BOOK

Book: Discipleship Counseling

Book: Discipleship Counseling

Introduction

Neil Anderson's book, Discipleship Counseling, is packed with information and insight that was inspired by the Holy Spirit on how to help people break free from personal or spiritual bondage and to also find the peace that only Christ can offer. Information is presented in a way that will enable a counselor to be more comfortable, confident and competent in a role as encourager. Knowledge is also shared so the counselor can be the kind of helper that is needed to help people be set free. A tool presented to the counselor is “The Steps to Freedom in Christ” which shows specific methods to discipleship counseling. Chapter themes, such as, “Defining mental health” and “Counseling the Spiritually Oppressed” go into specifics in certain areas that may need to be addressed in the counseling sessions. The information is presented in such a way that the counselor is able to take the information and put it into practice with those who come to them for help.

Major Themes of the Book

Discipleship Counseling by Dr. Neil Anderson (2003) provides the reader with great insight and prepares the counselor to be able to counsel and help those who are in bondage to past hurts and sin. The information in this book also provides counselors with the information to help free people from their emotional pain and spiritual conflicts and guide them to a more complete understanding of who they are in Christ.

Starting with presenting an understanding of the theological issues in counseling and what discipleship counseling is all about, Dr. Anderson shows the steps to make it most effective. “The Steps to Freedom in Christ” is a tool that counselors can use to help people resolve root problems (Anderson, 2003, p. 15). These steps provide ideas give direction to the counselor in how to approach discipleship counseling.

Anderson (2003) brings out that the counseling theme of “defining mental health” is brought into true perspective that the battle for the mind is more than just a neurological disorder or a chemical imbalance (p. 42). It is instead a disorder that can be mended by God and his Word.

The theme of “spiritual warfare” is a major weapon in the battle for the mind against the powers and principalities in the air and is explained well (Anderson, 2003, p. 182). It is also vital when helping those who are fighting mental health problems. “Overcoming Bitterness” presents the relationship between unforgiveness and bitterness (Anderson, 2003, p. 255). This is the point where many people are trapped, unable to find peace and victory in their lives.  The material in this book provides the counselor with a great amount of information that can be used to help those that are bound and hurting. There are many who feel hopeless and desperate to be free.

 Neil Anderson's (2003) book, Discipleship Counseling, is packed with information and insight that was inspired by the Holy Spirit on how to help people break free from personal or spiritual bondage and to also find the ...