الاثنين، 2 سبتمبر 2013

Why Should Believers Choose Faith-Based Counseling?

مرسلة بواسطة Unknown في 7:27 ص
By Kate McMahon


Today people are under almost constant stress, and personal problems plague many. Millions of people of all ages seek advice and support from trained professionals. For Christians, faith-based counseling is an option that might heighten the chances of a successful outcome. A shared belief in biblical principles means that the counselor should be able to offer hope and positive steps that the client would be able to accept.

Counseling is difficult for many people to initiate. It is normal for troubled individuals to feel that they can handle their own problems. It is also usual for people who have serious difficulties with addictions - to drugs, alcohol, gambling, pornography, over-spending, or other self-destructive activities - to blame those around them rather than to accept responsibility.

Once people acknowledge the need for counseling, either alone or as a couple or family, then the choice of a counselor becomes important. The world view of the counselor will dictate the approach used and the end results desired. This is one reason for choosing an advisor who shares a fundamental belief system with the person or persons needing help.

For instance, forgiveness is a fundamental rule and tool for Christians. It is human nature to hold on to resentment, hurt, and self-recrimination. Moving beyond a problem and making a fresh start is harder when bitterness and unforgiveness is not dealt with. Some programs of healing start with confrontation of others, not in a forgiving spirit but in a systematic understanding, acceptance, and 'bringing it all out in the open' manner.

The focus of Christian counseling is on the client's willingness to change self-destructive behavior patterns, understand and adjust expectations, and release past unhappiness in order to embrace future joy and stability. A faith-based approach can offer things like peace and hope in spite of circumstances that might be harsh. Secular advice can only focus on self-change and independent resolutions, instead of the help and guidance of a holy and loving God.

Allowing God to heal and to change the heart of a person is not easy, but it is simple. Let God be in control and follow His ways. Giving up control of one's life is not a concept that is familiar to the secular world, but it is of paramount importance in living according to biblical precepts.

The goal of someone going to counseling, unless it is court ordered, is to build healthy relationships and learn how to cope with difficult circumstances in better ways than by resorting to addictions, retreating into depression, or acting out in anti-social ways. Having a relationship with the deity, who has promised to never leave or forsake, can give a shaky life a foundation for future happiness.

Of course, being a Christian as well as a trained counselor is not a sure-fire certificate of competence. It is still important for those seeking faith-based counseling to choose carefully. Getting recommendations from pastors and people who have been helped, as well as seeking direction through personal prayer, can help those in need find the advice and support they require to move forward in a new direction.




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