Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide [Paperback]

Gary R. Collins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 25, 1988 | ISBN-10: 084993124X | ISBN-13: 978-0849931246 | Edition: Revised

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

• Paperback: 712 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Revised edition (October 25, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 084993124X
• ISBN-13: 978-0849931246
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.4 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #300,126 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best single volume on counseling, July 13, 2001

By 

E. Johnson (El Cajon, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide (Paperback)

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.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference for the Professional and Layperson!, June 25, 2004

By 

Michael Taylor "Michael Taylor" (Indian Trail NC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide (Paperback)

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!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference for the Professional and Layperson!, June 25, 2004

By 

Michael Taylor "Michael Taylor" (Indian Trail NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide (Paperback)

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!