What are some of the important needs in the
first session?
In the first session we set the tone for the entire counseling
relationship that will grow over the course of the needed number of sessions. At the outset it needs to be communicated
this counseling is about the Word of God, and His Spirit who enables
change. This can be accomplished in
advance through a questionnaire, consent form, and is often known by the
affiliation of a church, or reputation.
It can be reinforced by simply opening in prayer, but may require
further explanation depending on the counselors’ knowledge of the counselee,
their present spiritual condition, etc.
A large amount of time in the
first session is spent gathering relevant data.
This is accomplished by asking questions, carefully listening, and
taking notes in order to understand what is occurring in the couselee’s
life. Assumptions, judgement, and
rushing while getting information is dangerous.
Scripture warns; “He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly
and shame to him.” (Proverbs 18:13) A
lot can be gathered through non-verbal communication also, it is good to note
their tone of voice, body language, eye contact, etc.
We want to start to build loving
involvement right away; developing a meaningful (not just professional)
relationship with your counselee in order to minister God’s Word in his/her
life. Christ set the example for us in
how He lived, loved and served others (Hebrews 12:14-18, John 1:14). We have to be sensitive to their struggles,
take them seriously, seek to encourage them, be genuine, be compassionate in
suffering, confront sin in love, and emphasize God’s grace in their life and my own.
Every single time we meet with someone we want to always give Biblical hope;
conveying an assurance that God is working good in our lives for His glory and
our growth (Romans 8:28,29, Romans 15:4, 13).
People come to counseling looking for hope, help and encouragement. We need to be intentional about using God’s
Word to provide the hopeful perspective their hearts need (Psalm 42:5, 1 Peter
1:3, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Philippians 1:6).
It’s a good idea to forecast an agenda for you and your counselee as best
as you can. Let them know there will be homework
required of them. Explain it’s function
and importance (to put the Word into practice into their daily life, continuing
the application of truth between sessions).
Map out how many sessions and roughly the topics/direction of counseling
you foresee being helpful, and welcome their feedback. Then, give them some homework that is
practical, manageable and targeted to their specific circumstances/struggles/needs
that involves Scripture in some way.
Prayer
ought to be involved in every part of the counseling process; before, during,
after; aloud yes, and when appropriate having the counselee pray as well. But personally as a counselor our prayer life
is vital. Prayer keeps us connected to
God, the source of power we, and our counselees need (Matthew 7:7-11). Praying for wisdom (James 1:5) for the
counselees understanding (Psalm 119:130) , praying for our counselees specific
needs between sessions, asking for God’s help silently throughout the session
(1 Thessalonians 5:17) , realizing it is His work (Philippians 2:13). “For I
am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will
perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
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