This book is a resource which provides insights into what emotional abuse looks like across a spectrum of relationships. It considers how someone with an abusive way of thinking tends to operate. The book does not cover physical or sexual abuse but is designed to give some key basic information. It would be helpful if other people would take these insights and explore biblical answers for helping them in an in-depth manner. The author's hope is that this book will help open this discussion.
Praise for The Emotionally Abusive Mindset
The Emotionally Abusive Mindset is written from the heart of a seasoned biblical counselor, Anne Dryburgh. The third book in her Overcoming Emotional Abuse series dives deeper into recognizing the mind frame of the abuser and the victim in various relationships. Her insights evoke a depth of discernment coupled with understanding and sympathy for those caught in the destruction of emotional abuse. This book will help pastors and biblical counselors obtain the biblical acumen to recognize abusive relationships and give sound counsel that produces a transformational change in Christ.
Shannon Kay McCoy, Certified Biblical Counselor, Biblical Counseling Director, Valley Center Community Church, Council Member of Biblical Counseling Coalition; Author of Help! I'm A Slave to Food
In an engaging and truly readable style, Anne manages to present complex issues in an accessible way. Anne explores what an abusive mindset actually looks like, not just in clear definitions, but through examples and story. The second part of the book is especially helpful, showing that in Christ there is true hope for everyone. But Anne does not leave this hope as some ethereal aim, rather she grounds it in real and practical ideas. As with the other books in this series, it will prove to be a valuable resource for both professionals and non-professionals alike, as well as providing victims and perpetrators of abuse a guide as to how to live out a truly godly life.
Simon Marshall, International Director, European Christian Mission
For a concise, biblically focused response to emotional abuse, this is your book. Anne Dryburgh aptly presents various expressions of spousal, parent, sibling, disabled, spiritual, and elderly abuse. Then, navigating with biblical skill in a complex arena, she identifies common well-intentioned behavioral and spiritual mistakes and debunks the misuse of Scripture. Based upon the relational, functional, and substantive callings of every believer, which are carefully explained, The Emotionally Abusive Mindset champions the choice to honor God rather than yielding to an abuser's desires. This book packs a powerfully hopeful worldview into 100 pages! A helpful tool for abuse survivors and their counselors.
Sue Nicewander Delaney, MABC, ACBC
Anne has done it again! Her writing is perspicuous, theologically accurate, and practical. If you think you might be being abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend, a spouse, or a spiritual leader this small book may help you confirm or disconfirm your perception. If you are a pastor or counselor wondering if you are dealing with a case of abuse, or if an elder or deacon has an abusive mindset, Anne can come to your rescue.
Howard Eyrich, MA, ThM, D.Min, Director of Doctor of Ministry Program, Birmingham Theological Seminary, USA