Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective

by Siang-Yang Tan

This substantially revised and updated edition of a widely used textbook covers the major approaches to counseling and psychotherapy from a Christian perspective, with hypothetical verbatim transcripts of interventions for each major approach and the latest empirical or research findings on their effectiveness. The second edition covers therapies and techniques that are increasing in use and includes a discussion of lay counseling. The book presents a Christian approach to counseling and psychotherapy that is Christ-centered, biblically based, and Spirit-filled.

Genres: Counselling, Psychology, Grad School, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Christian, Mental Health

581 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Siang-Yang Tan is director of the doctor of psychology program in the Graduate School of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary. His Ph.D. is from McGill University.

-from the back cover of Coping with Depression (1995)

Reviews

[Joel Cachola · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the required readings for an MFT theories course. Concise, objective, and even explains all the theories in the lens of a biblical perspective. Will refer to this often when learning about other theories in the future.

[Adam Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a textbook, so it wasn’t a “just for fun” read. However, as a Christian, I did appreciate the author comparing the different psychological theories to Scripture and pointing out the pros and cons in each one.
Yes, in each one.
Every theory has points where it can align with Scripture, and where it can be problematic.
The author leans slightly Calvinistic, which I though was weird, given is psychotherapy background, but it was only slightly leaning.
This book could be a great resource for Christians who are interested in counseling and psychotherapy, but are concerned about maintaining a Christian perspective.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I did not read every page of this book, but did read most of it. I found it helpful as a Christian pursuing a mental health profession to see how various approaches align with a Christian worldview. Tan’s explanations of secular psychology were easy to read and understand for any student.

[Em (Makenna) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful!

[AmyRose · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Read all but a couple chapters of this book for class. It provides an excellent overview of the 12-15 big counseling theories. The chapters are systematically structured, exploring the main figures, view of human nature, counseling theory, and interventions suggested by each position, all from a Christian perspective. I learned so much, and appreciate Tan’s insightful commentary — critical in a balanced way, and yet generous as well.

[Bridget Golubinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of counseling theories presented in a systematic and clear way from a Christian standpoint. For each theory the author would give information on its history, key figures, principles of practice, techniques, and view of human nature and change. He also included a hypothetical transcript of how a session between counselor and client might sound under each theory and offered pros and cons of each theory from both a general perspective and a biblical perspective.

[Kaci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the main elements and key features brought in from the author to describe each theory. The author did a pretty good job bringing in practical supports and ideas for each theory. A Biblical alignment overview for each theory was included, but not in an overbearing way. The author maintained an ethical approach to providing counseling from an integrative perspective. I also appreciated the additional context of the role of the Holy Spirit in the therapeutic setting.

[Dena McGoldrick Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, the best book in my graduate program as it evaluates each theory from a Biblical worldview. The last two chapters define Christian counseling and explain different views on integration. The final chapter explores ethical issues when counseling in clinics or churches. Lots of other resources cited. Highly recommend.

[Diana T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great manual! I had to stop and meditate (and review things I have learned at the Univ of Psychology) after every chapter. Tan briefly presented the therapies of the world and filtered each of them through the biblical lenses. It really gave me a renewed perspective on the worldly teaching versus God's teachings.

[Victoria Laubach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this for my master’s program and absolutely love it! I love the way it breaks down all of the counseling theories and includes pros and cons of each. I throughly enjoyed the counseling excepts to show how to incorporate the techniques according to the theory.

[PaiLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, concise and informative. Very importantly, he placed "Self-Care" in the beginning of the book!!!

[Jared McLeod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I didn’t read every page of this book, I found it to be extremely helpful to learn theories and interventions, especially as a Christian practicing counseling. Great tool for the toolbox.

[Johnny Sprinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Christian perspective on the major counseling theories and systems.

[Adrienna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been attempting to read this material for over a month; e-Book version, loaned twice already for 21 days per session. Siang-Yang Tan has done extensive research, per chapter, shows notes.

I have taken notes to get clarification on counseling vs therapy, psychotherapy vs psychology. I am in hopes to gain more as I look forward to venturing into a second grad degree but taking a turn into psychology to help/defend others.

[Mary Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far...awesome! Challenging me in so many ways and preparing me in a great way for Christian Therapy. Too bad I have to read it so quickly. 120 pages read thus far, and 211 more to go be the end of tonight...or whenever I finish and can go to bed.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt less thorough than Corey's work on theories though its conciseness was appreciated. Tan's thoughts on how each theory interacted with Christianity was interesting though perhaps because of my seminary background most of it seemed fairly intuitive.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for all who just want understand the basics.

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am delighted to be able to encourage and recommend the reading of this professionally and scholarly written evaluation and synopsis of counseling and psychotherapy. I believe that Dr. Tan shares a passion for helping people through the struggles and issues of life. Dr. Tan encourages psychotherapeutic professionals to pursue their careers and/or ministries under the guidance and direction of sound wisdom and practice found in the various therapeutic disciplines. He also stresses his willful submission to the influence and power of the Holy Spirit in the counseling relationship as the potentially most efficacious participant in helping others through the hardships of life.
Bartley Cris Willis