Steps to Effective Biblical Counseling

Step 1: Have a prospective counselee fill out the intake form on the “Get Counseling” section of the main website. You will fill ask them to fill out a more thorough intake form before the first session. 

Step 2: Once a counselee is officially assigned to you, review and become familiar with their intake form(s), making a list of questions you plan to ask to gather additional information. Moving forward, follow the 15-week curriculum.

Step 3: Schedule the initial counseling session, covering the information they provided in their intake forms, asking thoughtful questions, taking detailed notes, and determining expectations. Make sure you cover the “Consent and Confidentiality Agreement” with the counselee which they should have signed during the intake process. If they did not sign it yet, make sure you get a signed copy before the next meeting.  

Answer the following questions as counseling sessions progress. Take good notes both during and immediately following each session:

• What significant background information do you learn about the counselee?

• What are the counselee’s reasons for coming in for counseling? (Record these as they surface week over week.)

• What main problems were discussed in the course of this session?

• What unbiblical habits of thinking and/or behaving do you observe in the counselee?

• Do you observe any idols and/or heart issues emerging?

• How was the Gospel brought out in relation to the counselee’s problem?

• How was hope or encouragement given in this session?

• If applicable, how did you handle any resistance from the counselee?

• What biblical solutions were presented to the main problems discussed?

• What homework was given to be completed for the next session?

• What changes were made by the counselee since last session (as a result of applying last session’s counsel and performing last session’s homework)?

• What are some objectives or goals for future sessions?

• What are some signs that the counselee is ready to transition from counseling into a discipleship relationship?

Step 4: Schedule ongoing meetings at the same time and place each week.

Step 5: Determine when the counselee is ready to transition from official counseling into a discipleship relationship.

Biblical Counseling verses Discipleship

I’ve been asked many times before: “Isn’t biblical counseling the same thing as discipleship?” The answer is “yes” and “no.”

While both biblical counseling and discipleship involve using the Bible and Christian principles to guide personal growth and development, the primary difference is that biblical counseling is focused on addressing a specific problem or issue over a set period of a few weeks or months in order to gain victory over that specific battle, while discipleship is a longer-term commitment, focused on ongoing teaching, modeling, and accountability for sustained spiritual growth.

Both are intended to help the counselee/disciplee develop a stronger relationship with God and others through the avenues of the Word of God, prayer, the Gospel, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in sanctification. All counselees should be encouraged and challenged by their counselor to identify a discipler that will continue to meet with them after counseling is concluded.

Article: Beginning a Counseling Relationship by Bryan Carlson

When beginning a counseling relationship, there are two key elements that should be addressed regardless of the presenting problem. First, it is important for the counselor to introduce him or herself and explain how they plan to serve the counselee. As Ephesians 4:25 reminds us, we are called to speak truthfully with one another, setting the expectation for honesty and transparency within the counseling relationship. Second, expectations should be discussed and agreed upon, including of course the counselor's expectations for the counselee. In Luke 9:57-62 and 14:15-33, Jesus emphasizes the importance of being a committed disciple, willing to take up the cross and follow Him. As counselors, we can use the following to outline our expectations for our counselees: the willingness to be a learner, to be honest, to make time for regular appointments, and to complete homework assignments. This sets the tone for a collaborative effort and encourages the counselee to take an active role in their own healing and growth. (Faith notes 15)

In addition to these general expectations, there are several key elements that should be addressed in every counseling relationship.

1)  The first of these is building loving involvement, as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9. Establishing a meaningful relationship with the counselee is crucial to effective counseling as it provides a foundation of trust and allows the counselor to minister to the counselee on a deeper level.

2)   Another important element is sharing biblical hope, as conveyed in Psalm 42-43. It is essential for the counselee to have a sense of hope and assurance that God is working in their lives for His glory and their growth in Christ. “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end. they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness, therefore I will hope in Him” (Lamentations 3:21-24). Without hope, they may be less likely to engage in the counseling process and may seek help elsewhere.

3)  Gathering relevant data, as emphasized in Proverbs 18:13 and 17, is also a key element in effective counseling. It is impossible to give good counsel without a thorough understanding of the situation at hand, and poor counsel can not only harm the counselee but also fail to effectively steward the opportunity for ministry that the Lord has provided. Understanding the counselee's worldview, beliefs, and values is important for addressing the underlying root causes of their problems and finding biblical solutions. Understanding whether or not a counselee is a Believer will be important to identify early on (1 Corinthians 2:14). Identifying the specific issues that the counselee wants to address is an important step in developing a plan for counseling.

4)  Evaluating the problem biblically, as outlined in James 4:1-4, is critical and involves organizing the data into biblical categories and separating problems into their proper categories. This provides an opportunity to show the robustness of the Word and explain how God speaks to each aspect of the counselee's life. Understanding the Bible as the final authority for all counseling helps to establish the importance of a biblical perspective and the belief that the Bible has the answers to all of life's problems.

5)  Providing biblical instruction, as emphasized in Psalm 19:7-11, is the foundation of biblical counseling. This means instilling an understanding of God's Word into the counselee's heart, so as to stimulate faith and obedience in all areas of life.

6)  Finally, assigning practical homework (James 1:22-23 and Philippians 2:12-13) is crucial to implementing change in the counselee's life. Assigning practical homework allows the counselee to put the Word of God into practice in their daily life and reinforces the concepts learned in the counseling sessions. (Faith notes 15-17)

Faith Biblical Counseling, ACBC Exam Track 5, 15-17.

Article: Reasons for Concluding a Counseling Case by Bryan Carlson

There are several reasons for concluding a biblical counseling case, including:

1) Resolution of the issue: The individual has found healing and resolution for the issue that brought them to counseling. This might include growth in their relationship with God, a greater understanding of His Word, and a changed behavior or attitude (Romans 12:1-2; James 1:2-4; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). To end the counseling in this case, we would celebrate the individual's progress and encourage them to continue growing in their faith and relying on God for strength and guidance.

2) Referral to another resource: The individual may need additional support that you I am not equipped to provide, such as medical treatment for a physical issue or support from a different counselor. To end the counseling in this case, discuss the referral with the individual, help them make arrangements, and pray with them for God's guidance and provision.

3) The individual's request: The individual may feel ready to end the counseling process on their own, either because they feel they have received all they need from the counseling or because they have decided to seek help elsewhere. I would first have a conversation with the person and let them know if I agree it is time for them to move on. If not, I would encourage them to keep meeting with me. To end the counseling in this case, respect the individual's decision and pray with them for continued growth and healing.

4) Lack of progress: In some cases, the individual may not be making progress in the counseling process or not committing to their homework. To end the counseling in this case, have an honest conversation with the individual about the lack of progress, pray with them for God's guidance and provision, and offer any further resources or referrals that might be helpful.           

• 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

5) The counselee is an unbeliever who is not willing to submit to the will of God in his or her life: In this case, acknowledge that all guidance and wisdom comes from the Word of God, without which we are not able to offer enduring help. If appropriate, refer them to another source for ongoing help and support. 

• Matthew 7:6

• Matthew 18:15-18

• Proverbs 29:1

• 2 Thessalonians 3:14

• Mark 10:17-22

In each case, it is important to end the counseling process with grace and compassion, seeking to honor God and show His love to the individual, even as the counseling comes to a close. It is also good to provide the individual with resources for continued growth and support, such as books, Bible studies, or a local church or ministry to become involved with. (Faith notes 37-38; Roy 11)

Faith Biblical Counseling, ACBC Exam Track 5, 37-38.

Don Roy, IBCD, ACBC Theology Exam Study Guide, 11.