Finding the Freedom of Self-Control
Dr. William Backusoffers practical help and training to those who want to learn effective and loving interpersonal communication. "It seemed to me," Backus said, "that many people were talking to one another without much concern for the truth and love in what they were saying, and thus weakening the power of communication in the home, the Church, and other communities.He received a B.A. and a Bachelor of Divinity degree at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. After receiving the degree of Master of Sacred Theology, he was called to serve as pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, St. Louis. In 1956, he began serving a Lutheran Parish in Pleasant Hill, California.In 1963, Backus was awarded the generous Wheat Ridge Scholarship for psychological studies, and in 1969 received the Ph.D. degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.After five years on the staff of Hennepin County General Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he directed a program of training for clergymen of the area, Backus founded the Center for Christian Psychological Services.Dr. Backus has conducted follow-up studies of his clients that show a 95% improvement rate, compared to a 67% success rate for other methods of therapy. The difference, Dr. Backus says, is "discovering our misbelief and replacing it with truth."In addition, he serves as an assistant pastor on the staff of North Heights Lutheran Church, Roseville, Minnesota, where he has founded and directed a lay-staffed free counseling clinic.Dr. Backus has authored several books, includingTelling Yourself the TruthandWhy Do I Do What I Don't Want to Do?with Marie Chapian,Telling the Truth to Troubled People, andFinding the Freedom of Self-Control. His latest book,Untwisting Twisted Relationships, offers help to those who would like to mend relationships that have been damaged or broken.Backus lives with his wife, Candy, in Minnesota. The four Backus children have established homes in various parts of the midwest.size : 5.2 x 8