When You Need a Professional Counselor

Originally published Monday, 25 September 2017.

www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org

Have you ever felt like you needed to talk to someone other than your spouse, circle of friends, mentor, leaders in the church, etc.? And don’t get me wrong! They are all fine and dandy to talk to. I personally love all of my confidants. But what I’m asking is have you ever felt like you needed to talk to someone who did not know you. Yet, who could help you get moving in the right direction both spiritually and naturally (without the whole world knowing)? I’m talking about talking to a professional counselor.

I have definitely been there! And I am so unashamed of it. God uses them greatly to help His people. Amen! Personally, when I’ve needed a professional counselor for my marriage (at times) to help get us moving back in the right direction or to work out some kinks that we couldn’t work out on our own, we’ve picked up the phone to schedule a much needed appointment. And you can too!

So…are you thinking about it?

Are you facing some struggles in your life or marriage right now where you feel like you need a serious breakthrough, healing, or much needed counsel? Has your child or children faced something tough or detrimental where you think professional counseling may be needed? Or do you feel like you need a Life Coach to assist you in getting your overall life in order? I’ve actually thought about investing in one of those, especially with my overloaded, busy schedule to help me balance it all.

I’ll tell you, it’s totally normal! And I know from experience that professional counseling actually helps - at least, when the knowledge and wise counsel are applied. ;-) Otherwise, you’re just wasting valuable time for you and the counselor, and your money. Proverbs 16:20 says, “Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust in the Lord will be joyful.” So if you’re willing to receive the wise instruction, and trust the Lord in the process, you’ll be on your way to moving toward progress, help, healing, and joy!

It’s a preventative method as well - before you have a nervous breakdown or worse! Think about it. As women, most of us are talkers. We are also quite relational. And often times, we just need someone to talk to who can truly understand or try to understand or relate to where we’re coming from. Especially when we’re facing a crisis, something really hard or challenging, or when we’ve hit a brick wall with no inkling of an idea of how to break through it.

If you’re a pastor’s wife, leader, public figure, very well known in your community or city, or a wife, mother, or single woman who just needs help, God knows that you need help, sis. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” He also knows everything about you and all that concerns you. The Bible reassures us of this in 1 Peter 5:7 saying, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

So you see, sis. He’s with you in times of trouble and He cares a whole lot about you. It’s okay to surrender your worries to Him and let Him help you. And guess what? He also knows when it’s time to schedule an appointment to meet with a professional counselor. Yep! Someone who can just listen with an unbiased opinion to help you or those whom you love get through a tough time that you may be facing.

Again, it’s perfectly normal and biblical. Proverbs 11:14, “Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.” Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.” And Proverbs 13:10 says, “Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.” So if you know that you need help in any area of your life and you’ve realized that it’s beyond you or your normal circle of influence, pray and ask the Lord to lead you to the right professional counselor. That’s what they’re there for…you.

Last, but certainly not least, I want to mention a couple of important things before I close this post. Personally, whenever I’ve needed a professional counselor I have sought Christian counseling services. Of course, everyone has the freedom to choose which method of service. Yet, if I had to suggest one to you, it would be to seek godly advice and biblical counsel.

In any case, ask the Lord for divine wisdom in who to contact and when. You can also prayerfully Google a few in your area, get recommendations, and look up reviews. Now, here’s the loving caution for both the counselor and client. For the counselor, listen well as we pour out our hearts and frustrations, please remain patient, and give wise counsel. And for the client, listen with an open mind, discernment, and apply wise advice. It’s a two-way relationship.

In all of this, always know who the Master Counselor is at all times. ;-) He will comfort, heal your hurts, be your strength, and give you the best advice – but sometimes He will show forth His supernatural power and answers to your prayers through others, like professional counselors. I hope and pray this helps you and strengthens you, but also gives you the courage to pick up the phone, if need be.

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

QUESTION: Do you feel like you need a professional counselor right now, sis? Do you need prayer, today? If you need prayer, you can email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and praying for you.

ALSO, just want to encourage you to grab my NEW book, “IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose!” ORDER IT TODAY right here! And if you already have it and have read it, please give me a REVIEW on Amazon.com. Thanks so much in advance.

*Tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts, “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye), and follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/InOutwCourtnaye. Also, share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!

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