Rabbinical Counseling

This book is a compact course in Jewish spiritual counseling and psychology. It is filled with the wisdom Rabbi Kaplan gleaned through decades of experience that allows him to provide guidance on virtually all of the common issues that are brought to rabbis, as well as the unanticipated non-normative events that can be disheartening or destructive for families. This book represents an advancement in the existing body of literature in the field and should be a desk reference for every rabbi who truly wants to offer spiritual and emotional healing to those whose lives s/he touches. -- Dov Forman
Steven Kaplan has captured and integrated an abundance of rich treasures from psychology, Judaism, and from his own extensive clinical experience as a therapist to gift the reader with clarity and practical tools to serve as an effective guide for helping others strengthen their ability to connect with God while helping them navigate daily challenges. As a Rabbi with inpatient and outpatient medical and psychiatric training and experience, I enthusiastically welcome this body of work that addresses such critical issues in so practical a manner. I am thrilled to see such a comprehensive, realistic, honest, and clearly articulated guide available as an essential resource! -- Rabbi Miriam Maron R.N., lecturer and practitioner of ancient Hebraic healing modalities
The introduction offers a menu that seems plausible and useful.... Kaplan’s counseling methods are supplemented by a technique that may be characterized as 'inspirational.' He resorts to exhorting the counselee to let go of negative thoughts, not to live in the past, to embrace joy, and achieve happiness. * PsycCRITIQUES *
In writing this book, it is Steven J. Kaplan’s intention to help the Rabbi to “not only be halachically sound but psychologically accurate” in providing this guidance in a way that is “compatible with Jewish teachings.” It is meant for the traditional as well as non-traditional Rabbi, regardless of skill level. The book contains short, readable chapters that include case examples and that quickly get to the heart of what formal counseling textbooks might take pages to convey.... It serves as an enjoyable and helpful crash course for the Rabbi who may only receive one course (if that) on counseling during Rabbinical school. This book is recommended for synagogues and academic libraries serving rabbinical students. * Association of Jewish Libraries Reviews *