What Is Biblical Counseling?
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Biblical counseling is an approach to counseling that uses the Bible to address the issues in the lives of individuals, couples, and families. The Bible teaches that our thoughts, motives, attitudes, words, and actions flow from the sinful selfishness of our hearts. Biblical counseling addresses the heart as the source of these human actions and reactions using the wisdom and approaches revealed in the Bible.
True change is the result of the Holy Spirit working in one’s heart; this work often includes intervention by other people such as a pastor, a mentor, or a counselor. The biblical counselor helps people identify their problems in biblical terms that may involve a renaming of the problem, such as, alcoholism versus drunkenness. As this is done, the individual’s view of his or her problem is changed and becomes biblical. This process is filled with grace and is ultimately redemptive. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the foundation for the work of biblical counseling.
What is Life Coaching?
A life coach is a professional who helps you reach a goal or make a change in your life. They help you to get out of your head and start acting in the areas of your life that you wish to change. A life coach guides you through the process by asking questions that help you evaluate and decide which steps to take to reach your goal or make an important change. Then they play the important roles of motivator, strategist, and accountability partner. Their goal is to help you reach your goal in the most efficient, effective, and rewarding way possible. Life coaches are more than just a counselor or consultant, they step you through the achievement process from the beginning to the end, from the planning stage all the way through the execution stages.
I am not a licensed counselor, nor am I a psychologically or medically trained therapist. I offer ‘pastoral’ counseling intended to bring life change through heart change.