Therapeutic Expedition: Equipping the Christian Counselor for the Journey

by John C. Thomas, Lisa Sosin

For undergraduates and those pursuing a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or pastoral counseling, Therapeutic Expedition is the only comprehensive basic helping skills textbook built upon a biblical world-view. Authors John C. Thomas and Lisa Sosin pull from their combined fifty years of clinical and classroom experience to prepare future counselors for their professional journey, fostering specific skills application in the areas Creating a helping relationship 
Assigning homework 
Exploring the counselee’s concerns 
Spiritual strategies 
Facilitating the sessions 
Using metaphors 
Assessing the counselee The book’s unique combination of qualities-a practical approach highlighting professional and personal growth based on authoritative, interdisciplinary, and biblical worldview outlooks-makes this an outstanding text within its field. Workbook excercises to foster skills application are included with each chapter.

Genres: Counselling

636 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

About the author

Dr. John C. Thomas is an Associate Professor with the Center for Counseling and Family Studies at Liberty University. In addition, Thomas provides counseling services through Wyndhurst Counseling Center in Lynchburg, Va. Thomas is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), certified substance abuse counselor (CSAC), and certified employee assistance consultant (CEAP). He has authored articles for many professional publications, conducts marriage enrichment retreats, and speaks on mental health and organizational issues. Ph.D. John C. Thomas. He holds a doctorate of philosophy degree in counseling and a graduate certificate in alcohol and drug studies from the University of South Carolina. He received his master’s degree in counseling and his bachelor of science from Liberty University. Thomas also holds a doctorate of philosophy degree in organizational psychology from Capella University. He is an active member of Thomas Road Baptist Church and resides in Lynchburg with his wife, Denise, and their two children, Katie and Stephen. Ph.D. John C. Thomas.

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are few books better for a Christian counselor. This is one of the few books I will not sell back; I'll keep it on my shelf as a reference. It's a great quick-reference to walk through the counseling process from start to finish.

There's quite a few typos that could use fixed and I'd love to see an appendix of the acronyms they list. That being said, there's also a bit of redundancy - which one can quickly figure out where to skim.

All in all, an excellent reference for any Christian counselor and a mandatory read for pastors who do any sort of counseling.

[Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the best insight and clarity in defining what a biblical worldview looks like and how counselors can apply that to their craft. To me this book is a must have in every Christian counselor's library.

[Shalom Kester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oops! I mixed this up with the other textbook for my class! This one is written very well and I would read it again many times.

[Benton Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good tool to help understand counseling process.

[Dave Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best parts about this group is the ability to use it as a resource for years to come. It is a really easy read, but even more so easy to navigate. It is a mix of theory and a lot of practical information that applies directly to the counseling activity itself. It contains helpful guides and solutions to establishing and walking through the counseling sessions, and is a great resource for models and things such as contractual agreements. It covers the full spectrum, and moves from navigating the personal terrain to the relationship with the client themselves. The title speaks of the therapeutic expedition, which is built around the idea that the intent of the counselor is to be able to see the process from start to finish in light of a bigger picture. Every process is a unique and individual therapeutic expedition, and counselors should be equipped to engage with every phase of the journey. The book is unapologetically Christian, as the title suggests, and as such devotes time at intervals to how the process integrates with the spiritual journey as well. A good resource all around.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for any Christian Counselor! I liked all the practical advice and sample forms in the appendix. My only criticism would be the over use of acrostics! I found this to be less helpful and more cumbersome.

[Carissa Beard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was a good overview of the counseling process based on a Biblical worldview. My biggest criticism is the acrostics are overused! I found them them to be overwhelming.