The Popular Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling

Book excerpt: Seasoned counselors and professors Tim Clinton and Ron Hawkins provide a landmark reference that offers a capstone definition of the emerging profession and ministry of the Christian counselor. Appropriate for professional counselors, lay counselors, pastors, students, and teachers, it includes nearly 300 entries by nearly 100 top Christian counselors. This practical guide focuses on functional aspects of Christian counseling and explores such important topics as...Christian counseling as a profession, ministry, and lay ministry; Spiritual and theological roots; Social, emotional, and relational issues; Skills and essentials in Christian helping; Ethical and legal considerations; Intake, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning; and Premarital counseling, family therapy, and substance abuse. Counselors will also find up-to-date information on solution-based brief therapy, cognitive therapy and biblical truth, and trauma and crisis intervention. An essential resource for maintaining a broad and up-to-date perspective on helping others.