While there are several popular passages biblical counselors tend to gravitate toward for giving hope (like 1 Corinthians 10:13), the Scriptures provide multiple possibilities. New Testament narratives are an excellent tool. It simply requires the counselor to tune oneself to see it. Continue Reading →
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This two-week mini-series on the Grace and Truth Blog addresses the issue of emotional abuse. In this first article, Howard Eyrich provides a definition and counseling agenda for emotional abuse. In other contributions to the series, Nate Brooks and Ann Maree Goudzwaard explain that emotional abuse is the abuse of the person and explore the physical impact of emotional abuse, Timothy St. John shares about how churches can recognize emotional abuse within families, and Shannon McCoy addresses overcoming emotional wounds from one’s mother. Continue Reading →
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One of the beautiful things about this book is the evident sensitivity to life and God-in-life. A lesson that stood out to me that the author likely did not have in mind is simply to be aware that the daily incidents of life illustrate truth. This is the creative genius of this book. If Hubach had not had a son with Downs Syndrome, one wonders if she would have developed the acute sensitivity to see God in situation after situation. She teaches us to see God’s hand in every contingency. Continue Reading →
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After a few minutes of building involvement, I said to Charles, “I noted on your PDI that someone has given you a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Would you be willing to tell me who gave you that diagnosis and when the diagnosis was made?” With a bit of an ironic smile, Charles responded, “Well, uh, well, let me put it this way, it was Dr. Google.” This is becoming a frequent phenomenon. Continue Reading →
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Charles, a graduate student finishing his PhD in psychology, came to me for counseling. He was a practicing homosexual who posed the question, “Why are my parents so upset that I live out who I am?” His phrasing of the question framed the argument by implying that his sexual identity was externally determined. Continue Reading →
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