Post-traumatic stress disorder, a profoundly intense response to profoundly dangerous experiences, manifests itself in fear, terrifying vulnerability, and lack of a sense of control. While these responses are often involuntary, Jeremy Lelek reminds us that they are still responses . . . and, thus, different responses are possible. Here he relates the narrative of creation, fall, and redemption to the experiences of PTSD, reminding us that the gospel speaks to our experiences with danger as part of its redemptive message. He points to the wisdom of God in our suffering and reminds us of the saving grace offered by Jesus, guiding readers to the peace and contentment found in seeking God’s glory.
Sample Chapter: /sites/default/files/files/Sample chapter(1).pdf
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Reality, to a large degree, is constructed subjectively through the processes of the mind. ”Facts” are perceived, variables of that perception shape an interpretation, and these interpretations ultimately serve to shape a person’s experiential reality. By no means does this diminish the fact that objective, absolute truth exists, but it is important to recognize that this process of perception, interpretation, and conclusion has a significant impact on the way people experience life. Understanding this can have a profound impact on helping people walk through difficult seasons of suffering.
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Is biblical counseling exclusively about passing along theological information from one person to another? As practitioners of God’s Word are we to only occupy ourselves with doctrinal understanding or scriptural application as it regards the sin and sufferings of others? While theology and doctrinal acuity are essential components of biblical counseling, wisdom guides us to understand that,
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Biblical counseling requires impeccable stewardship. It is a practice in which we, as counselors interpret and apply sacred truth to hearts often ravaged by the relentless presence of sin and suffering. This is a profound responsibility. Misapply or misinterpret the divine treasures of God’s Word and hearts are not mended, but tragically wounded. Even worse, […]
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Have you ever sat with someone struggling with extreme issues; problems that would likely garner such diagnoses as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, or Pedophilia from a psychiatrist or psychologist? If you have had the opportunity to work with individuals struggling at such a severe level, then you likely know the process of counseling can be challenging, even confusing.
For individuals wrestling with such chronic issues, the hope of change can often feel
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Among the most prominent paradigms in biblical counseling is that of idolatry. The profound and pioneering work in this area by men like David Powlison (1999), Ed Welch (2003), and Paul Tripp (1999) served as an iconoclastic force for my personal understanding of human motivation. During my initial years as a counselor, I operated in a perpetual
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I have served as a counselor now for fifteen years. I would like to say that during those years I have perfected my craft to the point that I witness stunning results with every person I serve. To make such a claim, however, would wreak of dishonesty. The fact remains that even with fifteen years under my belt I continue to encounter people and situations where my perceived effectiveness as a counselor is less than impressive.Whether you are new to the world of counseling or a seasoned veteran my assumption is that you can relate to being ineffective in your work with others...
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God honoring biblical counseling requires continual assessment of our own hearts, knowledge, skills, and shortcomings. Simply because one becomes licensed, certified or simply accrues hundreds or thousands of hours counseling does not permit us to relax in our zeal to know God’s Word more deeply.
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When I entered the counseling field fifteen years ago I confidently referred to myself as a Christian counselor. My genuine intent moving into this field was that I would strive to ensure that my counsel would always reflect genuine biblical teaching.
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Imagine struggling with an incessant issue wherein its history is filled with harsh stigmatism and bigotry. Imagine suffering under this daily condition feeling as though you were a shameful, less than human, unlovable outcast.
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