BIBLICAL COUNSELING   In the Scriptures, we have everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3).

The goal of all counseling is change. All counselors recognize that persons need to change, utilize means to bring about change, and believe that change is beneficial to those involved in the counseling process. Biblical counseling is the discipline of bringing about change in persons through the application of the Scriptures to their lives. “The Bible itself provides the principles for understanding and for engaging in counseling and directs Christian ministers to do such counseling as a part of their life calling in the ministry of the word (other Christians also should counsel as God gives opportunity).”   The basis for a Christian’s counseling is the Bible itself. Scripture deals with the same issues with which all counselors deal. The purpose of the Bible is to change lives primarily through declaring abundant life through Jesus Christ. The Bible claims for itself the necessary tools for equipping the counselor for every good work. The Bible is the basis for counseling because the Bible is about change in every area of life including behavior, attitudes, relationships, beliefs, and values. For the Christian, no other source can provide such a standard for change, particularly in a way that pleases God.   Counseling is the work of the Holy Spirit. He comes alongside the counselor and the one being counseled to apply the Scriptures to the human heart. Christian counseling is carried on with the understanding that the Spirit is the one who effects regeneration and sanctification. He produces His fruit in the life of the counselee. He effects His work through the means of prayer, fellowship among God’s people, and the ministry of the word.   Most practitioners of biblical counseling have the conviction that biblical counseling is the only model of counseling that should be utilized. If the Scripture declares the way of change that pleases God, then it is sufficient as the only means of bringing about that change. “That is why other foundations for counseling must be rejected. Not only are they not needed (the Bible is adequate-the unique One Who is the Counselor proved that by His own counseling ministry), but since they seek to do the same sorts of things (without the Scriptures and the Spirit), they are also competitive.”   Biblical counseling proponents base their method and message on the objective truth of Scripture. In a postmodern world that rejects objective truth, the discipline of biblical counseling would seem to be rendered ineffective. Yet, practitioners do not believe the discipline to be ineffective. As they understand the condition of man, the role of the Holy Spirit in counseling, and the application of the Scriptures, they find confidence in their method.   (All quotes taken from Dr. Jay Adams).