Not every doctor is the same.

Not every church is the same.

Not every counselor is the same

People often ask about finding a wise biblical counselor.

• The Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) provides a variety of Christian counseling resources on number of topics.

• CCEF was founded in 1968 and stands in a long tradition of pastoral care that dates back to the 1st century church.

Eight Questions to Ask When Looking for Biblical Counselor
-by CCEF and David Powlison

Questions To Ask

The questions below will help you get a clearer picture of what a counselor believes and how he or she conducts the counseling sessions. If possible, ask the prospective counselor these questions on the phone before any appointment. Otherwise, discuss them during your first meeting. Write down the counselor's answers and explain that you would like to consider them before continuing with counseling. Then talk to your pastor, elders, or wise Christian friend about the counselor's answers in light of God's Word.

Eight Question to Ask Your Prospective Counselor

• How would you describe your approach to counseling? How do you understand people's problems? How do you help them grow and change through counseling? Please describe the process.

• Are you a Christian? How does your faith affect your view and practice of counseling?

• Do you bring Christian truth into your counseling practice? How? What role does Scripture play?

• Do you pray with those you counsel?

• Do you attend church? If so, where? How long have you been a member?

• What is your educational and professional background? What role does it play?

• Are you married? Do you have children? Have you ever been divorced? How does your marriage and family situation affect how you counsel people?

For CCEF’s entire article on finding a biblical counselor, see Choosing a Christian Counselor.