Women in your congregation who have been abused, assaulted, molested, or raped carry a tremendous burden. Without biblical help, these dear women are left to struggle with shame, fear, ragged emotions, difficulty trusting, impaired relationships, regret, self-blame, sexual difficulties, depression, nightmares, and an overwhelming lack of hope. Frequently, abused women find … [Read more...]
Helping a perfectionist paralyzed with a fear of failure
I will never measure up.” “I can’t do this. I won’t be successful!” “I sense impending doom; it’s out there, and it’s coming to get me.” You might think this sounds like the thinking of a procrastinator or someone who won’t take a risk. But these are the common thoughts of perfectionists who fear failure. They often don’t speak with confidence, and more than likely … [Read more...]
Helping perfectionists receive criticism
Dr. Amy Baker, author of the book Picture Perfect, talked with us recently about how perfectionists struggle when criticized, whether justly or unjustly. Her answers give pastors needed insight for counseling perfectionists who don’t handle criticism well or who need special encouragement to not resort to hopelessness. Why do perfectionists have trouble receiving … [Read more...]
Counseling the perfectionist
Chances are that you will rarely, if ever, have someone ask for your help in overcoming perfectionism. Yet perfectionism may be very common in those who seek out your help. If perfectionists rarely ask for help overcoming perfectionism, what might motivate a perfectionist to come to you for help? Perfectionists may approach you seeking help for: their marriage … [Read more...]