Season 3 - Episode 1: Dr. Jenn Chen - From Psychologist to Biblical Counselor

Season 3, Episode #1 Show Notes

Hosts: Jinda Reinig, Warren Lamb

Guest: Dr. Jenn Chen

Summary

In this episode of The Soul Care Podcast, Dr. Jenn Chen shares her journey from a clinical psychologist to a biblical counselor, discussing the challenges and insights she gained along the way. The conversation explores the limitations of secular psychology, particularly the DSM, and emphasizes the importance of a biblical perspective in understanding mental health and highlights the importance of relationships in counseling, the reality of suffering, and the necessity for the church to be equipped to address mental health issues. Dr. Chen encourages listeners to critically evaluate psychological practices while relying on Scripture for guidance in soul-care. The episode concludes with a call for discernment in integrating psychological insights with biblical truths.

Takeaways

• Dr. Jenn Chen transitioned from clinical psychology to biblical counseling.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) lacks a focus on God.
• The DSM is a tool with limitations in diagnosing mental health.
• Biblical counseling emphasizes the relationship with God.
• Suffering is a reality that the Bible addresses profoundly.
• The church has a role in addressing mental health issues.
• Building relationships is crucial in counseling.
• Understanding cultural perspectives can enhance counseling effectiveness.
• Biblical hope is rooted in God's ability to redeem all things.
• The Bible provides sufficient guidance for life and godliness.

Relevant Links

Books Mentioned

• Biblical Counseling and Mental Disorder Diagnosis (Dr. Jenn Chen)
• The Body Does Not Keep the Score: How Popular Beliefs About Trauma Are Wrong (Michael Scheeringa)
• How Do You Help a “Psychologized” Counselee? (David Powlison)
• How to Help Psychologized Counselees (Tim Pasma interview by Dale Johnson, ACBC)
• Counseling the Hard Cases: True Stories Illustrating the Sufficiency of God's Resources in Scripture (Stuart Scott and Heath Lambert, editors)

Other Links

• Truth in Love Biblical Counseling
• Warren’s Blog

Warrenism of the Week: “’Good’ things can easily become ‘god’ things when honoring God isn't our primary motive."