Confessions From A Biblical Counselor
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Confessions of a Biblical Counselor
Overview
The effectiveness of biblical counseling hinges on its foundational beliefs. A crucial principle for biblical counselors is understanding that truth and godliness are inseparable. For those aiming to guide counselees towards pleasing God, becoming well-versed in theology is essential.
A Personal Journey
When I first embraced Christianity in the late 1960s, my understanding of counseling was conventional: seek help from a listed counselor without much thought to their approach or qualifications. It wasn't until the early 1970s, when I encountered Jay Adams, that I recognized the profound difference between general counseling and true biblical counseling.
In 1986, I enrolled in Liberty University’s School of Lifelong Learning to pursue a degree from a reputable Christian institution. The excitement soon faded when Psychology 101 introduced teachings from Freud, Skinner, and Rogers under the notion that "All truth is God's truth." I felt disillusioned, realizing that Liberty was promoting a theistic psychology rather than sticking to Scripture. They overlooked the principle that any truth not aligned with Scripture cannot be genuine truth.
Foundational Presuppositions
The success of biblical counseling starts with its foundational presuppositions. According to Cornelius Van Til, presuppositionalism insists on an ultimate worldview assumed on faith: God exists, and the Bible is true.
Key Presuppositions
1. Theological Perspective: Counseling issues are inherently theological since life is lived before God, contrasting psychology's main assumption that denies God's existence. This recognition of God makes biblical counseling distinct.
2. Heart-Centric Behavior: Behavior stems from the heart, meaning issues are either righteous or unrighteous, not merely healthy or unhealthy.
3. Man’s Nature: Understanding behavior requires acknowledging human depravity due to sin. This awareness allows biblical counselors to offer genuine hope and solutions, unlike secular approaches that attribute behavior to chemical imbalances.
Biblical Counseling Techniques
Habitual Patterns
Understanding human behavior involves recognizing the role of habits?"patterns acquired through repetition. Since humans are habitual sinners, breaking sinful patterns is vital. This is achieved through the "put-off/put-on" dynamic, where sinful habits are replaced with godly behavior.
Common Issues
1. Grief: Often immobilizing, prolonged grief can hinder normal functioning. For instance, I Samuel 15:35-16:1 illustrates the importance of action, teaching counselees to go and do rather than dwell in feelings.
2. Depression: Trials can lead to depression, but II Corinthians 4:8-9 encourages resilience. Counselors must focus on what the individual is doing, rather than solely on emotions.
3. ADD/ADHD: Often diagnosed based on behavior, obedience is the principal concern. Addressing this requires identifying sinful practices and replacing them with godly ones, facilitated by accountability.
4. Fear: Rooted in fear, OCD involves repetitive thought patterns. While healthy fear is protective, irrational fear is sinful. Encouraging counselees to replace fear with love and shift from a victim mentality is crucial.
The Role of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is central to effective counseling. Many counselees struggle with bitterness, needing guidance through Scripture to both seek and offer forgiveness. Romans 12:18-19 emphasizes living peacefully and leaving vengeance to God. Jay Adams, in "A Theology of Christian Counseling," identified forgiveness as humanity's greatest need. Teaching "heart forgiveness" helps individuals relinquish bitterness and seek peace, even when reconciliation isn't possible.
Conclusion
For biblical counselors, understanding that truth and godliness are inextricably linked is vital. Becoming theologians is not optional but necessary for guiding counselees toward a life that pleases God.
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