Choosing a Christian Counselor
(An Article Reposted from CCEF)
You might not be able to come to the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation for counseling, but we would like to help you find a biblical counselor in your area. At this time, we do not maintain an official referral list. Your best bet in finding a counselor is to speak with people who have benefited from a particular counselor or to ask the pastor or elders of a Bible-believing church for a recommendation. In any case, be prepared to ask prospective counselors about their theoretical orientation, their use of Scripture in counseling, and how Christ figures into the way they think about helping others. These following guidelines can help you make wise decisions in choosing a biblical counselor.
A COUNSELOR SHOULD BE SOMEONE WHO
- loves people, perseveres through tough times, and is confident that Jesus works redemptively through suffering and struggle
- believes that God’s Word is sufficient to counsel for all of life’s issues (2 Pet. 1:2-4; Heb. 4:12; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)
- gives clear evidence of a vital personal relationship with Jesus Christ
- your pastor (or trusted Christian friend) believes would provide wise, biblical, loving, and faithful counsel
This article draws from material developed by CCEF’s David Powlison and Family Life Today of Little Rock, AR.