Beginning and ending counseling relationships are important skills that deserve our best thinking and planning. In my experience, there is more written about beginning counseling than ending it. This blog considers two questions to improve our terminating counseling. Continue Reading →
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These are troubled times. So much brokenness everywhere. We see it in the news, our families, churches, lives, and of course, in our counseling. One of the main gifts God gives to us in hard times is the book of Psalms. The Psalms capture every kind of situation, experience, and emotion. Psalm 143 is a very helpful psalm to use with counselees dealing with overwhelming troubles and the resulting anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. Continue Reading →
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Life in this fallen world is often painfully difficult. There are many external and internal hardships that cause people to feel weary and discouraged. While we do have options and resources to improve our lives and relationships, sometimes we’re confronted with the fact that the world as it is today is essentially broken, and it won’t be “fixed” until Jesus comes back. Thankfully, God has not left us alone or without the grace to persevere. Romans 8:31-39 gives us six reasons to “persevere through the pain as we groan for the glory.” Continue Reading →
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“A Plan and a Path for OCD” is a three-part series designed to comprehensively help OCD strugglers look to Christ and the gospel to experience progressive freedom from intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. In this third part, we focus on two reactive strategies for OCD strugglers. The first is to focus on one area or kind of OCD to address at a time. The second is to practice the strategy of “delay-pray-obey” when intrusive thoughts and desires strike. Continue Reading →
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Today’s blog is the second of a three-part series on a biblical approach to OCD. In Part One, we looked at building a foundation for change by educating about OCD and captivating the struggler with the power and merciful love of Jesus Christ. In Part Two, we will follow the path to change by helping the OCD struggler to evaluate OCD obsessions and compulsions and to participate in Christ’s redeeming grace leading to progressive freedom and sanctification. Continue Reading →
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