Biblical Stories for Psychotherapy and Counseling: A Sourcebook Book

Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
The Greek Bias in Medicine
The Greek Bias in Psychology and Psychiatry
Biblical Stories

Chapter 1. Self-Esteem: Strengths, Sources, Disabilities, and Healing
Introduction
The Basis of Self-Image: Adam and Narcissus
Definitions of Strength: David and Goliath
Dealing with Special Gifts: Samson and Delilah
The Source of Health: Elisha and Naaman
The Foundation of Self-Esteem: Saul
The Courage to Emigrate: Abraham

Chapter 2. Obligations and Loyalty to Self and Others
Introduction
Assuming Responsibility for Others: Jonah
Assuming Responsibility for Self: Lot s Wife
Singing One s Own Song: Miriam
Completing Another s Vision: Joshua and Moses
Friendship and Love: David and Jonathan
Saving One s People: Esther

Chapter 3. Making Difficult Decisions
Introduction
Weighing Abilities: Rebecca and Her Two Sons
Focusing on One s Main Aim: Sarah and Hagar
Distinguishing Motivations: Michal, David, and Saul
Two Views of Wisdom: Solomon and the Two Mothers
Two Types of Giving: Cain and Abel

Chapter 4. Commandments, Oaths, Parables, and Temptations
Introduction
Dealing with Commandments: Abraham and Isaac
Dealing with Oaths: Jephthah and His Daughter
Communicating Through Parables: Nathan and David
Dealing with Temptations: Adam and Eve
Rejecting Temptations: Joseph and Potiphar s Wife

Chapter 5. Good and Bad Anger
Introduction
Confronting Immorality: Phinehas
Taking Revenge: Simeon and Levi
Misplaced Mercy, Misplaced Violence: King Saul
Protecting the Innocent: Moses
Escaping Cynicism: Hezekiah versus Rabshakeh

Chapter 6. Various Disorders
Introduction
Overcoming Eating Disorders: Adam and Eve versus Erysichthon
Drunkenness and Disrespect: Noah
Work versus Workaholism: Adam
Unrealistically Heavy Burdens: Cain
Hoarding or Enjoying: Manna

Chapter 7. Overcoming Family Problems
Introduction
Forgiving Deceit: Rachel and Jacob
Covering a Family Problem: Achan
Overcoming a Bad Start: David and Bathsheba
Wise Mate Selection: Rebecca, Isaac, and Eliezer
Kindness for Kindness: Boaz and Ruth

Chapter 8. Parental Blessings, Permission, and Support
Introduction
Being Careful with a Blessing: Isaac and His Sons
Spreading the Blessing Around: Joseph and His Brothers
Supporting One s Son: Hannah and Samuel
Reciprocity Between Generations: Naomi and Ruth
Controlling One s Daughter: Lot

Chapter 9. Good and Bad Development
Introduction
Amoral Intellectualism: Balaam
Totalitarian Utopianism: The Tower of Babel
Acquiring Wisdom: Solomon
Undone by Ambition: Jeroboam
Using Others: Amnon

Chapter 10. Recovery from Misfortune, Weariness, Loss, and Disability
Introduction
Dealing with Disaster: Jeremiah
Feeling Rejected: The Curser
Aging: Ecclesiastes
The Experience of Almost-Loss: Sarah
Dealing with Disability: Moses and Aaron
Knowing That Life Has Meaning: The Fugitive

Chapter 11. Suicide Prevention
Introduction
Recovering form Weariness: Elijah
Feeling Overwhelmed: Moses
Friends in Need: Job
Abandonment: David
Protected Regression: Jonah versus Narcissus
Epilogue: Freud, Oedipus, and the Hebrew Bible
Bibliography
Index
Reference Notes Included