The Safe Touch Coloring Book: Child Safety Resource from Dr. Beth Robinson

Easy, fun, non-threatening way to have the difficult conversations about sexual safety and predators. Parents, counselors, teachers and other caring adults can read to children as they color situations in which children learn to recognize "safe" and "not safe" touches and people.Addressing sexual safety with children can be difficult. The Safe Touch Coloring Book provides an easy way for adults to teach children how to avoid being victims of sexual abuse while helping them identify situations such as physicians, parents and others whose touches are "safe." The Safe Touch Coloring Book can be used by counselors, parents, and teachers. The coloring book is designed for a caring adult to read to children while they color the pages. Available at Dr. Beth Robinson's Website. 

Socratic Questioning: A Reflective and Biblical Approach for Christian Counselors Purpose and Overview: Socratic Questioning is a structured method of guided inquiry used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients examine the validity of their thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions. Rather than offering direct answers, the therapist uses thoughtful, strategic questions to lead clients toward truth and clarity. For Christian counselors, this technique aligns beautifully with the biblical value of deep listening and wise discernment (Proverbs 20:5; Proverbs 18:13), guiding clients into spiritual maturity and psychological insight. Exegesis of Proverbs 18:13 and Proverbs 20:5 Proverbs 18:13 (NIV): “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” From Preaching the Word: Proverbs by R. Kent Hughes: Hughes emphasizes that premature conclusions—especially when made without full understanding—are not only unwise but dishonoring. In counseling, Socratic Questioning honors the process of thoughtful listening and gentle probing, helping clients uncover deeper truths before rushing to self-judgment or emotional reaction. Proverbs 20:5 (NIV): “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” From R.C. Sproul’s Commentary on Proverbs: Sproul reflects on the layered, often hidden motives within the human heart. Socratic Questioning, as a counseling method, serves to “draw out” these motives—not to shame, but to clarify. This approach encourages clients to participate in their own healing through Spirit-led insight and honest reflection. Research-Backed Effectiveness: Socratic Questioning is a well-supported cognitive intervention shown to increase self-awareness, cognitive flexibility, and emotional resilience. It is particularly effective in addressing cognitive distortions like catastrophizing, overgeneralization, and mind-reading by promoting careful, guided self-examination. Braun et al. (2015) found that therapist use of Socratic Questioning predicted session-to-session symptom change in cognitive therapy for depression, highlighting its role in facilitating cognitive change and symptom improvement. Clark and Egan (2015) conducted a narrative review emphasizing the importance of Socratic Questioning in CBT, noting its effectiveness in helping clients develop alternative perspectives and challenge maladaptive thoughts. Carona et al. (2021) discussed the application of Socratic Questioning in clinical practice, underscoring its role in collaborative empiricism and guided discovery within psychotherapy. Implementing Socratic Questioning: A Step-by-Step Approach Identify a Problematic Thought or Belief: Begin by helping the client articulate a troubling belief (e.g., “I’m unworthy,” or “I’ll never change”). Ask Clarifying and Definitional Questions: Use open-ended questions like “What do you mean by that?” or “Where did this belief come from?” This aligns with the biblical practice of listening before responding (Proverbs 18:13). Explore the Evidence: Ask, “What evidence supports this thought?” and “What evidence contradicts it?” This mirrors how Scripture encourages us to test everything and hold fast to what is true (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Examine the Origins and Logic: Help the client consider where the belief originated. “Is this always true, or is it based on a past wound?” You might ask, “If a friend said this, how would you respond?” Connect to Scripture and Spiritual Identity: Invite clients to evaluate their belief against biblical truth. For example, “What does God say about your worth in Psalm 139 or Romans 8?” This step grounds the new belief in divine authority. Encourage a New Perspective: Based on the reflection, guide the client to formulate a more truthful, grace-filled response. This is an opportunity to renew the mind and nurture emotional and spiritual growth. Conclusion: Socratic Questioning is not just a technique—it’s a relational and reflective tool that honors the complexity of the heart. Christian counselors who use this method faithfully can lead clients toward greater self-awareness, biblical understanding, and healing. By listening deeply and asking wisely, we model both the compassion of Christ and the discernment of Proverbs. References (APA Style) Braun, J. D., Strunk, D. R., Sasso, K. E., & Cooper, A. A. (2015). Therapist use of Socratic questioning predicts session-to-session symptom change in cognitive therapy for depression. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 70, 32–37. Clark, G. I., & Egan, S. J. (2015). Clarifying the role of the Socratic method in CBT: A survey of expert opinion. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 8(2), 123–133. Carona, C., Fonseca, A., & Moreira, H. (2021). Socratic questioning put into clinical practice. BJPsych Advances, 27(6), 424–426. Hughes, R. K. (2001). Preaching the Word: Proverbs. Crossway. Sproul, R. C. (2009). Proverbs (St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary). Crossway. AI Disclosure: This blog post was created with the assistance of AI technology to ensure clarity, accuracy, and helpful insights. While the content reflects a blend of machine efficiency and human oversight, readers are encouraged to consult professional ethical guidelines and faith-based counseling resources for further guidance.