Gary R. Collins

Christian Counseling

A Comprehensive Guide

Third Edition

Nelson Reference & Electronic

A Division of Thomas Nelson Publishers

Since 1798

www.thomasnelson.com

Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide, third edition

Copyright © 2007 by Gary R. Collins

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in reviews, without permission from the publisher.

Unless otherwise specified, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (niv) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. niv®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Book design and composition by Mark McGarry, Texas Type & Book Works

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Collins, Gary R.

Christian counseling : a comprehensive guide / Gary R. Collins.—3rd ed.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 1-4185-0329-0

ISBN-13 9-781-4185-0329-1

1. Pastoral counseling. I. Title.

BV4012.2.C56 2006

253.5--dc22

2006021285

Counseling is all about stories; stories about people’s lives.

Life stories include early experiences, beliefs, triumphs, tragedies, decisions, disappointments, crises, and times of great joy.

And life stories are about people.

Much of my life story is about doing life together with Julie. It’s about her presence, love, support, understanding, encouragement, and persistent walk with me as my closest friend.

I am proud to dedicated this book to her even though no book dedication fully expresses my gratitude for the walk that we have had together over the years. That walk includes her encouragement alongside me as I have written this manuscript.

I am profoundly grateful to God and to Julie for the ways in which she has shaped and continues to impact my ongoing life story.

Contents

Preface

Suggestions for Using This Book

Part 1—Introductory Issues

1. The Changes in Counseling

2. The Counselor and Counseling

3. The Church and Counseling

4. The Community and Counseling

5. The Core of Counseling

6. The Legal, Ethical, and Moral Issues in Christian Counseling

7. The Multicultural Issues in Christian Counseling

Part 2—Prominent Issues

8. Depression

9. Anxiety

10. Anger

11. Guilt and Forgiveness

12. Loneliness

Part 3—Developmental Issues

13. Childhood

14. Adolescence

15. Twenties and Thirties

16. Forties and Fifties

17. The Later Years

Part 4—Interpersonal Issues

18. Conflict and Relationships

19. Sex Apart from Marriage

20. Sex Within Marriage

21. Homosexuality

22. Abuse and Neglect

Part 5—Identity Issues

23. Inferiority and Self-Esteem

24. Physical Illness

25. Grief

26. Singleness

27. Choosing a Marriage Partner

Part 6—Family Issues

28. Premarital Counseling

29. Marriage Issues

30. Pregnancy ...