Simply deciding whether to seek therapy for marital and family difficulties may be challenging for many individuals. Finding a good counselor who can assist you is the next challenge after making your decision (see “Do You Need Counseling?”).
While North Woods Christian Counseling, LLC is unable to provide counseling, we wish to support you in your search for a licenced, pious counselor who can assist you in your effort to address marital and family issues. We think that admitting that you need support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Essential Characteristics of a Biblical Counselor
Find someone who:
- Can demonstrate strong training and expertise in biblical counseling;
- Has a heart for others, endures adversity, and has faith that Jesus is at work among his followers;
- Believes that the bible, god’s word, contains all of the necessary instruction and guidance for resolving life’s problems
- Provides unmistakable proof of a close, passionate connection with Jesus Christ.
What to do:
As you look for a biblical counselor, pray for insight from God to make the correct choices. If you ask with trust, God will provide you knowledge. He will lead your steps to the appropriate counselor as you go forward in faith.
Consult your church for advice. According to what the Bible says, there are many advisors who are wise. It is crucial to ask your pastor and other church leaders for advice if you attend a church
God has sent your pastor or elder to lead and care for the local church’s members, who make up the body of Christ. Your pastor or elder may be able to provide you with some biblical guidance or resources that may suit your requirements or assist you with the issue you are now experiencing. Your church’s elders may include one or more who have counseling training. Your pastor should at the very least be aware of the nature of your issue in order to regularly pray for you and your family.
The first person to consult about obtaining a Christian counselor is the pastor. He is obligated to God, cares about you, and presumably knows people in the neighbourhood or state who can help you in a trustworthy and efficient manner.
You could start conversing with experienced or reliable believers as well. They could have previously seen a Christian counseling. The counselor could be worth your prayerful consideration if they were able to minister to your buddy.
Inquiries to put to a potential counselor
It’s crucial to research each counselor you’re thinking about before choosing one. Ask these questions over the phone before any appointments, if at all feasible, or bring them up at your first encounter. Someone who is modest and devoted to the Scripture is the type of counselor you desire, and they shouldn’t have any trouble assisting you in this manner.
Then, with an eye toward God’s Word, discuss your chat with the counselor and his or her responses with your pastor, an elder, or a knowledgeable Christian friend. Don’t forget to keep asking God for the wisdom to make the proper decision in your prayers.
Inquire of your potential counselor:
- What method do you use to comprehend people’s issues and use therapy to assist them develop and change? Please explain this procedure.
- What are some books or other materials you often suggest or that have had the most impact on your approach to counseling?
- You’re a Christian, right? What impact does your religion have on the way you see and use counseling?
- Do you include Christian principles into your counseling work? How? What function does Scripture serve?
- Do you offer prayer to those you advise?
- Are you a churchgoer? In such case, where and for how long are you a member?
- What are your qualifications in terms of education and experience? What function does it serve?
- Do you have a spouse? Have you got kids? Do you have a divorced history? How does the state of your marriage and family impact the way you provide advice to others?
- Do you agree with the tenets expressed in the Family Manifesto?
Remember…
The counseling process involves interaction. On faith, it is erected, sustained, and built. The key to developing trust is having frank conversations between a counselor and a client. If you can’t build this foundation of trust right away—if you don’t have confidence that the counselor will engage with you in a way that is smart, biblical, loving, and faithful—you may want to search elsewhere.
However, the Bible promises that you will be rewarded if you discover a competent counselor who applies God’s Word to help you advance in your Christian life, in your marriage, and in your family.
Read more: Tips to Make Online Christian Counseling Work for You
