Theology for Better Counseling: Trinitarian Reflections for Healing and Formation

Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books

by Virginia Todd Holeman

At one time, Virginia Todd Holeman "Toddy" thought being biblically literate was all she needed and had little interest in what real theologians talked about. But in her counseling she found that clients pressed her for more.
They didn't just want what she had gained through training in the best theories and practices available for counseling. They asked hard theological questions often related to their suffering. As she describes it, they experienced a kind of "theological disequilibrium . . . which left them discouraged, disoriented and often distraught."
Holeman shows how deep and clear theological reflection can make a major difference in counseling practice. Not only can it shape who we are, it can also bring into greater alignment our theological commitments, our therapeutic practices and our professional ethics. All the while it can have the most practical effect on our counseling sessions.
In this volume Holeman guides counseling students, pastoral counselors and licensed mental health professionals into becoming as well-formed theologically as they are trained clinically.

Genres: Counselling, Theology, Nonfiction, Christian, Psychology

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2012

About the author

Virginia Todd Holeman is professor of counseling at Asbury Theological Seminary. She is a licensed psychologist in Ohio and a licensed marriage and family therapist in Kentucky. As a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Holeman leads workshops and seminars around the country, and speaks at churches, conferences and universities on the topics of forgiveness and family.

Reviews

[Kaden McInerney · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book, first of its kind that i have personally read.
"Why did God allow me to be raped while I was a missionary, doing what he called me to do?"
this is one of the questions the author opens up the book with. sobering. am i equipped theologically to answer this question, and questions like it, as i aspire to step into a pastoral role one day? how do my theological beliefs influence the way i counsel others? is my theology healthy enough to withstand these types of questions?

[Cynthia Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Learning for Christian Spiritual Growth

A comprehensive theological resource on core Christian doctrines, integrating counseling techniques to develop a holistic pastoral approach. A well-selected read.