April 3, 2008
Had an interesting conversation with Janice last night. We were talking about depression (of which both of us suffered at one time) and drifted on to how counselling can help. As we drew to a close, we realised that the best counselling methods are not found in any books or any theories, but it's right there in the Bible, and the best counsellor is not Carl Rogers nor Sigmund Freud, but is God Himself. See how this works:
Regardless of the school of thought, rule number of counsellors: Establish Rapport
- Our relationship with God determines how much He can help us and how much we are willing to allow Him to help us
The clients must come to realise the issues that are bothering them
- We must be convicted of sins, weakness and shortcomings before God can guide us to overcome them
The clients must possess the desire to overcome their problems and believe that it can be done
- We must acknowledge and embrace the fullness of God's love, forgiveness, grace and restoration
The counsellor must know when to comfort and when to confront the client
- God knows when to encourage and rebuke us
The counsellor must project an image of unconditional positive regard
- God loves (agape) us unconditionally and Jesus is the evidence of His love (agape)
There so much more to say. But guess what, there are effective counseling methods, important experiences and essential attitudes that are not always present in counsellors but are always present in God:
Knowing what the client is really going through first-hand
- Jesus was tempted in everyway and He can fully empathise with us
Enabling the clients to really change (cognitively, emotionally and behaviourally) for the better
- Grace, the divine enablement of God, ensures change (regardless of type, intensity) is possible
Counsellors being there for the client always
- God's Spirit is always with us regarless of time and circumstances
Counsellors really possessing a geunine care and concern for the clients rather than just fulfilling job responsibilities
- God's job is to love and His nature is love
All in all, no matter what great theories and methods already exist or are being developed, the Bible is the best source for counselling skills and the Spirit of God is the best counsellor there ever can be. No wonder the Holy Spirit is called the Helper and Comforter.
Eric Matthew wrote @ 4:07 PM