“Boundaries” Skill Building Group

What’s a “boundary”?

In essence, a boundary is a property line. In terms of interpersonal relating, it is a dividing line that indicates where one person ends and another begins. Knowing what you are responsible for and what you are not responsible for is paramount to healthy interpersonal relating. Almost all of the problems that bring people in for counseling have a boundary weakness or violation at their core. A boundary also protects things of value…

The Need for Boundaries

The human heart has incredible value. Our gifts, dreams, hopes, motivations, gifts, feelings and more find their source in our heart. And from these treasures flow our attitudes and behaviors. But even more importantly, the heart of man is the one place where God wishes to dwell. The heart of man is his gift to God. Healthy boundaries protect the heart of man which allow him to love better.

Sadly, many Christians do not know the value of their own hearts. They do not know how to cultivate or protect this most priceless of treasures that is foundational to a transformed life. Out of ignorance, fear or misunderstanding, they fail to protect themselves from damaging relationships with others who do not value their heart. Boundaries are about owning and living from the heart God personally gave you. Attending a Boundaries group will help you to value your own heart in practical and biblical ways.

Group Format

The Boundaries Skill Building Group is designed to help strengthen or buildup basic boundary setting skills, foundational to healthy interpersonal relating. Classes consist of eight consecutive sessions that are held several times a year. Each 90-minute session includes primary teaching by Dr.’s Henry Cloud and John Townsend via video-tape, with supplemental teaching and small group work facilitated by professional clinical counselors employed by the counseling center.

Participants should expect to learn and practice basic boundary setting skills and discuss their efforts in a small group setting. Facilitators coach, role play and trouble shoot boundary setting problems with participants. The Boundaries material will benefit those already in counseling, those who simply want to learn to relate better to others and those who want to live more fully from their own heart. 

Biblically Based

The “Boundaries” material is scripturally based and was developed by Dr.’s Henry Cloud and John Townsend, both Christian Psychologists, each with over 20 years of clinical experience. Other books by these authors include Boundaries for Teens, Boundaries in Marriage, Raising Great Kids, God Will Make a Way and Safe People. For a complete list of resources by these two authors go to www.cloudtownsend.com or visit them on their New Life Ministries website at www.newlife.com.  Broadcasts of their talk show New Life Live can also be listened to at the New Life website.

Class schedule

Boundaries groups are held several times a year. Please call The Christian Counseling Center for information regarding the next class dates or check out our website calendar for upcoming events. Class size is limited and interested participants should RSVP no later than three days prior to the beginning class date. Note: Child care is not available. If you would like to host a “Boundaries” seminar at your church, please contact us. We would be happy to bring this material to you. If this material is new to you, please contact us with any questions at 803.779.1995.