![Ben K Lim](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/academics/faculty/images/lim-ben-k.jpg?w=800&auto=format)
Email: b-lim@bethel.edu
Job Titles
-
Professor Emeritus
Marital & Family Therapy (M.A.) Bethel Seminary
Mental Health Counseling (M.A.) Bethel Seminary -
Professor of Marital and Family Therapy Emeritus
Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Highlight
Dr. Lim's teaching, writing, and specializations include systemic relational therapy, premarital counseling, marriage enrichment, parenting, multicultural therapy, spiritual issues, missionaries, and pastoral self-care, trauma, grief, and loss issues. In addition to training therapists, he also teaches pastoral care classes for ministers of the Gospel. An ordained minister, Ben has pastored for many years in different churches in Malaysia, Singapore, Texas, and California. Ben is a Clinical Fellow and an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor.
Started at Bethel
2002
Education
- University of Malaya - B.A.S., 1975
- Fuller Theological Seminary - M.A., 1989
- Texas Tech University - Ph.D., 2000
Biography
Lim was born in Malaysia where he worked for 6 years with the Department of Agriculture before moving to Singapore, where he studied theology and served as a pastor. An ordained minister, Lim has pastored churches in Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States for about 20 years. Lim is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT46911) and the Founder & Director of Life Institute of Mentoring, Supervision & Therapy (aka LIMS Therapy). Lim's research interests include multicultural issues and spirituality in therapy and the self-care of the therapist/pastor. Ben is married to Dr. Soh Leong Lim, a retired professor at San Diego State University and they have three adult children. Together with his wife, Ben is committed to training marriage and family therapists in the Pacific Rim.
Courses Taught
Teaching Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling and Pastoral Care classes including Theories of Marital and Family Therapy, Assessment in Marital & Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention and Trauma Response, Marriage Enrichment, Ministry to Families, Spiritual Formation, Integration of Theology and MFT Theories, Cross Cultural Counseling, Multicultural Counseling, Individual Development and Family Life Cycle, Life Span Development and Aging, Pastoral Counseling, Personal Well-Being & Ministry Effectiveness, Substance Abuse and Intervention, Domestic Violence, etc.
Awards
Bethel Alumni Research Grant, 2014
Bethel Alumni Research Grant, 2011
Bethel Alumni Research Grant, 2010
Bethel Cross-cultural Teaching Grant, 2004-2007
Bethel Alumni Research Grant, 2004
Outstanding Teach Award by Texas Tech University, 2000
International Family Fellowship Award, 1997-2000
Texas Tech College of Human Sciences - CJ Davidson Scholarship, 1996-2000
Texas Tech College of Human Sciences - Graduate Tuition Scholarship, 1995-1996
Publications
Lim, B. (2019). The Integration of Theology & Psychology: Implication for Theological Education. MBTS Theological Journal Vol 5.1 (65th Anniversary Series), 1-29.
Lim, B. & Lim, S.L. (2016). Politically incorrect: Sense and sensibilities for culturally-astute supervision and training. In K. Hardy & T. Bobes, (Eds.), Culturally Sensitive Supervision and Training: Diverse Perspectives and Practical Applications. Taylor & Francis/Routledge.
Lim, B. (2013). Book Review for Regina, W. F. (2011). Applying family systems theory to mediation: A practitioner's guide. Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 44, 5, 664.
Lim, B., & Lim, S. L. (2013). Counseling in China. In T. Hohenshil, N. Amundson & S. Niles (Eds.), International handbook of counseling. American Counseling Association
Lim, B., & Lim, S. L. (2013). Use of family sculpting as an experiential assessment and intervention tool in counseling Asian families. In C. M. See & M. Ng (Eds.), Research and practice: Counseling in the new frontier of helping (pp. 47 – 53). USM Press.
Lim, S., & Lim, B. (2012). Po xi wen ti: The “mother-in-law problem”: Navigating tradition and modernity in transforming familial relationships in the Chinese family. Journal of Family Psychotherapy (Special Edition Marriage and Family Therapy in China), 23, 202-216. doi: 10.1080/08975353.2012.705649
Lim, B. (2012). Book Review for Rachel Stryker (2012), The Road to Evergreen: Adoption, Attachment Therapy and the Promise of Family. Journal of Comparative Family Studies. 43, 2, 333
Lim, B. (2011). Marriage. Dictionary of Christian Spirituality. Zondervan.
Lim, B. (2011). Inner Healing. Dictionary of Christian Spirituality. Zondervan.
Lim, B. (2011). Marriage. Dictionary of Christian Spirituality. Zondervan.
Chang, M., & Lim, B. (2010). Norm-referenced assessment. Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural School Psychology. Springer.
Debruin, K., & Lim, B. (2010). Cross-cultural families. Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural School Psychology. Springer.
Lim, B., & Lim, S. (2010). Cross-cultural dissonance. Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural School Psychology. Springer.
Lim, B., & Lim, S. (2010). Family therapy. Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural School Psychology. Springer.
Lim, B., & Lim, S. (2010). Nonverbal assessment. Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural School Psychology. Springer.
Lim, B., & Lim, S. (2010). Nonverbal communication. Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural School Psychology. Springer.
Lim, B., & Lim, S. (2010). Referral. Encyclopedia of Cross-cultural School Psychology. Springer.
Lim, S., Lim, B., Michael, R., Cai, R., & Schock, C. K. (2010). The trajectory of counseling in China: Past, present, and future trends. Journal of Counseling and Development, 88(1), 4-8.
Mustol, J., & Lim, B. Children and divorce. (2010). Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural School Psychology. Springer.
Price, M., & Lim, B. (2010). Biracial families. Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural School Psychology. Springer.
Walker, T., & Lim, B. (2010). Defense mechanism. Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural School Psychology. Springer.
Wickstrom, A., & Lim, B. Cultural diversity (2010). Encyclopedia of Cross-Cultural School Psychology. Springer.
Lim, B., & Lim, S. (2009). Cultural competency: A transformative developmental journey. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy California Division News, 17, 1-3.
Lim, B., & Lim, S. (2009). Use of family sculpting as an experiential assessment and intervention tool in counseling Asian families. Proceedings of the International Counseling and Social Work Symposium, School of Educational Studies, University Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia, 105-110.
Lim, B. (2009). Structural Family Therapy. Encyclopedia of Counseling. American Counseling Association.
Lim, B., & Lim, S. (2008). East-West synergism: An MFT couple’s immigrant perspective. Family Therapy Magazine, 7, 20-21.
Lim, B., & Lim, S. (2006). A trainers’ manual: Parenting - raising the Chinese family. Shenyang, China: Harmony Counseling Center.
Lim, S., & Lim, B. (2005). Parenting style and child outcomes in Chinese and immigrant Chinese families – Current findings and cross-cultural considerations in conceptualization and research. Marriage and Family Review, 39, 21-43.
Reprinted as: Lim, S., & Lim, B. (2005). Parenting style and child outcomes in Chinese and immigrant Chinese families – Current findings and cross-cultural considerations in conceptualization and research. In M.L. Wilson & S. Steinmetz (Eds.), Parent-youth relations: Cultural and cross-cultural perspectives (pp. 21-42). Haworth Press.
Lim, B. & Ivey, D. (2000). The assessment of marital adjustment with Chinese populations: A study of the psychometric properties of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal, 22(4), 453-465.
Presentations
Lim, B. & Lim S., (2019, April). Developing Cultural Competence in Counseling in a Multicultural Malaysia. An advanced one-day workshop with the National Association of Christian Counsellors, Malaysia.
Lim, B. (2019, April). The Integration of Theology & Psychology: Implication for Theological Education. At Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary, Penang, Malaysia. A plenary session for the Bienniel Conference of the Malaysian Association of Theological Schools.
Lim, B. & Lim, S. (2018, November). Developing and Maintaining Psychological Wellbeing & Self Care at Quanzhou Liming University, Quanzhou, China. A 3-hour training for faculty and counselors.
Lim, B. & Lim, S. (2018, November). Emotionally Focused Therapy: Creating Safe Haven for Couples Connection at Positive Parenting Reading Salon, Xiamen, China. A 3-hour seminar for couples and parents from the Xiamen community.
Lim, B. & Lim S., (2018 October). Couples Counselling: An Attachment Theory & Skills Perspective. One-day workshop with the Penang Association of Counsellors and Psychologists, Malaysia.
Lim, B. & Lim, S. (2018 October). We Still Do Marriage Conference. One-day National Marriage Conference at Vistana Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
Lim, B, & Lim, S. (2018 June). Silent Killers of the Pastor Seminar. One-day seminar at Fettes Park Baptist Church, Tanjong Bungah, Penang.
Lim, B. & Lim, S. (2018 March). Family of Origin and Its Effect on Staff Relationships. Two hour Staff Development Training at Talent Trust Consultants, Batu Ferringhi, Penang.
Lim, B. (2018 April). CM 1103 Pastoral Counseling. Three credit hour course at Malaysian Baptist Theological Seminary, Batu Ferringhi, Penang.
Lim, B. (2018 March). SWOT Analysis and Professional Development. Two hour Staff Development Training at Talent Trust Consultants, Batu Ferringhi, Penang.
Lim, B. (2017 October). CM 109 Managing Conflicts: Keys to Growth within the Home, Church & Workplace. Three credit hour course at Malaysian Baptist Theological Seminary, Batu Ferringhi, Penang.
Lim, B. (2017 August, October). Counseling the Stressed. One-day workshop at the Malaysian Baptist Theological Seminary, Klang Valley and Penang for seminary students and the public.
Lim, B. (2017 August, October). Counseling the Stressed. One-day workshop at the Malaysian Baptist Theological Seminary, Klang Valley and Penang for seminary students and the public.
Lim, B. (2017, August). The Challenge of Multicultural Therapy in Malaysia: An Integration of Double ABCX Family Stress Model with Solution Focused Therapy. Speaker at the International Conference of the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Malaysia at University Putra Malaysia.
Lim, B. (2016 April). PREPARE/ENRICH Customized Version Workshop. Training for Psychotherapists, Pastors, lay-leaders and students at Bethel Seminary, San Diego - a full day certification training for therapists, pastors, and students.
Lim, B, Lim, S, Chin, K, & Chen, M (2015 November). The Challenge for Mission: Caregiving for Missionaries in The Sandwich Generation. Workshop for the 36th Mental Health and Missions Conference, Angola, IN.
Lim, B (2015 January). Mobilizing Young Adults & Middle-Age Adults into Missions. Workshop for Chinese Mission Convention in San Diego, CA.
Lim, B (2015 January). Caregiver/Caregiving for the Body and Soul. Workshop panel for Chinese Mission Convention in San Diego, CA.
Certificates and Licenses
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, 2009 & Present
California Board of Behavioral Science
License #: MFC 46911
Marriage & Family Therapist, 2006 & Present
LifeSpring Center, San Diego (A non-profit counseling center)
Responsible for therapy sessions with individuals, couples and families
Approved Supervisor, 2002-present
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, 2000 & present
Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists
License #: 4891
Certified Trainer of the PREPARE ENRICH program 2005-present
Professional Organizations, Committees, and Boards
MFT Director Bethel Seminary Search Committee
Member, 2020 - 2021
MFT/MHC Director Search Committee
Member, 2015-2016
Seminary Diversity Committee, Bethel Seminary
Co-chair, 2014 & present
University Faculty Diversity Liaison, Bethel University
Cabinet Member, 2014 & 2015
Academic Programs Committee, Bethel Seminary
Transregional Member, 2013 & present
East-West China Outreach
Board Member, 2013 & present
ACA International Counseling Interest Network.
Member, 2013 & present
MFT Faculty Search Committee, Bethel Seminary
Member, 2011 & 2013
Steering Committee, BA Human Services, CAPS Bethel University
Member, 2010 & present
Board of Behavioral Sciences, California
Marriage and Family Therapist, MFC 46911, 2009 & present
Bethel Antiracism and Reconciliation Commission, Bethel University
Member, 2008-2013
San Diego Regional MFT Consortium
Member, 2008 -2015
San Diego AAMFT Networking District
Member, 2007-2011
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Associate Member, 2006-present
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, California
Member Election Committee, 2006 & 2007
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Humanitarian Assistance Programs
Volunteer, 2006 & present
Persatuan Kaunseling Malaysia (PERKAMA) (Malaysian Counseling Association)
Clinical Member, 2006 & present
South East Asia Children's Project, Asia
Advisory Counsel, 2005 & 2009.
Winter Faculty Retreat Planning Committee, Bethel Seminary
Member, 2004 & 2006
Bless It Assurance, San Diego
Board member, 2004- 2008
Clinical Pastoral Education, Memorial Sharp Hospital, San Diego
Member and Vice-Chairman, Professional Consultation Committee, 2004 & 2010
San Diego Marriage Coalition
Member, 2004, 2008, present
American Red Cross, SCS Team, San Diego
Chaplain, 2004, 2010
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, San Diego
Member, 2003 & present
MFT Student Leadership Committee & Integration Team
Faculty Advisor, 2003 & present
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Approved Supervisor, 2002 &present
Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS)
Member, 2002 & present
Texas Department of Health
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, License #: 004891-030542, 2000 & present
Association of Couples for Marriage Enrichment (ACME)
Member, 1997 & 2005
Hobbies and Interests
Taiji, Swimming, Preaching, Mentoring.
Quote
Luke 1:74-75 (NKJV) To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.
Website
https://www.limstherapy.com/; https://www.enrichingrelationships.org/ben-k-lim