Theological Foundations for Counseling - Paperback

by J. V. Fesko (Author)

How should Christians counsel?

In Theological Foundations for Counseling, theologian J. V. Fesko equips students and practitioners with essential doctrinal knowledge for Christian counseling practice.

Fesko charts a course beyond the biblical-versus-integrationist debate, grounded in the rich soil of classic Reformed theology. He argues that God has authored two books--Scripture and creation--and that faithful counselors must learn to read both well. Theological Foundations for Counseling

● bridges the counseling divide with a thoroughly biblical, Reformed framework;
● covers key doctrines, including revelation, covenant theology, common grace, union with Christ, sanctification, suffering, and more;
● draws on Augustine, the Westminster Standards, and the Three Forms of Unity; and
● connects doctrine directly to counseling practice.

Each chapter pairs theological exposition with practical application, equipping students and counselors with the doctrinal knowledge needed to counsel wisely and with confidence--engaging every situation with the full resources of Christian truth.

Back Jacket

"Essential reading for counseling students and clinicians seeking to integrate faith with practice"

Theological Foundations for Counseling equips readers with critical doctrinal knowledge for Christian counseling practice.

"Counseling is by nature responsive and issue-specific, which can often lead counselors to focus on certain aspects of theology to the neglect of others. Christians who want to counsel well will best carry out their task when they are theologically educated and equipped to apply a biblically grounded, robust, and comprehensive theological framework wisely and consistently to the lives of those under their care. This book comes as a welcome challenge from an able theologian to refine our counseling theory and practice by becoming grounded in the classic theological categories passed down to us from our Protestant and Reformed forefathers in the faith. Dr. Fesko has done the church a great service in writing this book, and Christians across the counseling spectrum will benefit from reading and thoughtfully engaging with it."
--Colin McCulloch, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"This book is essential reading for counseling students and clinicians seeking to integrate faith with practice. Dr. Fesko presents complex theological concepts with remarkable clarity and demonstrates their practical implications for counseling."
--Katherine K. Majeste, LPC-S, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi

"This work will benefit generations of Christian counselors, pastors, and church leaders. Writing not just for the current time but for generations to come, Dr. Fesko draws from the church fathers and Reformers to present the vital theological doctrines that govern our conceptualization of truth, Scripture's sufficiency, and the goals we pursue in helping God's people. In particular, this book helpfully guides church leaders wrestling with the biblical propriety of employing psychological insights in counseling. Fesko demonstrates how truths from creation, discernible by all, can be faithfully brought to bear by counselors when helping people gripped by emotional and relational anguish. Rooted in historic Christianity and confessional Reformed theology, this book is an outstanding resource honoring God's Word and edifying the church."
--Michael Hillerman, LPC-S, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi

Author Biography

J. V. Fesko (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is The Harriet Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. A minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, he served in church planting and pastoral ministry for more than 10 years and is the author of numerous books, including Reforming Apologetics, The Need for Creeds Today, The Trinity and the Covenant of Redemption, The Theology of the Westminster Standards, and Death in Adam, Life in Christ.