Product Description

This proven "course" in pastoral counseling has been extensively expanded and revised by the author to include recent developments and research, new resources, and attention to newly urgent needs such as AIDS and eating disorders. Written with clarity and warmth, this volume builds on biblical foundations and reflects the author's practical experiences.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #107686 in Books
• Published on: 1988-10-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 712 pages

About the Author
Dr. Gary R. Collins is a licensed psychologist with a Ph.D in clinical psychology from Purdue University. His other books include The Magnificent Mind, How to Be a People Helper, and Can You Trust Psychology?

Customer Reviews

The best single volume on counseling
My edition is from 1980, but what Collins says in these pages is timeless. He deals with so many different kinds of issues, from personal issues to single/marriage issues and even sex. I certainly don't claim to be a psychologist or counselor, but this book has been a helpful tool to use for reference on a number of issues as I have lived my life and for friends who have been going through a variety of issues. I recommend this for the average Christian layperson.

Excellent Reference for the Professional and Layperson!
Collins has written an excellent that is useful for both the professional (pastor, counselor, church staff, etc.) or layperson.

The author discusses counseling in 6 major areas:

1. Personal - anxiety, loneliness, depression, anger, guilt.
2. Developmental - child rearing, development from adolescence to the later years.
3. Interpersonal - sex, homosexuality, violence and abuse.
4. Identity - inferiority, self-esteem, grief, singleness, choosing a spouse.
5. Family - premarital counseling, marital problems, pregnancy, divorce, remarriage.
6. Other - vocational, mental disorders, alcoholism, addictions, spiritual issues.

Collins addresses these areas based on his extensive Bible knowledge and counseling experience. Periodically I have referred to the book and have benefitted from its insights.

Read, be encouraged, and encourage others with what you learn from reading this title!

Highly recommended!

Excellent Reference for the Professional and Layperson!
Collins has written an excellent and comprehensive book concerning a wide variety of everyday issues.

The book is organized into 7 main issue areas:

1. Personal (anxiety, loneliness, depression, anger, guilt).
2. Developmental (child rearing, adolescence through the later years).
3. Interpersonal (sex, homosexuality, violence and abuse, relationships).
4. Identity (inferiority, self-esteem, physical illness, grief, singleness, choosing a marriage partner).
5. Family (premarital counseling, marital problems, pregnancy, divorce and remarriage).
6. Other Issues (mental disorders, alcoholism, addictions, financial counseling, vocational counseling).
7. Concluding Issues (spiritual issues, counseling the counselor).

Periodically over the years I have referred to the book and the content seems to be solid and biblical.

Whether a pastor, church staff person, professional counselor, or layperson, you will benefit from the wise counsel from an author with extensive counseling experience and a solid biblical background.

Read, enjoy, be encouraged, and use what you learn to encourage others!