hear, hear .....

It's a good point to read the book, as the author tells about her experience in treating people, using the current methods.

I don't know if John317 was telling others what to do... he just mentioned what helps him.

I am interested in knowing what else helps people work through their pain.

Self-worth can't be "taught." The way to acquire self-worth, self-esteem, is by tackling some difficult task, and doing it well, to its conclusion. The end result is a feeling of satisfaction which nothing else can bring.

Helping our children or grandchildren tackle something difficult, and working through it with them [not abandoning them to "go do it yourself"] I think helps them acquire a sense of accomplishment which they'll really prize. Then they'll try to repeat it for themselves in other challenges as they go through life.

Success breeds success.

Sure. Of course.

a caveat: Christian-based counseling should be wary of doing Bible thumping as a form of therapy. I had that happen in a BIG way, and it was nearly my undoing.

Bible thumping: quoting and making one read/memorize texts over and over again. And if the problem didn't go away, then use MORE texts and even MORE texts! If the client doesn't get better, then it *obviously* is the CLIENT'S fault, and nothing more.

Great input! :)

A clue- The author does make a difference between self-worth and self-esteem.

There are several Scriptures which depict images of tender love, such as the one in Song of Solomon 2:6 where the Lover has his hand under his love's head while embracing her. I know of one person who was comforted by this picture. Psalm 23 provides another picture of peace and watchful care. Those are the principles- how they are interpreted varies from person to person.

The concept of nurture and comfort run all through the Bible... but how do they "fit" with the other Scriptures that call for self-denial?

Good point- how does Scripture become more than just words to a person? It seems better to examine the principle carried in the words.

One concern that the author brought up was that people could become dependent on their therapists and never really get well. She questioned the dependence that people had on people instead of God.

Thoughts?

I have to admit that I have TONS of questions...

Great point!!! In one of the books that dh had to read for a class, the author had this exact same point of view. Beat them over the head with the Bible. And no matter what the problem was, one only had to go to a Revelation-type seminar, and all the problems would vanish. Dh said, "You know that saying, *you're so Heavenly minded--you're no earthly good*, it finally took on new meaning after reading that book".

It all has to be balanced.

Sidenote to John317--I wasn't attacking your point of view, I was just using that particular phrase, because I had heard it so much. I'm sorry if you thought I was attacking---not my intention at all.