Biblical Counseling and Mental Disorder Diagnosis

by Jenn Chen

Genres: Counselling

120 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this short book, written by a former psychologist turned Biblical Counselor, Chen examines the issue of mental disorders and how they are diagnosed, drawing up a contrast with the breadth and accuracy of the Biblical way of thinking of such diagnoses. In reading the book, the reader will be helped to understand the DSM (commonly referred to as the psychiatrists' Bible, although it probably isn't an accurate way to assess the DSM). The DSM is actually not a scientific writing and the common methodology of diagnosing "disorders" that are found in the pages of the DSM are not scientific. Other books written by other authors address this as well.  Saving Normal, by Allen Frances, M.D., The Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker are two such examples. The beauty of this writing is that Chen was once on the inside of the psychological camp but has since moved from it and brings her expertise to bear on providing the reader an understanding of the psychological camp while also providing the reader with a better, more Biblical way to understand what ails mankind.  I think every Biblical counselor ought to read this book.  Weakness: The price of this book is sadly so high that many who ought to read it will be discouraged from doing so. This is a common problem with the Critical Issues in Biblical Counseling series (very very good series by the way) and Shepherd Press needs to figure out a way to get prices lowered so that this excellent material will get into the hands of many more people.  Hats off to author Jenn Chenn for this very helpful resource. 

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short book analyzing the DSM and how Christians should think biblically about its categories. I actually thought this was stronger conceptually and theologically than Emlet's book on the same topic (though Chen doesn't address medications like Emlet does), but it's not quite as well written and may not hold some readers' attention. Well worth the time, however.

[Ryan Ahlenius · Rating 4 out of 5]

An overview of the DSM / psychiatry from a biblical worldview. I would have appreciated further detail on particular scenarios but, overall, a good booklet

[Joe Jewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, well written, and helpful.