OCD, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder . . . these are no longer just technical terms and medical diagnoses, they are part of our common vocabulary and culture. As Christians, we shouldn't isolate ourselves from this discussion or dismiss these important issues. But we also should be careful not to accept the entire secular psychiatric diagnostic and treatment enterprise without question. What we need is a balanced, biblically (and scientifically) informed approach that neither blindly accepts nor harshly dismisses psychiatric labels, diagnoses, and medicines that are prescribed to help those who are suffering. As both a Biblical counselor and medical doctor, Michael R. Emlet, MD, gives readers a Christ-centered approach to psychiatry and guides both lay and professional helpers through the thicket of mental health labels and treatments with a biblical lens. In a clear and thoughtful way that puts the person experiencing mental health issues at the forefront, Emlet uses Scripture to show how the Bible engages in the discussion of psychiatric labels and the medications that are often recommended based on those labels. The first book in the 'Helping the Helper' series, Descriptions and Prescriptions will give readers a biblical, gospel-formed perspective to help them understand and minister to those struggling with mental health issues. Written by Michael R. Emlet, MD, who worked for twelve years as a family physician before becoming a counselor and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) Provides a biblical but balanced approach to psychiatric diagnoses and treatment that neither dismisses labels and treatments nor blindly accepts them Uses both scripture and current medical literature to discuss both the limitations and benefits of diagnostic terminology and psychoactive medications in the care of those with mental suffering Keeps a pastoral perspective that puts the person struggling with mental health at the front and center of all discussions about diagnosis and treatment Short, focused chapters that will benefit both lay and professional helpers ministering to those struggling with mental health issues. What Is the Product for? It can be easy for Christians to find themselves at one extreme or the other when it comes to issues of psychiatric diagnoses and medications. That is, we either grant too much authority to psychiatric classifications and solutions while disregarding Scripture, or dismiss medical science altogether, as though it is irrelevant for issues of mental suffering. Descriptions and Prescriptions presents a nuanced and balanced approach between these two extremes that is grounded in Scripture, while respecting the role of medicine and science, and suggests compassionate and wise ways to minister to those who are struggling with mental illness. Who Is the Product for? The first book in the 'Helping the Helper' series, Descriptions and Prescriptions uses short, focused chapters to benefit both lay and professional helpers ministering to those struggling with mental health issues. Written for readers with both strong or nuanced opinions on psychiatric classifications and psychoactive medications, Descriptions and Prescriptions shows those with extreme feelings a more balanced approach and leaves those with an already balanced approach more informed and equipped with both biblical and scientific perspectives to strengthen their ministry. Using both Scripture and current medical literature to discuss the limitations and benefits of diagnostic terminology and psychoactive medications, this book provides a biblical lens for psychiatric diagnoses and treatment that neither dismisses labels and treatments nor blindly accepts them.
- Paperback
- 102 pages
- 2017
- 9781945270116