Summary of Biblical Counseling

Biblical counseling is a process related to discipleship that uses the application of Scripture and the Holy Spirit to facilitate change in a person's life. Frequently, the counseling focuses on a specific problem in the life of the counselee but the solutions put into place are ones that could be used for a variety of challenges in life. The bedrock of Biblical counseling is the counselee's relationship to Christ and regular communication with Him through Scripture and prayer. Strategies are usually put into place during the sessions to guide counselees in a direction of change regardless of their situations or circumstances. When necessary, medical doctors may need to be involved in tandem with any issues that affect the counselee emotionally or physically. 

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Below are keys and concepts used in Biblical counseling in order for the changes to be successful in the lives of the counselees.

Counseling is theology.

• Our theology and worldview inform how we approach counseling and life.

  • Our theology of God

  • Our theology of man and his purpose

  • Our theology of salvation

• Biblical counseling focuses on the healing of problems encountered by the counselee through Scripture and Scriptural concepts.

 

Sin nature of humanity is the root of man’s problems.

1. Sin affects man’s motivation in all aspects of his life. – James 1:14-15

2. Sin affects man’s standing before God as being guilty of rejecting Him. – 1 Corinthians 15:21-22

3. Sin affects man’s thought and thought process. – Colossians 3:5-10

   • Sin misplaces man’s emotions which were given to us to glorify Him.

4. Sin affects our physical being. – 1 Corinthians 42-44

   • Physical problems can affect the mind or emotions in rare cases.

5. Sin affects human relationships. – Titus 3:3

6. Sin affects the entirety of creation. – Romans 8:20-22

 

Keys to Counseling for the Counselor

1. Prayer for the counselee and for self. – Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, James 5:16

2. Supremacy and Sufficiency of Scripture is the rock of Biblical counseling. – 2 Peter 1:3, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

3. Love and empathy are paramount to connecting with the problems of the counselee. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 1 John 4:7-12, John 13:24-35

 

Keys to Counseling for the Counselee

1. Salvation of the counselee through the work of Christ makes healing possible. – Matthew 28:18-20

2. Repentance from sin is a major component of Biblical counseling. – 1 John 1:9, 1 Timothy 2:22-26, 2 Corinthians 7:10-12

3. Sanctification of the counselee through prayer and         Scripture. – 2 Corinthians 7:8-13, 1 Thessalonians         5:18, James 1:2-4, Romans 12:1-2