Siang-Yang Tan - Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective

The go-to Christian resource on counseling theories and techniques. A brilliant guide for practitioners and students in the field.

Tim Clinton , president, American Association of Christian Counselors

Encyclopedic in scope, Counseling and Psychotherapy provides a comprehensive survey of the major approaches in psychological treatment. The book presents up-to-date discussions of treatment effectiveness and is filled with examples of clinical interaction that bring the theories to life. However, its most outstanding feature is the commentary and critique of each model from a Christian perspective. Tan has written a lucid and incisive text that advances the field of Christian psychology.

Edward P. Shafranske , Pepperdine University

Tan has written a readable text, hugely informative to both students and professionals. It displays encyclopedic knowledge of major theories, is the most complete summary and Christian-oriented analysis of theories of counseling and psychotherapy existing, and (unlike most theories of psychotherapy) provides ample attention to both cases and technical methods of counseling. Tans own reflections on integrated Christian, biblically oriented, Holy Spiritled counseling are alone worth the price of the book.

Everett L. Worthington Jr. , author of Hope- Focused Marriage Counseling and Forgiving and Reconciling

This landmark book is typical Tan: vastly comprehensive, impressively researched, accessibly written, biblically controlled, God-honoring, and spiritually sensitive. I dont know a better introductory text for aspiring Christian counselors and therapists or a more mature overview text for provoking solid Christian thinking about counseling and psychotherapy.

Larry Crabb , author, 66 Love Letters ; founder and director, NewWay Ministries

Tans Counseling and Psychotherapy has been a foundational text in Christian counseling for good reason: its accessibility and depth of engagement into both the broad psychological literature as well as the Christian faith is unparalleled. It is rigorous and thorough scholarship written from a pastors heart. With updates to include recent research findings, more contemporary approaches to psychotherapy such as mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies, along with a final section on a Christian approach to counseling and psychotherapywhich draws on decades of wisdom, experience, and faithful ministrythis text is well-positioned to continue its role as a foundational resource for future generations of Christian counselors to come.

David Wang , Biola University; editor, Journal of Psychology and Theology

An already great textbook has been made better! Like many books on the major models of secular counseling and psychotherapy of the twentieth century, the first edition provided a useful summary of each, including its empirical support. What set the book apart was the thorough Christian critique of each model; a focus on the self-care of the therapist; a discussion of legal and ethical issues in the field, including those peculiar to Christian therapy; and, most importantly, its authoritative exposition of the distinct dynamics of Christian therapy. In addition to updated original chapters, the second edition has new chapters on cognitive-behavioral therapies, constructivist therapies, and integrative therapies, including treatments of narrative and positive psychotherapy. All in all, the comprehensiveness, erudition, and Christian convictions and practices evidenced throughout make this book one of the most impressive examples of integrative scholarship in this or any contemporary discipline.

Eric L. Johnson , Houston Baptist University

The updates and substantial additional material contained in this second edition of Counseling and Psychotherapy make an already excellent textbook even better. Tans inclusion of more contemporary approaches such as mindfulness and acceptance-based cognitive behavioral therapies, constructivist therapies, and integrative therapies is timely and necessary. What is of greatest value, however, is the retention of the sections on a biblical perspective for each theory, as well as the chapters devoted to a Christian approach to counseling and psychotherapy. Tans passion for Christian integration is contagious and is what makes this book unique.

Heather Davediuk Gingrich , Denver Seminary

With decades of wisdom and experience, Tan applies his keen psychological and theological insights to both Western psychology literature and orthodox Christianity to help the reader navigate the twenty-first-century terrain of professional counseling and psychotherapy. Although many Christian psychologists have written on a faith-based interpretation of secular counseling and clinical practice, as a professor, researcher, clinician, pastor, and devout follower of Jesus Christ, Tan is uniquely positioned to survey this vast territory with confidence. Given his deep knowledge of the present-day discipline of scientific psychology and unwavering fidelity to a biblical worldview, I cannot think of a more qualified guide for those who wish to begin the arduous journey to compassionately understand and respond to psychological suffering in contemporary society. With updated content on mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches to psychological treatment, among others, the Christian reader is exceptionally prepared to explore the sizable counseling and clinical literatures with conviction, knowing that Tan is trekking with them each step of the way.

Joshua J. Knabb , California Baptist University; editor, Journal of Psychology and Christianity