photo taken by myself

  

      When thinking about the phrase "The Journey of Life," and how it applies to the counseling session, it is important as counselors to analyze their own personal lives when assisting others in making sense of theirs. The Bible clearly states that we live in a fallen world, and as Christian counselors we are to be dependent on the Holy Spirit. Psalm 62 reflects David's dependence on God alone, and we as Christians are to find our hope in Christ alone. A Christian counselor must be personally responsible for their personal walk with Christ. When a counselor is not physically, emotionally, or spiritually taking care of themselves, they run the risk of harming the client in the counseling session. One way a counselor can ensure that they are taking care of themselves is through accountability with other counselors. It is beneficial for a counselor to be in communication with other counselors or supervisors in their work place in order to deal with stress, and be accountable in taking care of their personal life. Psalm 139 says, "search me oh God and know my thoughts." This plea from David should be the plea from every Christian counselor. We should constantly be asking God to search us and know our motivations. This practice makes the counselor not only accountable to others, but accountable to God for their heart and motivations.

      Thomas & Sosin (2011) reflect on the need for a counselor to be completely reliant and dependent on the Holy Spirit. It is the responsibility of the Christian counselor to be diligent in learning methods for counseling, but also diligent in their own personal dependence on the Holy Spirit. In order for counseling to treat a counselee in a holistic manner a Christian counselor must address the spirituality of a counselee in a ethical way. In order for a counselor to properly minister to the spirituality of the clients, they must have their own personal spirituality in check, which requires responsibility, and accountability. It is important that Christian counselors realize their dependence on the Holy Spirit, the benefit of fellowship, and the responsibility of utilizing knowledge and methodologies, and when these three are union together the counselor is best able to assist the client.

 Thomas, J. C., & Sosin, L. (2011).Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for the journey. B&H Publishing.