Review:
'I just couldn't put it down! This is a 'must have' book and, almost frustratingly, I agreed with every word. Although written particularly for Christians wrestling with a depressive illness, this book will help all working in pastoral care from immediate carers to church leaders. The insights brought by a very experienced priest and counsellor along with those of a gifted Christian psychiatrist (who happens to be his wife) bring a brilliantly complementary and illuminating approach. Many in depression will find hope for tomorrow and gain a confidence in the truth that the valley of a depressive illness will end. There is so much empathy and constructive help offered for the person who is depressed, their family and carers. Chapters are short, recognising concentration is limited. There are enjoyable therapeutic tasks to fulfil. The fear of failure and sense of guilt that depressed Christians inappropriately carry are addressed and lifted. The one who is unwell is put in the driving seat and empowered to make a difference. Difficult issues are tackled, such as 'Where is God in this?', 'Is it the devil?', 'It must be my fault.' I hope this book will be a recommended read for all in ordained ministry and pastoral care and widely available through Church book stalls. I'll see the Burrswood book shop orders a good number right away!' --Dr Gareth Tuckwell, CEO of Burrswood, Christian Hospital and Place of Healing
'There are few books on depression that draw together insights from the fields of pastoral care, biblical teaching and clinical psychiatry with such straightforward clarity and practical wisdom. Written with the every-day needs in mind of those who battle with this condition, 'Encountering depression' is a one-stop resource for both sufferers and carers and all those who seek to offer them pastoral counsel and support.' --Glynn Harrison MD FRCPsych, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, University of Bristol
'Many therapists, myself included, have often found their depressed Christian clients among the most difficult to help. For such clients it has often seemed that their belief system and the practice of their faith have proved impediments rather than aids to accepting the reality of their predicament and to finding through it a new humility, a hope which goes beyond despair and a freedom from destructive guilt and stubborn autonomy. Andrew and Elizabeth Procter's book provides a powerful antidote to the false theology and the ingrained attitudes which intensify for many Christians the suffering which depression inevitably brings. In simple and direct language they address key questions, provide a mine of information, offer helpful guidance both to scripture reading and private meditation, and list a host of reliable resources. This is a book not only for Christians who know the burden of depression in their own lives but also for their relatives, friends, pastors and fellow co-religionists. The Procters have provided a treasure house of wisdom which, if taken seriously, could transform many a congregation into a truly empathic community where God's love could permeate into the darkest recesses of the depression experience.' --Brian Thorne, Emeritus Professor of Counselling, University of East Anglia. Lay Canon of Norwich Cathedral
From the Author:
The Revd Andrew Procter has been a parish priest for over thirty years and is a senior accredited counsellor with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Dr Elizabeth Procter has been a medical doctor for thirty-five years and a senior consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist in the NHS. They both serve on their Diocesan Council for Health and Healing.
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