What is Biblical Counseling?

By Terry Hoskins, Director of Oasis –

Therapy in general is growing in popularity, as many people have tried some type of counseling at least once. The stigma that had once been attached with therapy, as the place where only “real crazy people” go, is now gone. The younger generations are being raised in a psychologized society where many people have their own personal counselor, and collection of self-help books. Dr. Phil and Oprah are common names that are influencing our culture and bringing therapy to the dinner table. In the midst of of the psychology craze we see another counseling methodology taking root. It began in the 1970’s, and is now getting some real attention because of the transformation people are experiencing in the counseling office. This philosophy is not some new found teachings discovered by the leading psychologist of the day, but these truths are as old as the foundations of the earth. The counseling philosophy is biblical in its origin, and it is pure in the fact that it comes from the mouth of God Himself! What is biblical counseling? And what is the key component that makes counseling, “biblical.”

What Makes Counseling “Biblical?”
The biblical counselor’s job is to help people look at life’s issues through the lens of God’s Word. This philosophy of counseling or the model that the biblical counselor follows is the Word of God. All methods of counseling come from certain presuppositions or belief systems. For example if someone is trained in Freudian psychotherapy than the therapist will counsel from that perspective. We believe God’s Word is the model that gives us the ability to truly help people struggling with marriage issues, depression, anger, fear, worry, grief, etc. Every issue that is brought into the counseling office is filtered through God’s Word. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God maybe thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV) This is an example of why a biblical counselor believes that God’s Word is written by God and has the answers for all the dilemmas we face on earth. There are many who call themselves biblical counselors, yet they mix other counseling philosophies which reveals they are not biblical at all. What they are is eclectic, they take some of this and some of that, and call themselves “biblical.”

What Is the Foundation of Biblical Counseling?
When we dive into the depths of God’s Word we conclude that humanity is on earth to worship God. This is a theme that can be traced from Genesis to Revelation, we are here to glorify God. The Westminster Shorter Catechism asks the question “What is the chief end of man?” Answer: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever.” (Psalm 86:9; Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 10:31) From the beginning of time humanity has asked this question, what am I here for? The clear answer from God’s Word is to please, honor, praise, and glorify Him. This basic, and profound truth is weaved into every issue that we deal with in biblical counseling, because our purpose on earth from Scripture is to please God. (2 Corinthians 5:9) Biblical counselors show counselees through Scripture that God is the center of all things, and that all things are created for God and His glory. This places us as characters in God’s story and He is the star of the story, not us.

Who Are You Listening to?
When you take advice from a friend or when you sit in a counseling office, what are you hearing? Does the counsel magnify God and honor Him or does it focus on you, and make God small? We must filter our lives through the grid of God’s Word, as we are commanded to glorify God in all areas of our lives! If you have questions, or you would like more information about biblical counseling, please call me (Terry) at #239-389-2073.

Oasis Counsel exist to glorify God by giving counsel based on God’s Word.