Received several emails asking about the various terms used in my signature line and what the differences are between Biblical Counseling, Christian Counseling, and Pastoral Counseling. While I cannot answer this for all programs, I can in relation to my own experiences. Biblical Counseling is just that. It trains one to counsel strictly from a Biblical perspective using the wisdom (Proverbs, James, etc.) of Scripture, the theology (soteriology, hamartiology, etc.) of Scripture, and the stories (David, Elisha, Judas, Peter) of Scripture. The works of Jay Adams and others akin to his ideas are heavily studied. Christian Counseling combines Biblical Counseling with the theories and methodologies of Secular Counseling. The works of Collins, Narramore, Clinebell, Wright, etc., are heavily studied. Pastoral Counseling is Christian Counseling with a clinical emphasis. The works of Minirth, Meier, Ketterman, Thurman, Wichern, Ratcliff, etc., are usually studied alongside collateral clinical works such as the DSM, etc. The student in this program usually selects one or several secular clinicians to incorporate into one's studies and/or papers, thesis, or dissertation. I selected Horney, Sullivan, and Beck.
Jimmy; Have you read the work of Larry Crabb? If so, what would your comments be? I'm a complete novice in this area but am considering going into Christian (or Pastoral) counseling with children, adolescents, and parents on a part time basis when I do early retirement from my current job as a school psychologist. Where would you suggest I start, to educate myself?
Re: Re: Counseling programs and terminologies Rob, I had no intention of posting on here but I cannot be rude so I am going to post and answer your questions. Please email me [email protected] for further questions or ask me on AED or College Hints. Yes, I have read Larry Crabb but it was quite a while ago. I had to read a couple of his books while enrolled in Bethany. He has come under heavy criticism for his integration of the Biblical with the secular. He has been accused of connecting Biblical theology to psychological constructs. Personally, I think he does a nice job of integrating the two. The only aspect about him I don't like, if I remember correctly, is that he delves too much into one's past. I follow the school of thought that insight doesn't necessarily lead to change. I focus more on the present and behaviors rather than the past and feelings. Although I certainly do see the need for the former, at times. Now, to answer your other question. In this day and and age I cannot recommend any unaccredited school, except, of course Bob Jones University. The one school I would recommend that has an excellent counseling program is Liberty. Click here for details. Also, Emerge Ministries has some wonderful home study programs in counseling. Emerge also offers a Master of Arts in Clinical Pastoral Counseling and Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling via the ATS-accredited Ashland Theological Seminary. Best of luck to you!
