There are moments... There are moments that go by That whisper in your ear To slow down. That tap on your shoulder To embrace the present. That echo in your heart To enjoy the now. These moments These moments that go by are fleeting. They slip away like the sun at dusk. They pass away... Continue Reading →
Haiku Poem: Identity Found
The job of a manbecomes his identityuntil he finds God. When you meet someone for the first time, one of the questions that inevitably comes up is: "So, what do you do for a living?" In today's culture, occupation is equated with one's identity. Most of us are judged by what we do---rather than who... Continue Reading →
Poem: The Mirror From Within
Is this really me facing the lucid glass? Reflections without Don't reflect within. Radiating smile. Jovial blue eyes. Unstained teeth. Don't show underneath. I let the world know My self is fine. Then I calmly hide While storms brew inside. But the show must go on. I play the lead role. Worship my image. Ignore... Continue Reading →
Christian Counselors and Medical Professionals: A Symbiotic Relationship
I think its vital to work alongside a physician to help someone cope with their depression. An important distinction to make from the beginning with the doctor, however, is what constitutes as an organic problem versus a non-organic problem. For instance, let’s say Billy (fictional name) is suffering from thyroid deficiency and that’s why he feels depressed. Because this deficiency... Continue Reading →
Counseling the Heart Through Biblical Thinking
Ever since Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden, human thinking has been marred by sin. People distort truth, embellish stories, and abuse others with their words. The absolute truth-telling that exists in the mind of God is unfortunately uncommon in His Creation. In this paper, I will focus specifically on how sin... Continue Reading →
Can Secular Psychology and Biblical Counseling Find Common Ground?
Common grace is the blessing God bestows upon every created being, both the saved and the unsaved. Examples of common grace include the beauty of nature, intellectual discovery, moral accountability, relationship building, and physical health.[1] In this paper, I will explain whether secular Psychologists use common grace to properly diagnose the human condition or oppose... Continue Reading →
Limited or Unlimited Confidentiality in Biblical Counseling?
The purpose of this essay is to talk about the kind of commitment to confidentiality a biblical counselor should make with a counselee, when it’s appropriate to limit privacy rights and report a confession to civil authorities, and how a counselor should cooperate with the authorities about these issues. The ultimate goal is to restore... Continue Reading →
A Biblical Evaluation of 4 Secular-Based Theories in Counseling
In this essay, I will define, describe, and provide a biblical evaluation for 4 secular-based therapies: The 12 step recovery program, cognitive-behavioral therapy, the biogenic theory of mood disorders, and electroconvulsive therapy. It is my goal to fairly evaluate the pros and cons of each position and determine any redemptive quality in them. It is... Continue Reading →
6 Strategies for Developing Proper Care in Counseling
There are at least six biblical strategies for developing a caring relationship with your counselees. They include trusted friendship, giving proper advice, expressing honor and love, demonstrating care through action, meeting their daily needs, and showing respect. The first strategy is a trusted friendship. The Bible includes many verses on friendship (Lk. 6:31; Rom. 12:10;... Continue Reading →
Five Important Aspects to Establish in Christian Counseling
What issues should be covered in an introductory session with a counselee regardless of the counseling issue? The first session is paramount to a healthy counseling relationship. It establishes a connection between the counselor and the counselee. For instance, the counselee may actively discern if the counselor is congenial and willing to support them throughout... Continue Reading →