Counseling and the Nature of Man [Paperback]

Frank B. Minirth (Author), Paul D. Meier (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 84 pages
• Publisher: Baker Pub Group; 2nd edition (June 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801061350
• ISBN-13: 978-0801061356
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,460,365 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Intro to Counseling and Human Nature, February 23, 2012

By 

Bradley P. Hayton - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Counseling and the Nature of Man (Paperback)

Minirth and Meier are assistant professors of pastoral ministries at Dallas Theological Seminary. Both are M.D.s from the University of Arkansas and maintain private psychiatric practices.

This book is an excellent introductory text for seminary courses on pastoral counseling and Christians introductory classes in counseling. It would be helpful to the pastor or Christian professional who would like an outline and review of the field of counseling psychology as well as an outline of a Christian critique.

Minirth and Meier begin with a biblical survey of the nature of humanness. They briefly survey much research to show how physical, emotional, and spiritual problems interact with each other.

Their outline of the observable symptoms of most psychological problems will be helpful to many who are unfamiliar with these diagnostic categories. Although their Christian interpretation of the mechanisms of defense is very simplistic, it adequately summarizes many Christian alternatives to common defense mechanisms. The Christian defense mechanisms that they suggest are forgiveness, confession, healthy compensation, altruism, anticipation, conscious control, healthy identification, humor, redirection, restitution, healthy suppression, dreaming, and the fruit of the spirit.

Using this same approach, Minirth and Meier analyze some other key topics from a Christian perspective: counseling, anger, anxiety, guilt, and a balanced approach involving behavior, feelings, and belief systems. They close their book suggesting some key counselor skills.

The book has some of the best charts that outline the field of counseling psychology that I have seen. It is well worth the price, especially to the beginner in the field. Its clarity and brevity may help pave the way for a better overall understanding and comprehension in the field.