God Image Handbook for Spiritual Counseling and Psychotherapy: Research, Theory, and Practice
Product Description
Each person has two ideas of God—the God concept and the God image. The God concept is intellectual in nature, while the God image is the subjective emotional experience of God that is shaped by a person’s family history. Those who struggle with mental health issues often have a God image that is distant, critical, and judgmental because they had parents who behaved that way. God Image Handbook for Spiritual Counseling and Psychotherapy: Research, Theory, and Practice provides therapists with the tools to effectively treat clients who harbor God image issues. This unique manual builds upon strong philosophical and research foundations to offer seven practical clinical approaches to working with the God image in psychotherapy. Leading clinicians and researchers from various disciplines offer expert insight and analysis to provide therapists with in-depth understanding of the God image.
God Image Handbook for Spiritual Counseling and Psychotherapy: Research, Theory, and Practice
Edward B. Davis said,
Wrote on August 3, 2010 @ 6:22 pm
I am a doctoral student in clinical psychology, and I just recently finished reading the “God Image Handbook.” I found it absolutely incredible in its description of the research, theory, and practice issues surrounding the God image (i.e. a person’s emotional experience of God, as opposed to their God concept, or a person’s cognitive beliefs about God). The first part of the book (chapters 1 to 3) provides an exceptional outline of the primary theoretical contributions and research findings in the area of God image. The second part of the book (chapters 4 to 10) provides a research-based description and case example for 7 different theoretical approaches to working with individuals dealing with God image concerns. The last part of the book (chapters 11 to 13) provides an insightful discussion of measurement issues and diversity issues related to the God image.
I can say with confidence that the “God Image Handbook” is a must-have for any clinician, scholar, or pastoral care worker who works with religious/spiritual individuals. In fact, it would be interesting and helpful for practically anyone who is interested in religious/spiritual topics. The authors have clearly striven to make the material very practical and readable. Thus, clinicians, scholars, pastoral workers, and laypersons alike would likely enjoy and benefit from reading this book.
Indeed the “God Image Handbook” is an exceptionally well-written, well-researched resource that makes a powerful contribution to not just the fields of psychology and pastoral care, but also to the overall religious/spiritual community worldwide.
Rating: 5 / 5
Maralyn Mcnally said,
Wrote on August 3, 2010 @ 6:29 pm
This book is the best I have seen to encompass all aspects related to spiritual counseling.
Rating: 4 / 5