Remember and use the principles you learned in your training classes.
- “People do what they do because they believe what they believe.”
- “Where there are no consequences, there is permission.”
- “Change is not change, until there has been change.”
- And more.
- The first session should be primarily (if not specifically) for the obtaining of information.
- Ask questions in a series.
- Ask questions to confirm ideas which you may have.
- Ask questions that require more than one or two-word answers.
- Avoid questions which can be answered with “yes” or “no” only.
- Think before asking a question; Why are you going to ask that question?
- Recognize and accept that for the most part, the complaints of the client are symptoms, and not the real problem (the root of the problem).
- Do not get distracted by the symptoms.
- Begin with dealing with the symptoms, but only to the point that this helps the client understand what will be necessary to get to the real solution.
- Symptoms indicate what the real problem may be.
- Remember that the solution will be found in the problem.
- The problem (or more clearly, the symptoms) presented during the counseling session will help you begin to identify what the solution must be.
- If you think you know what the real problem (or the root problem) really is, then focus your questions in this area or issue.
- If you find that this was not the real problem, follow another direction with your questions with the objective of identifying the real (or root) problem.
- Avoid using Bible verses to make your point.
- It is better to use the principles that the verse (or verses) is teaching.
- Many people, even if they are Christians, do not know their Bible, or they are new Christians.
- Remember that even our Lord, Jesus, Himself used few verses from the Bible.
- He rather used examples and ideas which were easier to understand.
- Pay attention to your body language.
- Your responses, actions, behavior, and body together, should give the same signals; that you are paying attention, and that you care what is being told to you.
- If it is possible, avoid giving a solution in the first session.
- But, it may be okay to give the client an idea of what you think the solution may possibly be.
- Never make promises that you cannot control.
- God can do all things, but God does not do all things.
- Keep practicing interviewing other people.
- Practice, practice, practice, and practice. The more you practice the better prepared you will be to counsel.
- If you don’t do it because you can’t motivate yourself, then do it because God loves the people He will send you.
- Protect your counseling ministry.
- Make time for your wife or husband, if you are married.
- Make time to study and read more, about issues regarding counseling.
- Maintain a healthy relationship with family members and relatives.
- And, most important of all, maintain a good relationship with the Lord, as much as possible.
