Counseling can provide fresh perspectives on difficult issues and point one toward solutions. Many seek counseling to help with personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the stressors of daily life.
A Christian Counselor might help one to....
*discover and develop new skills relating to better management of relationships and stress
*explore and develop meaningful personal goals and values
*work toward the resolution of lingering issues
*improve communication skills
*transition through the life cycle, and in some cases, decide what's next
*explore career development
*live with purpose & mission, focusing upon spiritual growth
*better balance the demands of life
*rediscover creativity
*persevere through seasons of life
*consider new perspectives
*fill in a gap between knowledge, skills, confidence or resources
*explore work & life imbalances and unintended consequences
*work through life course corrections due to setback(s)
*increase self awareness
*identify core strengths and how best to utilize them
*reduce complications and simplify life
*be better organized and more self managing
*focus upon what really matters
A counselor can provide astute listening, serve as a sounding board, challenge blind spots, and offer fresh perspectives, while maintaining professional boundaries.
Once one makes the decision to obtain counseling services, it is important to remember that counseling is a cooperative relationship between both the counselor and the client(s). And for best outcomes, it is important to commit to being an active participant both inside and outside the counseling sessions.
Counseling can have benefits and risks. Counseling often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress. And because counseling sometimes involves discussing unpleasant aspects of life, you may also experience feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, and loneliness. Each person is unique.
It is our desire to be used by God as we encounter hurting people who find themselves at times overwhelmed by unforseen life circumstances.
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners;
To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn,
To grant those who mourn in Zion,
giving them a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."
Isaiah 61:1-3
