There are many definitions of depression out there in the world, but biblically, depression can be defined by just three words: Sorrow without hope. A depressed counselee has lost hope, and now believes she will never be happy again. Perhaps something terrible has happened to trigger this season of deep sadness. But often, there has been no crisis or life-changing event that has shaken the counselee’s faith.
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Have you heard this phrase before? It means that if you can think positively—put a positive spin on your problem, it won’t be so hard. As you know if you’ve tried this, the effect can be good, but it is rarely a lasting one. You can “think positive” about something for a time, but reality usually dictates that when something is difficult, one’s thinking about it can’t stay positive for long.
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In my last post, I shared with you some of the lessons I’ve learned about biblical counseling and discipleship as I’ve journeyed through my first few years as a certified biblical counselor. I had been in positions of leadership within my church, and had counseled many women over the years informally. About 10 years ago, I decided to pursue certification. Providentially, there were many circumstances beyond my control, and I didn’t actually receive my certification until just a few years ago.
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As part of helping a couple reconcile the relationship, we require that the sexual offender do what is called a full disclosure. In a full disclosure, the offender is required to confess his or her sexual sin in detail to their spouse. Prior to this confessional meeting, they spend time examining their life and detailing all the ways they have sexually sinned against their spouse the years. This can be a very daunting and uncomfortable task to undertake, but it is totally necessary for reconciliation to take place.
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Because of the training I received through Reigning Grace Counseling Center, I was thoroughly equipped to minister the Word to those first few counselees I worked with. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t still a little scared! So, in my next couple of posts, I’d like to share with you some of the things I’ve learned in my first few years of formal counseling.
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