Beyond the Clinical Hour - (Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books) by James N Sells & Amy Trout & Heather C Sells (Paperback)

About the Book

There is an institution uniquely positioned to help to global mental health crisis: the church. In this encouraging roadmap, psychologists James Sells and Amy Trout and journalist Heather Sells call clinicians, students, and educators to combine the science of the mental health discipline with the service of Christian ministry.

Book Synopsis

There is an institution uniquely positioned to help to global mental health crisis: the church. In this encouraging roadmap, psychologists James Sells and Amy Trout and journalist Heather Sells call clinicians, students, and educators to combine the science of the mental health discipline with the service of Christian ministry.

Review Quotes

"Beyond the Clinical Hour by Sells, Trout, and Sells is a comprehensive and very helpful guide to how Christian mental health professionals can partner with churches to deal with the mental health crisis before us. It includes integration of Christian approaches to mental health and a biblical theology for the foundation of Christian care. It also emphasizes and covers in detail the topics of supervision, consultation, church development and evaluation, and the ethics and economics of care. Highly recommended!"

"Beyond the Clinical Hour eloquently navigates the intersection of faith and mental health, urging believers to extend compassion as a divine imperative. With profound insights, this book reveals the transformative power of a church united in understanding and support, fostering a community of care that echoes the teachings of the Bible. It is a beacon of hope, guiding believers to embrace the complexities of mental health with love, compassion, and spiritual resilience. Beyond the Clinical Hour delivers a timely and powerful message inviting the church to build bridges of understanding and healing in our communities."

"Beyond the Clinical Hour provides an important and timely call to action for pastors and mental health professionals to partner together to address the global mental health crisis. With wisdom, theological depth, and psychological sophistication, the authors lay out strategies for expanding the mission of the church to include spiritually sensitive and competent care for those suffering from mental health concerns. I look forward to introducing my students to this inspiring vision for living out our Christian integrative commitments."

"An insightful look into the mental health crisis, this book offers innovative solutions that emphasize the collaboration of pastors and counselors. Rather than abiding by the current default of church and mental health systems working at odds with one another, the authors present a vision for teamwork and unity of purpose. Their ideas are truly integration in action, ushering in a new era of creativity for pastors and Christian mental health professionals. Rife with examples of strategic partnership, Beyond the Clinical Hour is a must-read for pastors, counselors, and churchgoers who want to think outside the box to address the mental health challenges we face."

"As 'roots' and 'wings' show up in famous quotes, so they do in this book. Rooted in Christian thought and the long tradition of integration, the authors demonstrate a deep understanding of Christian mental health care. At the same time, they challenge us to grow wings, to be innovative and bold as we confront the needs of our world alongside beautiful possibilities for the church. The stories are poignant, the writing is effective, the reflection questions are wise and challenging, and the authors are leaders in the field. This is a fantastic book. Be inspired to imagine the possibilities Beyond the Clinical Hour."

"How can a church respond to the mental health crisis? This practical book could help solve the crisis in your community! The authors guide church leaders using their unique insights into the process of mental health care within a congregation. The concepts are both theologically thick and psychologically informed. This book is innovative, clear, and full of pathways to new ideas for congregational mental health care."

"This is one of the most unique, timely, and long-overdue resources for those committed to meeting the pressing needs of the men and women in today's world. The authors give us a fresh and much-needed biblically based, socially informed, clinically sound, and comprehensive model of providing meaningful Christian care. In some ways it provides an invaluable paradigm shift for understanding the essential role of the counselor and the church working together. This encouraging, empowering, and vision-casting resource is a book that you'll be reading more than once and wanting to share with your friends."

About the Author

James N. Sells (PhD, University of Southern California) is Rosemary S. Hughes Professor of Christian Thought and Mental Health and codirector of the Charis Institute at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Amy Trout (PsyD, Wheaton College) is founder and director of a private practice, Cornerstone Consultants, and chief education officer at Counterpoise (a subsidiary of The Burrell Group).

Heather C. Sells (MA, University of Illinois-Springfield) is managing editor for CBN News.