Conversations for Change

  Ed Welch, in I have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does the Bible Say? tries to give those of us who are helping people who have been given a psychiatric diagnosis discover what God says about it and how the Bible speaks in ways that can help counselors find wisdom, rest, and hope in Jesus. He explains what the human heart is, how it functions, and how the Spirit changes our hearts. Welch argues that psychological categories help people see human struggles while spiritual categories include these struggles as well as how God speaks in every detail in our lives. He then goes on to the practical by looking at how we can help people who have been given specific diagnosis. These being anxiety and panic attacks, trauma, depression, and narcissism. This book does not argue theory about the DSM. It is a helpful and practical book for counselors looking for insights into how to help those they meet with who have been diagnosed

  Angry with God is written to help people who are angry due to suffering in life. Brad Hambrick encourages the reader to map out their lives to see the impact of what they are going through on who they are. From here, he uses Psalm 44 as an example of how to bring your suffering and pain to a God who understands and is compassionate. Hambrick urges the reader to go to God with their pain. He emphasizes the importance of relationship with him, this being in contrast to well-meaning others who can (mis)use the Bible to try to get you to feel better and in the process are quite dismissive of your suffering. The main strengths of the book are its understanding of the emotional impact of suffering and pointing people to God

  Legal Issues in Biblical Counseling: Direction & Help for Churches & Counselors is written for people in the church who want guidance about how to protect themselves legally as they help people according to biblical truths. The writers emphasize issues relevant to today’s society. There are 2 parts to the book (1) how to protect a counseling ministry in the church and (2) how to protect yourself and your counselees. I highly recommend this book as it gives tremendous insight into building protective measures around such crucial work