A Primer on Biblical Counseling: A Handbook for Christian Counselors with Treatment Plan

By Dohn Reyes and Ruel Capugan

A Primer on Biblical Counseling" is a book that provides an introduction to the principles and practices of biblical counseling. The book is designed for pastors, counselors, and laypeople who are interested in using the Bible to counsel others.

The book begins by exploring what Biblical counseling is. It then covers topics such as the Foundations of Biblical Counseling, the Uniqueness of Biblical Counseling, the Limitations of Biblical Counseling, the Process and Steps of Biblical Counseling, the Goals of Biblical Counseling, the Roadblocks of Biblical Counseling, the Role and Qualities of a Biblical Counselor, the Tools and Techniques in Biblical Counseling, the Do’s and Don'ts of Biblical Counseling, and the trends, Issues, and Future of Biblical Counseling and concludes with practical treatment plan suggestions on various topics in counseling someone biblically

Overall, "A Primer on Biblical Counseling" is a practical and accessible resource that provides a solid foundation for understanding and implementing biblical counseling principles in a ministry context.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9781312598942

Book preview

Scripture verses are quoted from the New International Version of the Bible unless indicated otherwise

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide

A Primer on Biblical Counseling

Copyright ©2023

ISBN: 978-1-312-59894-2

This eBook may be FREELY distributed.

Donation of any amount is highly appreciated in support for the future projects of the Author.

Donation may be sent directly to any of the following accounts:

PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/dohnreyes

GCash: 09361879665

Maya: 09338167999

About the Author

Dohn Reyes, serves as a Senior Pastor of a church in Laguna and is a registered psychometrician and a licensed professional teacher. He has dedicated himself over two decades to the field of biblical counseling. He is a passionate mental wellness specialist who has volunteered in various organizations to offer counseling and mental wellness services. Reyes strongly believes in reaching out to others with God's healing grace through His Word and has a sincere desire to motivate others to pursue a career in biblical counseling. His book, A Primer on Biblical Counseling, is a practical guide that reflects his years of experience and expertise in the field, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in this approach.

Dedication:

To all those who have ever felt lost, alone, or hopeless in the midst of their struggles. May this book offer hope and guidance, and may you find comfort and strength in the timeless wisdom of the Scriptures.

To my family, who has been my constant source of support and inspiration throughout my journey as a biblical counselor. Your unwavering love and encouragement have helped me overcome every obstacle and achieve every goal.

To the congregation of Haven of Praise Christian Church, for your partnership carrying out the ministry of reconciliation that we have received from God.

And above all to God, the source of all wisdom and compassion, who has given me the privilege of serving His people through this ministry. May everything I write and say be a reflection of His grace and truth.

Foreword

As a Senior Pastor engaged in pastoral counseling, I have witnessed the transformative power of biblical counseling firsthand. I have seen individuals overcome deep-seated fears, destructive habits, and crippling emotional wounds through the guidance and support of biblical counseling. I have also seen individuals experience spiritual renewal, personal growth, and deeper connections with God through the healing power of biblical counseling.

This book by my dear pastor friend, The Primer on Biblical Counseling, is a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding and skills in biblical counseling. Dohn has done an excellent job of providing a comprehensive overview of the foundations, principles, and tools of biblical counseling. Whether you are new to the field of counseling or are seeking to deepen your knowledge and skills, this book will provide you with practical insights and guidance to help you become a more effective and compassionate counselor.

One of the strengths of this book is its emphasis on the importance of integrating biblical principles into the counseling process. By grounding counseling in biblical truth, counselors can help individuals to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their situations, and their relationship with God. This, in turn, can lead to a more profound and lasting healing experience.

Another strength of this book is its practical focus. As a seasoned Biblical Counselor, Dohn has provided examples, and suggested treatment plans, and exercises to help readers apply the principles of biblical counseling in real-life situations. Whether you are counseling individuals dealing with addiction, depression, anxiety, or relationship issues, this book will provide you with practical tools and techniques to help your counselees  experience healing and growth.

Overall, The Primer on Biblical Counseling is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and skills in biblical counseling. I highly recommend this book to pastors, counselors, and anyone seeking to help others experience healing, growth, and spiritual renewal.

Rev. Ruel Capugan, D.D., D.CE, LPT

Founding President, Jesus the Exalted Name School (JTEN School)

Preface:

The field of counseling is vast and complex, with numerous theories, techniques, and approaches available to counselors. However, as a biblical counselor, I believe that the most effective and transformative approach to counseling is one that is grounded in biblical truth.

Biblical counseling is not just about helping individuals to cope with their problems or improve their mental health. It is about helping individuals to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their situations, and their relationship with God. It is about helping individuals to experience healing, growth, and spiritual renewal in all areas of their lives.

This book, A Primer on Biblical Counseling, is intended as a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of biblical counseling. It is written for pastors, counselors, and anyone seeking to help others experience healing and growth through biblical counseling.

In this book, we will explore the foundations of biblical counseling, including its theological, philosophical, and practical applications. We will also discuss the unique strengths and limitations of biblical counseling, as well as the roadblocks that can hinder the counseling process.

Throughout the book, we will emphasize the importance of integrating biblical truth and principles into the counseling process. We will provide practical tools and techniques for applying biblical principles in real-life counseling situations, including working with individuals dealing with porn addiction, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues.

Dohn Reyes

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1 - Introduction to Biblical Counseling                        …………..7

Chapter 2 - The Foundations of Biblical Counseling                        …………..10

Chapter 3 - The Uniqueness of Biblical Counseling                        …………..12

Chapter 4 - The Limitations of Biblical Counseling                        …………..14

Chapter 5 - The Process and Steps of Biblical Counseling                …………..16

Chapter 6 - The Goals of Biblical Counseling                        …………..18

Chapter 7 - The Roadblocks of Biblical Counseling                        …………..21

Chapter 8 - The Role and Qualities of a Biblical Counselor                …………..23

Chapter 9 - The Tools and Techniques in Biblical Counseling        …………...25

Chapter 10 - The Do’s and Don'ts of Biblical Counseling                ……………28

Chapter 11 - Final Thoughts                                                ……………33

Applications of Biblical Counseling on Various Cases                ……………35

Anger and Rage                                                ……………35

Anxiety and Worry                                                ……………44

Bitterness and Unforgiveness                                        ……………54

Depression                                                        ……………62

Gender and Sexuality Confusion                                ……………70

Grief and Loss                                                        ……………78

Hopelessness                                                        ……………86

Loneliness                                                        ……………94

Marital Conflict                                                ……………103

Parenting Concerns                                                ……………111

Pornography Addiction                                        ……………119

Premarital Sex                                                ……………127

Self-esteem Struggles                                        ……………135

Suicidal Thoughts                                                ……………143

Chapter 1 - Introduction to Biblical Counseling

As a form of counseling that seeks to integrate the teachings and principles of the Bible, Biblical counseling is a Christ-centered approach that recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of every person, as well as their need for healing, growth, and transformation. This approach of biblical counseling acknowledges the significance of the spiritual aspect of human beings and aims to deal with the underlying issues that give rise to emotional and mental distress.

The foundation of biblical counseling is built on the conviction that the Word of God is adequate and applicable to all aspects of human life. It is based on the biblical worldview, which affirms the sovereignty and goodness of God, the sinfulness and brokenness of humanity, and the redemptive work of Christ.

Biblical counseling is not a new concept. It has been practiced for centuries by pastors, counselors, and other individuals who seek to help people find healing and wholeness through the teachings of the Bible. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in biblical counseling as a way to provide a holistic approach to counseling that addresses not just the emotional and mental aspects of a person's life but also their spiritual needs.

In this chapter, we will explore the purpose of biblical counseling and its role in the Church and in society. We will also briefly discuss the importance of prayer, dependence on God, and surrender to His will in counseling.

The purpose of biblical counseling is to provide individuals with a holistic approach to addressing life's challenges, using the principles and teachings found in the Bible. At its core, the primary goal of biblical counseling is to assist individuals in deepening their connection with God, improving their emotional and mental stability, and incorporating biblical teachings into their daily lives.

Biblical counseling has a vital role to play in the Church and in society. In the Church, it serves as a means to provide support and guidance to individuals who may be struggling with personal, spiritual, or relational issues. This can include anything from dealing with the aftermath of a family breakup, to working through the emotional impact of a traumatic experience, to finding direction and purpose in life.

Biblical counseling is also an important resource for society as a whole. In a world that is increasingly complex and challenging, many people struggle to find meaning, purpose, and direction in life. Biblical counseling can help address these issues by offering people the necessary assistance and guidance to tackle life's challenges, biblical counseling has the potential to make a positive impact not only on individuals but also on society as a whole. This can lead to improved mental and emotional well-being, healthier relationships, and a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.

Overall, the purpose of biblical counseling is to help individuals grow and mature in their faith, develop resilience and coping skills, and learn how to navigate the challenges of life in a way that is consistent with biblical teachings. By providing individuals with the support and guidance they need to face life's challenges, biblical counseling has the potential to positively impact both individuals and society as a whole.

Prayer, dependence on God, and surrender to His will are essential components of effective biblical counseling. As a biblical counselor, it is important to recognize that we are not the source of healing and change; rather, God is the one who brings about transformation in the lives of individuals.

Prayer is a vital aspect of counseling because it allows us to invite God into the counseling process. It enables us to seek His wisdom and guidance, and to ask for His help in bringing about healing and restoration in the lives of those we are working with. Prayer also allows us to model for our clients the importance of seeking God's help and guidance in all areas of life.

Dependence on God is also crucial in counseling because it reminds us that we are not in control. We cannot force individuals to change or make progress in their lives; rather, it is God who works in and through us to bring about transformation. Dependence on God also allows us to trust in His sovereignty and to have faith that He is working all things together for our good and His glory.

Finally, surrender to God's will is essential in counseling because it reminds us that our ultimate goal is to help individuals become more like Christ. This may require us to let go of our own agendas and preferences in order to allow God to work in and through us. Surrender also allows us to trust in God's timing and to have faith that He will bring about transformation in the lives of those we are working with, even if it is not in the way we initially expected.

Overall, prayer, dependence on God, and surrender to His will are critical components of effective biblical counseling. By cultivating these practices in our own lives and modeling them for our counselees, we can help individuals to grow in their relationship with God and experience healing and transformation in their lives.

Chapter 2 - The Foundations of Biblical Counseling

As a biblical counselor, it is essential to understand the foundations of biblical counseling. These foundations are the bedrock upon which we build our counseling practices and beliefs. In this chapter, we will explore the five foundations of biblical counseling: the Bible as the authority, the sufficiency of Scripture, the sinfulness of humanity, the centrality of Christ, and the roles and power of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible as the Authority

The first foundation of biblical counseling is the Bible as the authority. The Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. As biblical counselors, we must submit to the authority of God's Word and use it as the basis for our counseling practices. We cannot rely on our own wisdom or the wisdom of the world, but must look to the Bible for guidance and direction.

The Sufficiency of Scripture

The second foundation of biblical counseling is the sufficiency of Scripture. The Bible contains everything we need to know for salvation and godly living. It is sufficient to address all of the problems and issues that people face in life. As counselors, we must believe that the Bible has the answers to every problem and issue that our counselees bring to us.

The Sinfulness of Humanity

The third foundation of biblical counseling is the sinfulness of humanity. All human beings are sinners, and our sinfulness affects every area of our lives. We cannot fix our problems by our own efforts, but we need the help of God as our gracious and merciful Creator. Although not every problem and unpleasant condition that burdens us is a direct result of sin and our failure to hit the mark that God has set for us, we must acknowledge our sinfulness and our need for a Savior.

The Centrality of Christ

The fourth foundation of biblical counseling is the centrality of