A Biblical Counseling Process: Guidance for the Beginning, Middle, and End

by Lauren Whitman

Publisher:

New Growth Press

, 2021

Overview

What makes counseling biblical? What does the biblical counseling process entail? What is the focus of each stage of the process? Lauren Whitman, an experienced CCEF counselor, addresses these questions and more in A Biblical Counseling Process, sharing a process from start to finish that will help guide counselors in reaching the hearts of their counselees and connecting them to Jesus, who brings hope and change.

Although there is not a one-size-fits-all formula for biblical counseling, Whitman captures the scope of a counseling process and identifies two major tasks for the beginning, middle, and the end. Each of the chapters works together to explain, describe, support, and illustrate these tasks. The author also provides a case study that continues throughout the book, providing readers with an example of how to implement the process.

As part of CCEF’s Helping the Helper series, A Biblical Counseling Process will equip counselors, pastors, and lay leaders to approach their counseling ministry intentionally so that their work faithfully points people to the Lord, considers who he is, his heart, and what he calls us to. Useful for new and seasoned counselors alike, this resource will equip helpers with a vision for what a progression of counseling looks like.

Key Features

• Identifies two major tasks for the beginning, middle, and the end of the counseling process
• Provides readers with an case study to exemplify how to implement the process
• Equips counselors, pastors, and lay leaders to approach their counseling ministry intentionally

Contents

• What Is a Biblical Counseling Process?

Part 1: The Beginning of the Counseling Process

• Building a Counseling Relationship
• The First Session
• The Second Session
• A Case Study in the Beginning: Nadia
• Considerations at the Beginning

Part 2: The Middle of the Counseling Process

• Interpreting Biblically
• Imagining the Faithful Way Forward
• An Example of Using Scripture in Counseling
• A Case Study in the Middle: Nadia
• Considerations in the Middle

Part 3: The End of the Counseling Process

• Building Momentum and Perseverance
• The Last Session
• A Case Study at the End: Nadia
• Considerations at the End

Praise for A Biblical Counseling Process

Each person we counsel is unique and the challenges they face have their own complexities, but each counseling experience has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Whitman provides an excellent framework that guides the overall flow of counseling while acknowledging and leaving room for the individualization that comes with each person. She offers a big picture overview of the process and dives deep into details on key components of counseling—first session, transitions, closing session, etc. This book answers a myriad of frequently asked questions regarding the practical matters of counseling. Students of biblical counseling and new counselors will have answers to these burning questions and experienced counselors will also find insights and tips to hone their skills as ministers of God’s Word. This book will be a required read for my students.

—Curtis W. Solomon, Executive Director of the Biblical Counseling Coalition; cofounder of Solomon SoulCare

Two things especially stand out in the refreshingly clear prose of Whitman's contribution to biblical counseling literature. First, Whitman leads by example in applying specific Scriptures to specific, vivid counseling situations. Second, she provides simple, doable foci for counselors at each stage of counseling and clear benchmarks for where each stage begins and ends. I commend this highly accessible, gracefully written book to anyone looking to do vocational biblical counseling!

—Alasdair Groves, Executive Director of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF); coauthor of Untangling Emotions

As the biblical counseling movement has matured and grown, there has been a significant need for solid teaching on biblical counseling methodology. Counselors and helpers can have good theology and training, but they need to be equipped for the actual work of counseling—how to sit and listen, how to structure their sessions, and so on. Lauren Whitman has written a brief but packed resource that fills that gap marvelously. It will undoubtedly be my new go-to guide in training helpers and counselors.

—Jonathan D. Holmes, Executive Director, Fieldstone Counseling; author of Counsel for Couples: A Biblical and Practical Guide for Marriage Counseling

Product Details

• Title: A Biblical Counseling Process
• Author: Lauren Whitman
• Publisher: New Growth Press
• Print Publication Date: 2021
• Pages: 112
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• ISBNs: 9781645071907, 1645071901
• Resource ID: LLS:BBLCLCNSLNPRCSS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-09-26T21:45:03Z

About Lauren Whitman

Lauren Whitman is a faculty member and counselor at CCEF, where she has served since 2010. She holds a master of arts in counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary and a certificate in advanced professional counseling from Missio Seminary. Lauren also serves as the developmental editor for the Journal of Biblical Counseling. Through her work with the Journal, she brings experience and skill for developing authors and their writing. She also has a particular interest in biblical counseling methodology and in marriage counseling. Lauren has published multiple books, including A Painful Past (P&R Publishing, 2020) and A Biblical Counseling Process (New Growth Press, 2021).