanta.