We thought it would be informative for some as they grapple with the need for guidance. It comes down to the question of why do we do what we do at Woodforest Counseling? We believe that we are the hands and feet of Jesus, and the role of counselor is an honor. We are always changing and our inner landscapes change with our experiences, successes, and trials. At the same time, our capacity for self-awareness, emotional resilience, and clarity can fluctuate, making it difficult to see things from a fresh perspective. This is where the presence of a counselor or guide becomes invaluable. This is our description to you all of why we love what we do every day. Thank you to each one of you, you are a cherished son or daughter of God!
What is a counselor?
A counselor helps us gain insight into our patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Often, these patterns can be so ingrained or unconscious that we’re not fully aware of their impact on our lives. Whether it’s in the realm of marriage, business, or personal struggles, someone who can sit with you, listen intently, and offer guidance or ask probing questions can be a powerful catalyst for growth. They act like a mirror, reflecting back what we cannot always see clearly ourselves. They bring professional expertise to the table, providing tools to help untangle the emotional or psychological knots we might carry. We often hit points in life where it’s difficult to move forward on our own, where old wounds, traumas, or stressors resurface and inhibit our ability to live fully. They help us peel back the layers, giving us a safe space to work through these blocks, heal, and emerge with a new level of emotional freedom and resilience.
Throughout history, people have turned to spiritual leaders or mentors to help them navigate their relationship with God and their place in the world. These guides don’t necessarily provide all the answers but help us wrestle with life’s deeper questions: What is my purpose? How can I be a better spouse, parent, or leader? How do I make sense of the pain or challenges I face? In helping us answer these questions, they bring us closer to understanding God’s will and our identity as His children.
Growth often comes with discomfort and uncertainty. Just as a coach helps an athlete push beyond their physical limits to reach new heights, a counselor helps us push beyond our mental and emotional limits to reach deeper levels of maturity, healing, and understanding. Their role is not to “fix” us, but to equip us with the tools and insights needed for the journey. Having someone with experience and wisdom guide us through the inevitable ups and downs of life helps us process change more effectively and avoid unnecessary pitfalls.
Additionally, seeking guidance or counsel is a sign of humility. It’s an acknowledgment that we don’t have all the answers and that we need others to speak into our lives. It is step one in Regeneration, and in AA. It’s a reminder that growth is a communal process. We weren’t created to do life alone. In moments of isolation, confusion, or suffering, a counselor, therapist, or mentor can remind us of our shared humanity and offer hope.
Ultimately, having someone to help guide you—whether through a difficult season or in your day-to-day growth—enriches the journey. They will provide not only the knowledge and perspective to help you change but also the encouragement to keep going. In the long run, these relationships lead to deeper self-awareness, emotional well-being, and a clearer sense of purpose.
Here are a few of the characteristics of the counsel we should seek. When seeking counsel, it's important to be intentional about who you choose:
Are they genuinely concerned for you?
Are they biblically sound and spiritually mature?
Are they skilled at listening and asking good questions?
Are they experienced, knowledgeable, or trained in the area you are seeking guidance about?
Are they able to exercise confidentiality and using discretion?
Apply this litmus test to friends, parents, our small groups, and even online communities as you seek counsel from others. If the answer to 2 or more of these questions is a no, it may be wise to take their advise with a grain of salt.
What does the Bible say about seeking counsel?
Proverbs 11:14
"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety"
Proverbs 12:15
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise"
Proverbs 15:22
"Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established"
2 Chronicles 10
The story of Rehoboam, who abandoned the counsel of the old men and instead took counsel from the young men who had grown up with him. Rehoboam's choice resulted in a royal disaster, with most of Israel's tribes renouncing allegiance to him and choosing their own king
Discussion Questions
1. In your own life, have there been moments when a guide or mentor helped you see something about yourself that you hadn’t noticed before?
2. What are some of the key qualities you believe a good counselor or guide should possess to be effective in helping someone grow?