Doctoral Program CC 702: Christian Counseling Assignment 1 Analysis

This assignment analyzes key concepts from three books related to Christian counseling, focusing on marriage and family issues. The first book, 'Counseling Couples in Conflict,' emphasizes the importance of teamwork and addressing individualistic tendencies, while also acknowledging the challenges of dealing with offense and injury. The second book, 'The quick-reference guide to marriage & family counseling,' highlights the importance of communication and provides guidelines for addressing various counseling concerns. The third book, 'Christian counseling: A comprehensive guide,' serves as a reference manual for understanding human behavior from a biblical perspective and emphasizes the counselor's role in facilitating positive change. The assignment also includes a case study involving a middle-aged couple facing marital difficulties, and explores the role of spiritual direction in marriage counseling, emphasizing the importance of bringing individuals closer to Jesus for personal and relational transformation. The assignment provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, offering guidance for counselors working with couples in conflict.

1st class of doctoral program
CC 702 CONTEMPORARY
COUNSELING TECHNIQUES
FOR
The Christian counselor
Assignment 1

1
Sells, James N., and Mark A. Yarhouse. Counseling couples in conflict: A relational
restoration model. InterVarsity Press, 2011.
Key Concepts
The book aims at the preparation of pastors and Christian counselors, who lack
the resources or training for family or marriage counselling. Theories are presented by
psychologists derived from their experiences to train the readers willing to counsel
couples.
Strengths and weaknesses
The text focuses on the concept of ‘Us’, for couples to understand the concept of
togetherness through teamwork1, while sharing a life after marriage, to resolve issues
arising due to individualistic tendencies. However the discussions regarding injury and
offense may not be clearly defined. Hence, the counseling techniques are not foolproof.
Issues or Concerns in Relation to Life, Work, or Ministry.
Limits are clearly defined for pastors, in relation to the couples who need counsel.
This book also aims at providing a fresh perspective towards empathy, forgiveness,
clarity in relationships and grace which helps the reader on a personal level, as well.
Focuses on the resolution of personal problems first, for being a successful counselor.
1 Sells, James G., & Yarhouse Mark A 2011. Counseling Couples in Conflict: A
Relational Restoration Model. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.

2
Clinton, Tim, and John Trent. The quick-reference guide to marriage & family
counseling. Baker Books, 2009.
Key concepts
This book aims to serve as a guide that facilitates marriage and family counseling
based on guidelines published by the American association Of Christian Counselors
(AACC) to ensure the effectiveness of the meetings organized for the resolution of
problems in marriage and other family issues by Christian counselors.
Strengths and weaknesses of the text
The importance of communication in marriage in stressed upon through the
inclusion of five steps of communication2. However, the relationship between churches
and their need in personal relationships is unclear throughout the text.
Issues or Concerns in Relation to Life, Work, or Ministry
This book serves as a clear guide for important concerns that might be raised
while counseling like domestic violence, substance abuse, alcoholism, addiction or even
child adoption. This also helps the reader work for the betterment of their personal
relationships before counseling other couples in need.
Collins, Gary R. Christian counseling: A comprehensive guide. Recording for the
Blind & Dyslexic, 2008.
2 Clinton, Tim. & Trent John. 2009. Marriage & family counseling. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Books.

3
Key Concepts
This book serves as a reference manual for both pastors and students alike for
better understanding of human behavior and the inclusion of biblical teachings3 to serve
as the foundation of understanding relationships and the resolution of problems based on
the same.
Strengths and weaknesses of the text
This book focuses on the ability of the counselor to help positive change that will
effectively last after present resolution of persistent problems. However, multicultural
issues are defined too generally and the conflicts are not clearly addressed which fails to
provide correct guidance for diverse clients.
Issues or Concerns in Relation to Life, Work, or Ministry
This book approaches Christian counselling clearly. It makes the readers attain
clear motives, as Christian counselors. Probable mistakes of counsellors are also
discussed to provide methods of tackling problems and failures during counselors or on a
personal level.
3 Sells, James G., & Yarhouse Mark A 2011. Counseling Couples in Conflict: A
Relational Restoration Model. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.

4
Bibliography
Clinton, Tim, and John Trent. The quick-reference guide to marriage & family
counseling. Baker Books, 2009.
Collins, Gary R. Christian counseling: A comprehensive guide. Recording for the Blind
& Dyslexic, 2008.
Sells, James N., and Mark A. Yarhouse. Counseling couples in conflict: A relational
restoration model. InterVarsity Press, 2011.