Ben K Lim, Ph.D.

Job Titles

Professor Emeritus
Marital & Family Therapy (M.A.) Bethel Seminary
Mental Health Counseling (M.A.) Bethel Seminary

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). 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