Prevailing Purpose

Whether you are new to counseling or meeting with a counselor regularly, appointments can sometimes sneak up on you. To make the most of your upcoming appointment, consider preparing by doing these five things:

1. Do your homework

If your counselor has assigned you homework, make sure that you do it! No matter how small, the exercises they share with you are important. The majority of the life change that happens as a result of counseling occurs outside of the session, and these homework assignments are opportunities for you to practice what you’re learning in counseling.

2. Prepare your space

I meet with people virtually, which means that clients have the benefit of doing counseling anywhere that is convenient for them. However, you want to make sure that you have a space to meet before your session begins. For some people, that will mean meeting with your dog in your lap as you sit in your favorite living room chair. For others that means a private bench in the park. But the most important thing is that you are comfortable and are able to maintain your privacy.

3. Take Notes

This can happen both inside and outside of your counseling session. If something happens between sessions that you want to ask your counselor about, be sure to write it down. By bringing your notes to your sessions, you’ll be able to quickly recall your questions or a discussion point and make the most of your time. It is also helpful to take notes during a session so that you can refer back to them at a later time.

4. Be honest

Your counselor isn’t there to judge you, they are there to listen and help. They may have follow up questions or challenge you on certain points, but it is done out of a place of genuine care. By being honest with your counselor, you will get more out of a session and help them help you. In particular, a biblical counselor is someone who is more than just a temporary helper, they are a brother or sister in Christ with whom you have an eternal relationship with.

5. Pray

No earthly counselor will ever be the most important counselor in your life. Of course, your earthly counselors can point you to the Word, pray with you, and offer help, but it is the Holy Spirit that convicts, that you knows you and your motivations perfectly, and who provides perseverance and strength for your sanctification. Pray and ask the Spirit to give you that conviction and strength, and pray for wisdom and discernment for your counselor.

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If you are walking through a difficult season and can benefit from biblical counseling, schedule a session with myself or another qualified counselor today.