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.
- I greatly appreciate this post from Chris Moles. It reminded me of “Starting Point: Abuse and Neglect are a Personal Problem not a Marital Problem” in the Marriage with a Self-Centered Spouse series.
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.”
- If you enjoyed this post, you might also like “On Diagnosing Mental Disorders: Interacting with a Quote from Allen Frances, M.D.“
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.
- If you are looking for a resource to help you develop a ministry in the area of addiction, consider this one.
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
The absence of lament in the liturgy of the American church results in the loss of memory. We forget the necessity of lamenting over suffering and pain. We forget the reality of suffering and pain." @profrah
— Aaron New (@DrAaronNew) May 18, 2018
I don’t think we should immediately shove a camera and a microphone in the face of a 15yo who has just survived a school shooting minutes ago. That’s for ratings not healing. We need their voices but not in the 1st minutes of PTSD. We use victims as props and it’s gross.
— Jon Acuff (@JonAcuff) May 18, 2018
Selfishness makes us unwilling to give aid; pride makes us unwilling to receive it.
— J. Gresham Machen (@jg_machen) May 21, 2018
"People treat God the same way they treat others – that observation will carry you a long way in counseling." – David Powlison
— CCEF (@ccef) May 16, 2018
Meaningful Meme
On the Lighter Side
Because, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones,” Proverbs 17:22.
If your pastor's sermon title was "Jesus is the Truer and Better Prince Harry," it may be time to find a new church.
— Fake J.D. Greear (@FakeJDGreear) May 20, 2018