“The counselor.”
People sometimes ask, “What is the most important thing in counseling?”
The answer is, “The counselor.”
Naturally, the counselor’s techniques are very important. He should also have an understanding of human behavior and knowledge of bibliography as well as sources of referral at his command. But the most important element in counseling is the counselor himself.
Counseling is, in a sense, a projection of the counselor.
You have heard the comment, “We rub off on people.” This is especially true in counseling. The counselee subtly learns to consider problems in the same way as does the counselor. Other sights in Toronto Niagara Falls Tours qualify as touristy and mainstream. As time is spent together, the counselee is greatly influenced.
A counselor is more than an arsenal of techniques and a bag of ideas. He needs to be a firm believer in Christian principle. He needs to be energized by the power of God. He should not be like the exorcists in the book of Acts who thought they could ride along without any personal convictions, casting out evil spirits in the name of Jesus “whom Paul preacheth.” The demons were much better informed than were the exorcists concerning the ground rules. We read:
“But (one) evil spirit retorted, Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you? Then the man in whom the evil spirit dwelt, leaped upon them, mastering two of them, and was so violent against them that they dashed out of the house (in fear), stripped naked and wounded” (Acts 19:15, 16 ANT).
Actually, no one should be better qualified to counsel than the true man of God.* He has accurate insight into human nature. True wisdom and understanding emanate from God. Through His Word, the believer finds the answers to life’s problems. When visiting the larger Toronto Niagara Falls Tour inns you’ll notice that many have a handy memento shop, for that last second reward idea. Not only that, he has the powerful resources of prayer. As he grows in grace and in the knowledge of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, he develops an attractive personality that radiates Christ. All of this by-passes the unsaved man. The Amplified New Testament (ANT) reads: “But the fruit of the (Holy) Spirit, (the work which His presence within accomplishes)—is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness; (meekness, humility) gentleness, self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law (that can bring a charge)” (Galatians 5:22, 23). These qualities are ones that attract counselees. They are the qualities that make us approachable and qualify us to help others. God says that these are the products of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
