In Our Lives First: Meditations for Counselors
Reviews (54)
Diane does it again
Excellent. I am not a counselor, but a registered nurse. What conviction and refreshment this devotional has done for me. Oh, to be more Christ like and to follow Him backwards, to stoop.down, to become small that He may be glorified in the work He wants done. Thank you Diane for this reminder. I definately will read this again and again.
Love the concept but a little too preachy
I had to order this for a counseling reading group. The author's intentions are good and like the concept but feel that the author's voice is motivated by fear then pushes their religion or viewpoints on the reader. I think there are probably better books that lift others up by giving loving positive guidance who also respect others' spirituality without putting their ideas or fears on the reader.
Great Gift For Counselor or People Helpers
I’ve been counseling for approximately 30 years, off and on, in public organizations as well as privately within the church. After running several abuse groups and much counseling with victims of abuse, this was a treasure of restoration for my heart, mind and spirit. She writes as a very experienced helper and encourager that understands, instructs and warns about things encourage feted when you’re ministering in these areas.
Counselors, mental health workers, servants of God need this book
This is a wonderful book that it formatted like a devotional written by Diane Langberg who has extensive experience with trauma survivors. She has written a few books, which I've started reading after this devotion which was given to me by someone at my church. God has certain used this servant well to speak to the heart of those she has been traumatized, hurt or victimized; who aren't able to articulately expressed themselves. She also speaks to those in the helping profession about the importance of not ignoring self-care especially when dealing with vicarious trauma. Highly recommend this book!
Refreshingly raw and practical
I work in the anti-trafficking field and this book was so refreshing. She considers issues of trauma and related realities with such a great blend of raw vulnerability, academic expertise, practical relevance, and insight on Scriptural application to such realities. It was like sitting with a wonderful mentor who understood the depth of the pain and difficulty encountered in this field and my heart's cry about it while leading me to a more healthy place in thinking about it and processing it through the lens of faith that rests in Christ alone and for His glory.
My New Old Friend
This book has quickly become like an old friend. Every day it offers the kind of truth that sits with me all day long, and it mercifully points out things inside me that would much rather live in the light. Being a counselor of survivors of sexual abuse myself, this book offers a type of spiritual nourishment that is hard to find. We all forget at different points that the things that go unnoticed – things we take in, things we start to believe, things we start to value – have a lot of power over how we view ourselves, the world, and God. Sometimes we are so busy being “grown ups” that we forget how good and freeing it is to sit in our Father’s lap. This book helps counselors (and those who love them) sit in our Father’s lap while still being the unique people we are as counselors. This book has reminded me that Jesus has given me access to a never-ending flow of Living Water that I forget about too often. Because He is the original Counselor, the original soul-care provider, He has rejuvenation for my spirit that I can’t find anywhere else. This book is a must-have for those who are in any kind of helping profession. Each line matters in this book. It’s packed with encouragement, deep insights that stir the soul, and questions at the end of sections to remind us these aren’t generalizations but they profoundly apply to the everyday. But I also recommend this to people who have family and/or friends who are in helping professions. Many don’t understand the kind of nuanced struggles we go through, and this is a means through which you can learn how to be a better “cheering section” for your loved one(s). What Dr Langberg has offered in publishing this long-awaited gem should not be missed.
Good reminders from a fellow counselor
I love this book! As a counselor we carry a lot of people's pain , and we can forget and the daily rhythm of things how important it is to take care of ourselves first. This is a well-written book by a seasoned counselor who is quick to remind the reader where our hope comes from.
Excellent Devotional and Survival Guide.
If you're a counselor -- or anyone else -- whose desire is to shine the Light of Life into the lives of people who come to you for help, "In Our Lives First" is an indispensable companion and survival guide. Diane Langberg, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, chair of the American Association of Christian Counselors, and counselor to myriad pastors, counselors, couples, and individuals. She offers 40 daily meditations - reflections on her own experience and lessons learned in the therapist's chair. Rich in the tradition of old masters of spiritual instruction - think Valley of Vision - it draws from deep wells of wisdom to bring up-to-date encouragement for counselors in the messy trenches of 21st century life. Quotations and thoughts for reflection round out each daily entry. "Take my yoke upon you and learn of me," says the Shepherd of souls. Dr. Langberg offers fresh encouragement for helpers who she says must do that before they can offer true Hope to people who desperately need it. You won't find any gimmicks here - no easy answers or quick fixes. Rather the steadiness of a long obedience and habits of the heart. Bonus: If you're someone who likes to read "upstream," you may find yourself hanging out with spiritual sages like Charles Spurgeon, John Owen, George Matheson and Oswald Chambers. Excellent company. In the end, Christian counseling is about loving well. About having "staying power in the alarm moments of other lives," as Oswald Chambers wrote. You don't have to be a professional counselor to find in Dr. Langberg's book a wonderful GPS for your own adventures in love and obedience to Christ in our broken, broken world.
Very convicting and encouraging
I was surprised at how much the author focused on social justice issues within the counseling profession. This is a great read for every Christian counselor because the emphasis on ethics and continuing a close relationship with Jesus as the critical foundation to professional fruitfulness is challenging and inspiring.
Highly recommended
There has not been a single day that I have not been able to identify with the message presented in this devotional for counselors. The daily devotions encourage us to be accountable both to God and to our profession, resting in the truth that we rely on His guidance and presence in session and out in order to help people walk through the concerns of their lives. It is a comforting reminder that it is God who invites us into His work of caring for others, and not us who beg God to be involved.
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