If Bob Lawson is NOT available to you:… (submitted by Family Life) A. Look for a Counselor Who: 1. Loves people, perseveres through tough times, & is confident that Jesus works in people who need help. (See: 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Romans 12:9-12) 2. Believes that the Bible provides counsel for all of life's issues (2 Timothy 3:16-17, John 5:39-40) 3. Gives clear evidence of a personal, passionate relationship with Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10) 4. Ask who your pastor or trusted Christian friend recommends as a counselor who provides wise, biblical advice (Proverbs 11:14, 15:22 and 24:6) B. Write down the counselor's answers if possible. Then talk to your pastor, church leader or trusted Christian friend about your conversation. Do not forget to continue praying for God's wisdom to make the right decision. 1. What is your approach to understanding people's problems & helping them grow & change through counseling? Please describe this process. 2. What are some books or other resources that you recommend on a regular basis or that have most influenced you in your approach to counseling? 3. Are you a Christian? 4. How does your faith affect your view & practice of counseling? 5. Do you bring Christian truth into your counseling practice? How? 6. What role does the Scripture play? 7. Do you pray with those you counsel? 8. Do you go to a church? 9. If so, where & how long have you been a member? 1o. What is your educational & professional background? What role does it play? 11. Are you married? 12. Do you have children? 13. Have you ever been divorced? 14. How does your marriage & family situation affect how you counsel people? C. Things to Remember Counseling is an interactive process. It is built, established, & maintained based on trust. Open & honest dialogue between you & your counselor is the most important component of building trust grounded in a biblical faith in Jesus Christ. If you cannot establish this foundation of trust early on, you need to continue looking for the right counselor. On the other hand, if you find a wise counselor who uses the Bible to help you work through your problem, you will be blessed. How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, &the man who gains understanding (Proverbs 3:13). ##