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Choosing a Counselor
DISCLAIMER: All counselor/therapist information provided by Bridge of
Hope (see list below) is to help you in determining the "right" professional
service for your need(s). It is the sole responsibility of each individual
using this information to do your own research and due diligence before
making your choice.
Hope (see list below) is to help you in determining the "right" professional
service for your need(s). It is the sole responsibility of each individual
using this information to do your own research and due diligence before
making your choice.
Look at professional counseling/therapy as a gift from God when you as a
Christian realize that you or someone you love is in need of professional
help. Finding a competent counseling professional who will truly integrate
their faith into the counseling process is your next biggest task. Along
with the guidelines below we have provided some Christian and
non-Christian articles that can assist you in making a good decision.
Christian realize that you or someone you love is in need of professional
help. Finding a competent counseling professional who will truly integrate
their faith into the counseling process is your next biggest task. Along
with the guidelines below we have provided some Christian and
non-Christian articles that can assist you in making a good decision.
The following excerpts were taken from an article, "Finding the Right Help (Choosing a counselor for
someone with unwanted same-sex attractions)" by Tim Wilkins - Cross Ministries. Click here to read
the entire article.
- Go through the Yellow Pages and begin calling counselors. Do not assume that the designation
"Christian" or "Biblical Counseling" means what you think it means. - When you get a counselor on the phone, say, "I need help for someone who is experiencing
anxiety regarding same-sex attractions." Do not say, "I need help for a man/woman who is
experiencing unwanted same-sex attractions," because you do not want to tip your hand with the
word "unwanted." - If you get an answering machine or a receptionist, leave your phone number for them to return your
call; do not give details. - If the counselor asks a question before responding to your question, politely but firmly repeat your
question with a slight variation, perhaps like, "How do you go about dealing with such a
person?" - Maintain control of the conversation.
- If the counselor cannot or will not answer your question, say, "Thank you for your time," and end the
call. - If the counselor is candid and says he deals only with the homosexual’s anxiety (as opposed to the
homosexual’s desire to be free), again politely end the call. - If the counselor uses Biblical terminology, but comes across with simplistic answers such as, "I teach
him how to trust the Lord," or "I share the Gospel and tell her to repent," again politely end
the phone call. - What you want to hear is a lucid, compassionate, Biblical response [concerning the truth
about] homosexual behavior and that freedom is possible through Jesus Christ. When you get
the appropriate response, ask what books he has read on the subject and how much experience he
has had counseling in this area. - If you continue to get positive responses from the counselor, set an appointment for you or your
loved one.
Other Counselor/Therapist selection tips:
To further help you the following articles are provided:
- Counseling and psychotherapy are fundamentally different. There is significant overlap as they are
practiced and many professionals do both.
- Counseling primarily involves defining problems, decision making, problem solving and
providing, information, advice or guidance. - Psychotherapy primarily involves the application of psychological and behavioral therapies
intended to improve physical and psychological well-being.
- A positive relationship is a critical factor in counseling or therapy and is absolutely critical when
working with children and teens. - When working with homosexuality, it is generally recommended that you choose someone of your
same gender.
To further help you the following articles are provided:
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