This is a weekly post that highlights resources from other counselors that I have found helpful. The counselors may be from the biblical counseling, Christian psychology, integration, or secular counseling traditions. By linking to a post, I am not giving it my full endorsement, I am merely indicating that I believe it made a unique contribution or raised an important subject for consideration.

Not a Marriage Problem by Chris Moles

The truth is domestic abuse is not a marriage problem, it’s a heart problem. Therefore, marriage-focused solutions may do more harm than good in cases of domestic abuse. Rushing a resolution could prove damaging and even deadly in cases of domestic abuse.

Two Pastoral Thoughts on Justification and Sanctification by Justin Dillehay

I once read that the political differences between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton stemmed from what each of them feared more: Jefferson feared tyranny while Hamilton feared disorder. I’ve observed something similar among pastors, even those who subscribe to the same confessions of faith. Some Jefferson-like pastors fear the tyranny of the law (legalism), while other Hamilton-like pastors fear the disorder of lawlessness (antinomianism).

Signs of Over-Hyped Psychotherapy Treatment? by Phil Monroe

Donald Meichenbaum and Scott Lilienfeld have recently published a short essay entitled: How to spot hype in the field of psychotherapy: A 19-item checklist.† This can be helpful for both counselors and future clients who are both hungry for finding “what works.”

Counseling Across America: Regional Snapshots of What Problems Rank Highest by Matt Zajechowski 

The researchers at MidAmerica Nazarene University combed through the most commonly Googled types of counseling (as compared to national search averages on Google) and created a map based on their findings.

How the Brain Gets Addicted to Gambling by Ferris Jabr

In the past, the psychiatric community generally regarded pathological gambling as more of a compulsion than an addiction—a behavior primarily motivated by the need to relieve anxiety rather than a craving for intense pleasure.

What I’m Reading

Domestic Abuse: Help for the Sufferer by Darby Strickland. Domestic abuse is a heartbreaking and very prevalent issueand, sadly, it is no stranger to Christian marriages. Though they are filled with both oppressors and oppressed, many churches have little to say on this issue. If you are being oppressed, this can leave you feeling isolated and alone . . . but you’re not alone. Scripture has much to say about your experience, your safety, and God’s heart for youhe does not blame you for your suffering and does not tolerate oppression. In fact, he wants to rescue you.

Experienced family counselor Darby Strickland helps you to cut through confusion, speak out and find support, and then determine your next steps. God knows the suffering and wounds of oppression, and he delights in redeeming and rescuing especially his heartbroken children.

Tweets of the Week

 Meaningful Meme

On the Lighter Side

Because, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones,” Proverbs 17:22.