Basic Aims in Marriage Counseling (Jay Adams)

In the fifteenth chapter of Solving Marriage Problems: Biblical Solutions for Christian Counselors (Zondervan 1983), professor and counselor Jay E. Adams shares a short summary of basic aims of marriage counseling. I share it with you below, preserving Adams’ formatting.

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The basic aims in marriage counseling are

1. To secure a commitment from both parties to Christ and to His Word as the standard for all that is done and said,

which will

2. Foster and establish companionship between them, understood to be the essence of marriage,

leading to

3. Unity in intimacy,

which exhibits

4. Growth,

and which

5. Exemplifies the relationship between Christ and His church.

Though this statement is brief, it is comprehensive. The counselor who memorizes it and brings it to mind during all marriage counseling will find it helpful in holding him firmly to the fundamental course we have seen in the Scriptures.

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I enjoyed reading through Solving Marriage Problems and feel more equipped for future ministry and preventing problems in my own marriage. It serves as a helpful primer to the important topic of marriage counseling.

You may also enjoy: 10 Free Resources for a Do-it-Yourself Marriage Retreat