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How to Help People Change
Change is the essential goal of the counseling process. How can a Christian counselor facilitate such change? The answer, of course, may be found in Scripture, specifically in 2 Timothy 3:14-17. Professor, pastor, and well-known counselor Jay E. Adams bases his whole approach on Scripture. This book provides an unparalleled opportunity to see how he discovers and applies biblical principles as well as the way in which Scripture functions as the basis for his counseling approach. In How to Help People Change , this book answers two This book has much to say about the ongoing discussion of the relationship between theology and psychology in the enterprise of Christian counseling. Jay presents a fresh perspective not only on how to counsel, but also on what measures to take at what stages of counseling. While touching on many aspects of counseling, How to Help People Change is specifically designed to elucidate the process of counseling.
203 pages, Paperback
First published July 27, 1986
126 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Jay E. Adams
228 books143 followersJay Edward Adams is a Reformed Christian author. He has written over 100 books and these have been published in sixteen languages.
He received a Bachelor of Divinity from Reformed Episcopal Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Johns Hopkins University,a Masters in Sacred Theology from Temple University, and a PhD in Speech from the University of Missouri.
Adams' book Competent to Counsel launched the nouthetic counseling movement, a movement whose aim was to use strictly biblical counseling methods. He is the founder of the Intitute for Nothetic Studies.
He received a Bachelor of Divinity from Reformed Episcopal Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Johns Hopkins University,a Masters in Sacred Theology from Temple University, and a PhD in Speech from the University of Missouri.
Adams' book Competent to Counsel launched the nouthetic counseling movement, a movement whose aim was to use strictly biblical counseling methods. He is the founder of the Intitute for Nothetic Studies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 21, 2025
I was really open to learning a different approach. I thought that maybe I had a caricature of “biblical counseling.” It’s not just that the clinical side is ignored. It’s that it’s demonized and the advice given can be dangerous. The concept that unbelievers don’t need counseling, they need evangelism is wild.
April 14, 2020
I gave this book as fair a read as I could, but there were way too many problems for me to recommend. Adams clearly means well in this book and his counseling ministry, but there are some glaring flaws in his hermeneutic and application of scripture to many of life's difficult situations. I believe that the Bible is inerrant and that it contains God's words of life that can effect real, lasting change in the regenerate Christian from the inside out. I am critical of the larger psychological community - especially those avenues that relieve an individual of personal responsibility as a general practice. But, I do not believe that everything from the psychological community is evil because, like other scientific disciplines, its academic and humanistic agendas are rooted in naturalism. While psychological *solutions* rooted in naturalism do not provide complete (or sometimes even adequate) answers, this branch often reflects truth in its observable arenas and therefore can contribute to our understanding, like other scientific research, to the complexity of the human mind that is affected, like the body, by the curse of original sin and death.
Adams gives no such provision and offers a categorical rejection of anything extra-Biblical as a condition of Biblical counseling. Besides being divisive, this comes across as both ignorant and as a negative-limiting-factor in helping people (namely, anyone who doesn't share his precise view,) change - which is the very thing he is trying to accomplish.
One example of a *shockingly* wrong interpretation and application of scripture was in the very opening of the book. Adams offers 1 John 4:18 as the reason why a scared wife still should have kept up intimacy with her (at the time) abusive husband. Not only is this a reckless and incorrect interpretation of that passage (the fear of eternal security is not even remotely close to fear of abuse), there is no other place in scripture that suggests a woman should behave as though the safety and trust of covenant love has not been broken, when it has because of physical abuse. We do see that, in Christ, restoration and healing is possible, but there are many steps of reconciliation that must take place first and they can be VERY time consuming depending on the level and stage of abuse and none of them include a woman's obligation to share intimacy with someone who has previously broken their covenant.
Additionally, I do not recall that Adams quotes any other scholarly work on any subject, except himself - which he does ad nauseam, referring to his other writings throughout this entire book, not as "books" or "articles", but as, "in my over 40 volumes on the subject" or, "of my many editorials". (I couldn't help but insert Jim Dale's "Gilderoy Lockhart" voice).
Overall, I rate this, "did not like it". I prefer "Instruments in the Redeemers Hands"
Adams gives no such provision and offers a categorical rejection of anything extra-Biblical as a condition of Biblical counseling. Besides being divisive, this comes across as both ignorant and as a negative-limiting-factor in helping people (namely, anyone who doesn't share his precise view,) change - which is the very thing he is trying to accomplish.
One example of a *shockingly* wrong interpretation and application of scripture was in the very opening of the book. Adams offers 1 John 4:18 as the reason why a scared wife still should have kept up intimacy with her (at the time) abusive husband. Not only is this a reckless and incorrect interpretation of that passage (the fear of eternal security is not even remotely close to fear of abuse), there is no other place in scripture that suggests a woman should behave as though the safety and trust of covenant love has not been broken, when it has because of physical abuse. We do see that, in Christ, restoration and healing is possible, but there are many steps of reconciliation that must take place first and they can be VERY time consuming depending on the level and stage of abuse and none of them include a woman's obligation to share intimacy with someone who has previously broken their covenant.
Additionally, I do not recall that Adams quotes any other scholarly work on any subject, except himself - which he does ad nauseam, referring to his other writings throughout this entire book, not as "books" or "articles", but as, "in my over 40 volumes on the subject" or, "of my many editorials". (I couldn't help but insert Jim Dale's "Gilderoy Lockhart" voice).
Overall, I rate this, "did not like it". I prefer "Instruments in the Redeemers Hands"
Read
May 22, 2025my notes:
"change--whether in the counselee's thinking, feeling, behavior, attitude, sensitivity, awareness, or understanding -- is the goal of all counseling.
"substantial change requires the Holy Spirit's alteration of the heart (one's inner life known only to God and oneself). Outward changes of any significance must begin there.
the four step process:
1. teaching
2. conviction
3. correction
4. disciplined training through righteousness
"everyone changes constantly; the question is, in what direction?"
"counseling, no less than preaching, is a ministry of the Word, dependent on the Scriptures for whtever it accomplishes."
"too frequently, even in conservative churches, people excel in Bible quizzes but do not know how to use the Bible on Thursday at work, in school, or at home."
"if he is inadequate, it is not because the BIble is inadequate but simply because he does not know his Bible adequately."
"effective counseling moves people from one point to another."
"unless the counselee is taught not only. how to get out of trouble, but also how to stay out of such trouble in the future, he will be ripe for future failure...Jesus treated the disregard for such precautions against future sin as indicative of an unrepentant and unsaved condition"
"learning to depend on God is a critical matter of growth"
"if your personality is a drawback [to teaching, evangelism, etc], then it must be changed...your personality isn't set in concrete; it can be changed."
"change--whether in the counselee's thinking, feeling, behavior, attitude, sensitivity, awareness, or understanding -- is the goal of all counseling.
"substantial change requires the Holy Spirit's alteration of the heart (one's inner life known only to God and oneself). Outward changes of any significance must begin there.
the four step process:
1. teaching
2. conviction
3. correction
4. disciplined training through righteousness
"everyone changes constantly; the question is, in what direction?"
"counseling, no less than preaching, is a ministry of the Word, dependent on the Scriptures for whtever it accomplishes."
"too frequently, even in conservative churches, people excel in Bible quizzes but do not know how to use the Bible on Thursday at work, in school, or at home."
"if he is inadequate, it is not because the BIble is inadequate but simply because he does not know his Bible adequately."
"effective counseling moves people from one point to another."
"unless the counselee is taught not only. how to get out of trouble, but also how to stay out of such trouble in the future, he will be ripe for future failure...Jesus treated the disregard for such precautions against future sin as indicative of an unrepentant and unsaved condition"
"learning to depend on God is a critical matter of growth"
"if your personality is a drawback [to teaching, evangelism, etc], then it must be changed...your personality isn't set in concrete; it can be changed."
March 31, 2011
Simple and useful. Adams works through II Timothy 3:14-17 to discern a framework for helping people change, moving from teaching to conviction to correction to training in righteousness. Much good and helpful material, at a Sunday school level. One note, though: if you do not know the definition of the word "milieu", you will be at a loss for a large portion of the book. Study that word, and know it well, and you will be prepared for any of the fifty-three times it appears.
July 17, 2023
Do you ever wonder how people change? As a Christian do you counsel others and wonder how do you help people change and change in a biblical matter? If so this book is one you should read. This is written by Jay Adams, the father of biblical counseling. This is a topic that is important whether you are a pastor, a church leader or simply a member of the church that want to minister to people. Even if you disagree with biblical counseling or Jay Adams I think one should also read it to grasp what those who advocate biblical counseling are saying.
There are four steps of change that is the focus of the book. These are teaching, conviction, correction, and disciplined change. Together they make up part two through five of the book, with part one looking at change in biblical perspective in terms of need for inner change (chapter one) summary of the four steps of change (chapter two), foundational matters (chapter three on the change-producing character of the Bible, chapter four on sufficiency of Scripture and chapter five on the human and divine role in change). The meet of the book of course is part two through five that cover the four steps and each part has several chapters covering the subjects.
There are so many good things one can get from this book. I enjoyed the discussion of how the Bible is needed to properly interpret problems. I like chapter thirteen on conviction and data gathering; I’m someone who think it is very important to focus on gathering data correctly before giving counsel, having seen in the past how people who are biblical can prematurely jump to conclusion with someone’s problems and not get to the root of the issue or even judge someone’s problems wrongly; of course wrong diagnosis means wrong solutions. I also enjoy chapter seventeen’s discussions also about repentance and biblical correction. Adams points out repentance isn’t more focus on feelings but more of change of mind. Here Adams note people sometimes feel bad for the consequences of sins but that is not biblical repentance; repentance has sorrow but it is more than those emotions, it is a change of mind. I also like chapter twenty two with righteousness as the goal for disciplined change; so many times in different counseling model it isn’t concern for sanctification first but rather it is about self-help and good feelings, etc. There’s so much I got from this book but this should suffice to say I recommend this book.
There are four steps of change that is the focus of the book. These are teaching, conviction, correction, and disciplined change. Together they make up part two through five of the book, with part one looking at change in biblical perspective in terms of need for inner change (chapter one) summary of the four steps of change (chapter two), foundational matters (chapter three on the change-producing character of the Bible, chapter four on sufficiency of Scripture and chapter five on the human and divine role in change). The meet of the book of course is part two through five that cover the four steps and each part has several chapters covering the subjects.
There are so many good things one can get from this book. I enjoyed the discussion of how the Bible is needed to properly interpret problems. I like chapter thirteen on conviction and data gathering; I’m someone who think it is very important to focus on gathering data correctly before giving counsel, having seen in the past how people who are biblical can prematurely jump to conclusion with someone’s problems and not get to the root of the issue or even judge someone’s problems wrongly; of course wrong diagnosis means wrong solutions. I also enjoy chapter seventeen’s discussions also about repentance and biblical correction. Adams points out repentance isn’t more focus on feelings but more of change of mind. Here Adams note people sometimes feel bad for the consequences of sins but that is not biblical repentance; repentance has sorrow but it is more than those emotions, it is a change of mind. I also like chapter twenty two with righteousness as the goal for disciplined change; so many times in different counseling model it isn’t concern for sanctification first but rather it is about self-help and good feelings, etc. There’s so much I got from this book but this should suffice to say I recommend this book.
April 22, 2024
In Jay Adams’ How to Help People Change, Adams lays out a simple and biblically based process for true change. Using 2 Timothy 3:14-17, the great passage on scriptural sufficiency, Adams constructs a framework whereby Biblical counselors can guide counselees through the process of change from sinful habits into godly ones.
It is important, then, to understand what Adams means by change. When we understand what Adams means by change, we can begin to understand his ire towards secular forms of counseling. To Adams, true change is that change that is “satisfactory to God, not merely socially good” (7). Adams is less concerned with behavioral modification and more concerned with heart transformation. This is inherently a supernatural concept and cannot be explained or attained by materialistic means.
Adams lays out a four-step process: teaching, conviction, correction, and disciplined training in righteousness. Adams is quite rigid with this process and claims that its rigidity is biblical. Whether or not someone agrees, there is little doubt that all these steps, as he explains them, must be present in some order to bring about true change.
Firstly, in teaching, Adams lays out the need for a rational and intellectual understanding of God’s standards and Biblical principles. Secondly, in conviction, Adams explains that intellectual knowledge is not enough to bring about true change but that doctrine must affect the heart in ways that urge the counselee toward change. Thirdly, in correction, the application of God’s Word mends the sinful issues of the soul. Lastly, Adams emphasizes that restoration is not the end of the changing process. The counselor does his counselee a disservice if he does not seek his continued training in righteousness. Sanctification is a lifelong attribute of the Christian life and Biblical change requires continued discipline and training.
It is important, then, to understand what Adams means by change. When we understand what Adams means by change, we can begin to understand his ire towards secular forms of counseling. To Adams, true change is that change that is “satisfactory to God, not merely socially good” (7). Adams is less concerned with behavioral modification and more concerned with heart transformation. This is inherently a supernatural concept and cannot be explained or attained by materialistic means.
Adams lays out a four-step process: teaching, conviction, correction, and disciplined training in righteousness. Adams is quite rigid with this process and claims that its rigidity is biblical. Whether or not someone agrees, there is little doubt that all these steps, as he explains them, must be present in some order to bring about true change.
Firstly, in teaching, Adams lays out the need for a rational and intellectual understanding of God’s standards and Biblical principles. Secondly, in conviction, Adams explains that intellectual knowledge is not enough to bring about true change but that doctrine must affect the heart in ways that urge the counselee toward change. Thirdly, in correction, the application of God’s Word mends the sinful issues of the soul. Lastly, Adams emphasizes that restoration is not the end of the changing process. The counselor does his counselee a disservice if he does not seek his continued training in righteousness. Sanctification is a lifelong attribute of the Christian life and Biblical change requires continued discipline and training.
January 2, 2024
This book created a huge shift in my thinking about the Scriptures when it comes to the topic of counseling. Gods Word is sufficient for all things. It is what we need. Counseling and helping others change is a challenging area in ministry and discipleship, but it is also an extremely important aspect to do well in each encounter or session. So many times when it comes to counseling, there are methods used that are not from the Bible and then a few Scriptures are thrown in to make it "Christian", but this author shows you that no other methods are actually necessary. What is necessary for counseling and for change is the Scriptures. It can and will speak into every scenario known to man and it is absolutely enough to heal us and help us change more into the likeness of Christ.
September 2, 2022
Adams provides some helpful material in dealing with counselling. However, he makes a number of sweeping claims FOR biblical counselling and AGAINST other forms of psychological counselling. While I too agree that counselling ought to be biblical, he does not give enough examples as to how to apply the Scriptures to various situations. I know that one cannot cover all the possible situations that may arise in counselling situations, but the book is not comprehensive enough. Also, he should deal with a few basics in counselling: how to listen effectively, what to say and not say, how to advise diplomatically but directly. A decent book, but ought to be fleshed out more.
June 17, 2021
Adams outlines a four-step process for biblical change:
1. Teaching
2. Conviction
3. Correction
4. Disciplined training in righteousness
He is very direct in his tone and clearly calls out unbiblical counseling methods. Overall, this book was helpful and convicting and will affect the way I help people change.
1. Teaching
2. Conviction
3. Correction
4. Disciplined training in righteousness
He is very direct in his tone and clearly calls out unbiblical counseling methods. Overall, this book was helpful and convicting and will affect the way I help people change.
May 6, 2022
A super helpful book-length treatment of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and how it practically helps one help (himself) and others change. Read this after you read "How People Change" by Tripp and Lane and you'll have a solid baseline for understanding biblical counseling and how sanctification works practically.
May 24, 2023
I appreciate how Adams keeps the gospel centered on how people change. There are different problems and struggles people face. There needs to be wisdom on what aspect of the gospel needs to be applied to a given person and/or situation. Whereas some may find Adams a bit rigid in his application others may find him more hopeful in that people can and do change.
January 22, 2019
Accessible and practical instruction on the biblical process of change. Forcefully advocates for the sufficiency of Scripture in counseling. Requires the reader to settle in their mind, “What is the meaning of 2 Timothy 3:16-17?”
February 1, 2023
very helpful
I enjoyed the Bible-centeredness of Adams writing. He writes clearly and with simplicity. He will help anyone see the Bible as a useful and set apart book from any others that the culture has created!
I enjoyed the Bible-centeredness of Adams writing. He writes clearly and with simplicity. He will help anyone see the Bible as a useful and set apart book from any others that the culture has created!
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March 30, 2022Change is possible
A necessary resource for every biblically counselor in a world where many a believer believe it is impossible to live a life of righteousness
A necessary resource for every biblically counselor in a world where many a believer believe it is impossible to live a life of righteousness
October 22, 2023
Praise be to God whose Word is sufficient for every relational and mental problem a christian faces!
November 6, 2023
Love Jay Adams and his teaching on using the Bible to allow the Holy spirit to work in people's lives
April 16, 2024
Short chapters (which is 👌🏽) packed with great guidance on how to successfully counsel!
December 22, 2024
tara glee recommendation. so so good.
March 19, 2025
For the masters 👩🎓
July 21, 2025
This was a very insightful read though I do disagree with some of the methodologies for "correction". I will likely read it again.
August 7, 2019
A useful explanation for Christian counselors of the 4-step process of change, based on the steps in 1 Tim 3:16: teaching, conviction, correction, and disciplined training in righteousness. Adams beats the drum of the sufficiency of Scripture in counseling. He doesn't say that extra-biblical resources may not be used, but says they're not necessary, and must be kept secondary to the Bible and must in no way conflict with it. He emphasizes that the Bible has practical solutions to human problems, and says, "One of the major ways to help your counselees, therefore, is to show them how practically to use the Bible." He also says,
I skimmed this because I'm a layman, not a formal counselor.
Notes
Introduction
Substantial change:
1. Is brought about by the ministry of the Word (teaching, exhortation, rebuke, encouragement, discipline, etc.).
2. Is blessed by the Spirit of God.
3. Brings the counselee closer to the likeness of Christ.
The Need for Inner Change
"External changes that do not follow an internal change of heart toward God always move a person further away from the Lord. So change that is socially good may be religiously evil."
The Four-Step Biblical Process
4 steps of edification (1 Tim 3:16)
1. Teaching
2. Conviction
3. Correction
4. Disciplined training in righteousness
Evangelism (and its goal, salvation) must precede edification (and its goal, sanctification).
The Sufficiency of the Scriptures
The Bible provides all the counselor needs. "We don't have time to waste on weighty tomes written by benighted authors with clouded views of man's condition and needs, when so many brilliant shafts of biblical light have not yet illumined our counseling ministries."
Jesus needed no extra-biblical resources for all His many counseling cases.
Psychology isn't necessary for Christian counseling, but can be helpful, in same way medical info can supplement biblical principle of caring for the body.
The Human and Divine Roles in Change
Holy Spirit works through Bible, not apart from it. What the Bible says it does, it also says the Spirit does: teaching (1 John 2:27), conviction (John 16:7-11), correction (Gal 6:1; 5:22-23); disciplined training in righteousness (Gal 5:16-18; Rom 6-8).
Teaching God's Standards
"A counselee should look like Jesus Christ; He is the standard. The Bible, by both precept and example, gives us a complete record of what Christ is like." See how Christ kept Ten Commandments and exhibited Fruit of the Spirit.
"You should never counsel unbelievers. What they need is precounseling, or evangelism."
Teaching Biblical Principles
"Nouthetic" comes from Greek "nouthesia" translated "counseling" and meaning "change, out of concern, through confrontation."
What Is Conviction?
Rev 3:20 refers to believers who have, by their sin, shut Christ out of their lives; it doesn't speak of unbelievers coming to faith.
When Jesus said we must hate loved ones (Luke 14:26), He meant we must hate for anything or any person to stand in our way of loving Him.
"Every instance of 'help' afforded by the acceptance and performance of non-Christian principles and practices, in the long run, if not sooner, will reap side effects inimical to Christian living and welfare."
The Need for Disciplined Training in Righteousness
4th step, disciplined training in righteousness, is essential. It's not enough to put off old ways; there must be a positive effort to put on new, biblical ways (Eph 4; Col 3).
Biblical Training
A counselor should continue counseling until counselee's new patterns are more or less automatic, unconscious, comfortable, skillfully performed.
Concentrate on using the Bible alone … learn … how to use the Bible cogently and effectively in its full strength. In all of this you must ask the Spirit of God to sustain and guide you, by the Bible, of course!Adams also points out that counseling should focus on the heart, not just external behavior. When the heart is changed to align with the Bible, biblical attitudes and behavior will follow. Adams says, "There can be no acceptable change of life without a corresponding change of heart."
I skimmed this because I'm a layman, not a formal counselor.
Notes
Introduction
Substantial change:
1. Is brought about by the ministry of the Word (teaching, exhortation, rebuke, encouragement, discipline, etc.).
2. Is blessed by the Spirit of God.
3. Brings the counselee closer to the likeness of Christ.
The Need for Inner Change
"External changes that do not follow an internal change of heart toward God always move a person further away from the Lord. So change that is socially good may be religiously evil."
The Four-Step Biblical Process
4 steps of edification (1 Tim 3:16)
1. Teaching
2. Conviction
3. Correction
4. Disciplined training in righteousness
Evangelism (and its goal, salvation) must precede edification (and its goal, sanctification).
The Sufficiency of the Scriptures
The Bible provides all the counselor needs. "We don't have time to waste on weighty tomes written by benighted authors with clouded views of man's condition and needs, when so many brilliant shafts of biblical light have not yet illumined our counseling ministries."
Jesus needed no extra-biblical resources for all His many counseling cases.
Psychology isn't necessary for Christian counseling, but can be helpful, in same way medical info can supplement biblical principle of caring for the body.
The Human and Divine Roles in Change
Holy Spirit works through Bible, not apart from it. What the Bible says it does, it also says the Spirit does: teaching (1 John 2:27), conviction (John 16:7-11), correction (Gal 6:1; 5:22-23); disciplined training in righteousness (Gal 5:16-18; Rom 6-8).
Teaching God's Standards
"A counselee should look like Jesus Christ; He is the standard. The Bible, by both precept and example, gives us a complete record of what Christ is like." See how Christ kept Ten Commandments and exhibited Fruit of the Spirit.
"You should never counsel unbelievers. What they need is precounseling, or evangelism."
Teaching Biblical Principles
"Nouthetic" comes from Greek "nouthesia" translated "counseling" and meaning "change, out of concern, through confrontation."
What Is Conviction?
Rev 3:20 refers to believers who have, by their sin, shut Christ out of their lives; it doesn't speak of unbelievers coming to faith.
The best way to convince counselees of their need to look at matters differently is to show them that they are not analyzing the problem biblically. This can best be done by noting (1) that the Bible does not entertain the categories and terminology the counselee is using, and (2) that in scriptural cases similar to his, the Bible describes his kind of behavior or attitudes as sin.Forsaking Sin
When Jesus said we must hate loved ones (Luke 14:26), He meant we must hate for anything or any person to stand in our way of loving Him.
"Every instance of 'help' afforded by the acceptance and performance of non-Christian principles and practices, in the long run, if not sooner, will reap side effects inimical to Christian living and welfare."
The Need for Disciplined Training in Righteousness
4th step, disciplined training in righteousness, is essential. It's not enough to put off old ways; there must be a positive effort to put on new, biblical ways (Eph 4; Col 3).
Biblical Training
A counselor should continue counseling until counselee's new patterns are more or less automatic, unconscious, comfortable, skillfully performed.
November 8, 2012
It is apparent that Adams is a pioneer in Christian counseling if not for any other reason than his plethora of books written (of which he is very obviously proud of as he references them on numerous occasion) on the subject. He subscribes to the premise described by Dr. Larry Crabb as "Nothing Buttery" - absolutely nothing but Scripture is necessary to counsel and that there is nothing within secular psychology that is of value to the Christian counselor. He breaks down his concept of nouthetic counseling into four steps: teaching, conviction, correction, and disciplined training in righteousness. The underlying premise is that the counselee is a Christian and the need for counseling stems from sin or the counselee is not a Christian and therefore must become a Christian before successfully dealing with the issue (rooted in sin of course, but not recognized as such do to not being a Christian). The bottom line that seems to come from this book is that it can tell you how to help people if they are a Christian or if you are able to convert them to become a Christian then help you help them. If your client does not fit either of those molds, then I am not sure this book can help people change.
November 9, 2012
Saying that his premise is biblically directed really had my hopes up for this book. Aside from saying that I believe that the Bible is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction , for instruction in righteousness is about as far as I agree with Adams. I do not agree with his premise that Christians can not counsel unbelievers (who did Jesus say that the physician is for?), nor with most of his theology. I believe that the Scripture has the ability to save and to change broken lives. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed.
January 22, 2015
While much of it is helpful and true, some parts are outright dangerous and unethical, like the way he handles Self-esteem (which if not dealt with can lead to depression, drug use, sexual issues , suicide, etc.) as well as his idea that counselors should proselytize to clients who aren't Christian, which is a clear violation of ethics codes if the individual has expressed no interest in such.
February 2, 2016
Great book in Christian Counseling!
I would recommend this book to any counselor, pastor, or ministry leader. If your role in the church is to enable other believers to change, this is for you! Very practical and useful information! But, in order to get details of some of the concepts, the other books referenced must be on the reading list!
I would recommend this book to any counselor, pastor, or ministry leader. If your role in the church is to enable other believers to change, this is for you! Very practical and useful information! But, in order to get details of some of the concepts, the other books referenced must be on the reading list!
July 26, 2016
Excellent resource for anyone in Biblical Soul Care. It takes 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and breaks it down into the 4 steps in which to counsel people. Teaching -- Conviction -- Correction -- Training in righteousness.
May 3, 2016
This book was written only for Christian counselors working in the context of a local church, counseling only Christians or those who choose to become Christians. The author is very clear about that. If that describes you, then you might profit from the book.
February 13, 2009
Good stuff on counseling. Adams has many years experience doing it, too.
February 5, 2010
practical approach to Christian Counseling
April 7, 2013
Great introduction to the Nouthetic method of counseling.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews