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Dr. Adams plans to publish a book someday anwering the common questions he has recieved over the years from friend and foe alike. Until that day comes, we will be posting many of those questions and answers here. This will be a growing section so check back often for the latest additions. We have divided the questions into four categories: general questions, questions from counselors, questions from counselees, and objections from critics.
Introduction
General Questions
What is Nouthetic counseling?
How does Nouthetic counseling differ from other forms of Christian counseling?
What part does faith play in successful counseling?
Questions from Counselors
Who should do counseling?
Under whose auspices should counseling be done?
How do I counsel unbelievers?
How do I begin counseling?
What do I do if I suspect some organic problem as the cause of my counselee's problems?
I would like to do pre-marital counseling for the members of my flock, but I don't know what to do. Can you help me?
What if counselees are hesitant to talk?
Can you help me distinguish between a person with a "nervous breakdown" and someone who is depressed?
But what about schizophrenia? Should I attempt to help schizophrenics?
I'm not a professional; will people listen to me?
Should I allow counselees to phone between sessions?
Should I give up on counselees who fail to do as they should?
Should I counsel couples individually or together?
How do I know what homework to assign?
How can I know when to terminate counseling?
How about "healing of memories?" Should we participate in this sort of thing?
How can I help counselees to avoid returning for counsel in the future?
Will I run into demon posession in counseling?
How will I deal with people who have suffered great loss?
Questions from Counselees
When should a person go for counseling?
How do I prepare for counseling?
What if I can't get my husband/wife to go for counseling?
How much should I tell my counselor?
Should a counselor expect me to do homework?
What should I do now that I realize I have been going to the wrong counselor?
Don't you think it would be wise to counsel with someone other than my pastor?
Can Nouthetic counselors deal with mental illness?
How can I be sure my counselor is Nouthetic?
What if my counselor and I disagree?
Will I be charges a fee for Nouthetic counseling?
Will my counselor counsel alone or together with someone else?
I've been to counseling before, and it hasn't worked. What makes you think it will be any different this time?
I have heard that you talk about "complicating problems." What is that all about?
What if I don't have what it takes to endure?
Others lead me astray when I go home from counseling sessions.
What if things are not getting better in counseling?
How can I be sure that what my counselor tells me is God's will?
If I stormed out of counseling because I didn't like what the counselor said, but now I know he was right and I was wrong, have a forfeited counseling for good?
Should I be the one to determine when counseling should end?
After termination and a successful six-week checkup, what's next?
Objections from Critics
You talk about nothing else but sin!
You are too critical of others.
But do you have to mention names?
Nouthetic counselors oppose the use of medicine, don't they?
What you are doing isn't really unique. It's only a species of behaviorism.
Nouthetic counselors don't have a personality theory, do they?
Your writing and views are simplistic.
I have heard that you call the Bible a textbook for counseling. How can you say that?
What empirical evidence do you have the Nouthetic counseling is superior to other forms of counseling?
If Nouthetic counseling is what you say it is, why are some people so upset about it?
Why shouldn't Christians use the methods of men like Freud, Rogers and others?
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