The Christian Counselor's Manual CH 4

The Counselee

Chapter four is great for helping counselors to increase their listening skills and understanding of each person that is asking for assistance. The author provides a concise list of assessment questions that can assist the counselor’s focus during a counseling conversation:

1. What is the specific problem?
2. What biblical principles apply?
3. What needs to happen to solve the problem with these principles?

The attitude of the counselor should be like Jesus, in that he / she would “…meet the counselee in humble confidence” (Adams, J.E., 1973, p. 25).

It is also very important to observe the whole of the person that includes, culture and context of the situation. As the counselor attempts to fully understand the problem at hand the full picture assists with a greater understanding, which leads toward greater wisdom.

Mr. Adams reported about a specific case of a young woman (early 20’s) that had been labeled by counselors with schizophrenia. It was stated that she had missionary parents that were working for the Lord continuously. The young woman is said to have built up resentment and anger towards her parents for their life style of serving the Lord. (One reason to always check your priorities and make sure family is after God, but before ministry!)
She was eventually freed of her mental illness after the counselor attempted to understand her, the context of her illness and the culture surrounding this. He gained his understanding by asking questions of her parents in detail (as he couldn’t ask her because she wouldn’t talk). He then understood what the problem was about the family's focus and priorities. He applied the biblical concepts about family and directed them using these principles.

Applying God's truth to the entire picture, not jumping to conclusions, but understanding context, culture and asking questions in detail are all very important in the counselor’s role!

Adams, J.E. (1973). The Christian Counselor’s Manual. p. 21-30. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.