On Belay (Intro to Counseling)

On Belay!

Section I deals with general theories of Christian counselling, the process of integration of psychology and theology, primary schools of secular as well as Christian counselling, what the Scriptures say about the counselling ministry, family life cycle development and how this affects all people, as well as other areas of importance.

Section II presents the two primary views of personality development: Nature vs. Nurture. Also examined are the Temperament Theory, Personality Theory, and specific Counseling Theories.

The Characteristics of Divine Personality, the Work of the Holy Spirit, and Models of Biblical Counseling are explored and expanded on in Section III.

Section IV presents technical aspects of a counselling ministry.  It will include principles of psychological assessment, or how to determine what the needs of human beings are.  It will guide the reader, step by step, to discover what people feel and what to do once they tell you how they feel. Further, the importance of positive and effective communication is presented.

Included in Section V will be principles of counseling including communication, discipleship models, dealing with individuals, groups, and families, various techniques of counseling, marriage and family counseling issues, as well as how to assist  adolescents and children, cross-cultural perspectives in counseling, group counseling, and issues relating to healing, inner healing, and demonology.

Finally, Section VI  focuses on specific problems in counselling such as fears and guilt, oppression and deliverance ministry, behaviour and character transformation, human sexuality, forgiveness, and addictive behaviours. Further, the importance of ministerial ethics in counselling, having knowledge of when and how to make effective referrals and how to develop a more effective counselling ministry for yourself will be presented. Also, you will find a glossary of terms and a bibliography of helpful books at the back of this book.

Reading systematically through this volume is recommended. Doing so will make the book come alive, and will become a more effective tool for the reader since each portion of the book builds toward the next.  However, each chapter and each section is also designed to be utilized as a reference guide individually.

This subject is also available in eBook format from Smashwords: On Belay