Every smart woman know that sometimes needs help, right? 

From hot flashes to nudging young adults out the nest, from broken dreams to emotional crazies, what woman doesn’t need help and hope at some point in her life? 

But is it smart to chat with a friend (or husband, if you’re married)? Or a counselor?

These are important questions. Let’s see if we can figure them out together.

It’s Smart to Seek a Counselor When. . .

. . .life seems overwhelming or confusing. Or, you feel sad, angry, bitter, or fearfu. Or, you have unresolved hurts from your past that interfere with your present. The answer is probably yes.

For an insider’s look, listen to these descriptions of a few former counselees. (Identifying details have been changed.)

• Susie’s mom is deeply troubled. The teen is cutting her arms and says she hates herself. In counseling she opens up and shares that a family member had sexually molested.
• Hannah has anxiety and it’s making mothering difficult. A decade ago, she attended a Christian college and graduated with honors. Now she is terribly fearful of storms and a few other things that make no sense to her.
• Mara kicked her husband out of the bedroom a year ago. He’s not a bad guy but the zest is gone. And he sometimes looks a porn, which she hates. She is considering divorce.

These smart women sought biblical counseling because they wanted change. And, as Christians, they each wanted godly couseling, hoping to grow spiritually. As God changes them into the likeness of Jesus, more and more each day, they hope to have inner peace and contentment, no matter their circumstances.

What Effects Heart Change?

In a few words, biblical counseling is compassionate, effective soul care leading to life change through heart change. It is motivated by love and deep concern, and has at four underlying beliefs. Biblical counseling is. . .

1. Rooted in God, deriving its motivations, objectives, verbal content, methods and power from God and according to his Word.
2. Exalts Jesus Christ.
3. Is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
4. Is loving.

It’s Smart to Chat with a Caring Person When. . .

. . .you discern that a caring person of the same gender would be a good listener and offer good counsel and that you are not a danger to yourself or to others and do not need medical attention from a physician.

Here are 7 traits of a caring friend:

• Listens well. James 1:19
• Has knowledge of the Bible. 2 Corinthians 6:3-10
• Possesses genuine compassion. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
• Depends of the Holy Spirit. John 14:16-26
• Recognizes that one’s heart condition overflows into everything in life. Proverbs 4:23
• Is humble. James 4:10
• Loves the Lord. Matthew 22:37

What trait would you add to this list?

About Lucy and Counseling

I’m a certified biblical counselor on staff at Biblical Counseling Center in greater Chicago, and I meet with women, couples, children, and families in person and by Skype worldwide.

I am finishing my Doctorate of Ministry in Biblical Counseling and also have training in pastoral care to women at Western Seminary, Portland, Ore. and from the Association of Biblical Counselors, Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, and Biblical Counseling Center. Go to this page on my website for questions you have about biblical counseling.

Would you like a free initial consultation by phone? Contact me and let’s Then we can decide your counseling needs and develop a plan unique to you. To learn more, click HERE.

Counseling Hearts to Hope,