O, My Soul, Why Are You Cast Down?
This little piece of wood with a cross and two sheep brings to mind a biblical image of one’s soul being ‘cast down’. Although it looks like the one little sheep closest to the cross on its back may … Read More
A New Way to Do Life Recovery Counseling
This summer I have experimented with a new concept at Titus 2 – a weekend intensive in individual recovery counseling. A young woman from out of town with some life recovery needs was referred to me by a mutual friend. … Read More
Miracles Happen Every Day
” If a miracle happened and the problem you have was solved overnight, how would you know it was solved, and what would be different?” This question is known as the “Miracle Question” and is a well-known technique used in … Read More
Picture Book Theology and Therapy
Such a range of topics can be covered in a recovery counseling session! I can move from Johari windows to the Apostle Paul’s progression of humility revealed in Scripture to reading The Velveteen Rabbit to John Wesley’s Holy Club questions! … Read More
Why Spiritual Counseling Is Useful Adjunct Therapy to Mental Health Counseling- Reason #2
Last week I wrote about spiritual attacks and the fact that there are sometimes demonic influences causing dysfunctional behavior and thinking in people. Discerning and addressing such demonic influences is only one reason why spiritual education and counseling is a … Read More
Whose Gospel?
A person came for Christian counseling and substance abuse care who immediately began to tell me about all of the religious teachers under whom she had studied, most of whom I did not know. She told me how she … Read More
Spiritual Direction….Gift Not Vocation
About ten years ago I was encouraged by a friend to apply for a new program being offered through our church’s regional office, a spiritual direction training class. It was to be a three-year program. I applied, along with her. … Read More
Christian Spirituality or Feel-Good Syncretism?
Several people attempted to convince me of the value of the Enneagram in counseling 20 years ago. I wanted nothing to do with it. A spiritual friend I see occasionally lives and breathes its principles. For years I had … Read More
David Powlinson “On Mission”
Following Jesus is hard. Sin compromises us. Hardships discourage us. Our bodies betray us. We get stuck in conflict. The sheer uncertainty of life means that no day ever turns out exactly as you expect. But following Jesus brings sanity, … Read More
Listening A Soul Into Existence….
Catherine de Hueck Doherty: With the gift of listening comes the gift of healing, because listening to your brothers or sisters until they have said the last words in their hearts is healing and consoling. Someone has said that it … Read More