That it is my responsibility to be able to refer a believer to a professional therapist who would give them the professional help needed, there is also the kingdom perspective professionally

it was helpful to do a refresher in this space. Thank you for the time and work put into this

Humanity as a whole is made in the image of God. We as Born-again Christians forget that who made us. God made us for the purpose of serving Him. When we turn away from God is when we walk into all sorts of difficulties. This is the time we detect problems and loose hope. Our purpose as pastoral carers and counselors are to connect people to God our main source. God wants us to rule life and our environment and life…not life us. We easily give away our powers to the enemy.

Why should we condemn those who are without hope and broken? Why must we reject those who made mistakes? Help those who are suffering from anxiety and depression. Support those who lost their way…bring them God. I must make sure that my self-image and Godly image is intact before I offer assistance to a person who feels hurt. If I am burdened with spiritual and mental issues…I must rather refer those who approach me for counselling. If I attempt to support them…they can get hurt deeply. I can send them in a totally wrong direction and they can go astray.

I have done some counseling with a few colleagues…but it was in a relaxed…casual manner and I had success. With his cause I am more skilled and I know my boundaries and limitations.

I must learn to became an active listener and not ask to many questions. Listen more and speak less. The more content and information one gets during the session…the more you have to work with. I usually ask questions an people answer them,but I had no clue as to how to go about this. Now I am atleast more informed.

Pity, sympathy and empathy is important in the counselling process. You need to know the level of your clients dilemma and use one of the approaches to get the person to relax.

One must familiarise yourself with the barriers ofvcounselling inorder to avoid pitfalls when you assist people with mental illness and depression. You as the pastoral counsellor can find yourself in a situation of depression yourself. You can still be of an assistance to the broken, but only to a certain extent. Don’t venture over your certified abilities. Be careful and refer to the networks in you area.

Always search for the severity of the of the issue. People’s stories have different layers that has to be peeled off. The problem usually has an origin. So as a counselor you need to go way back to childhood.

It is necessary to deal with the whole person when you deal with the broken person. Renew the heart and renew the mind and focus on the laws of God and heal.

Transformation!!! Make Christ the center of your mind…the center of your whole being…

I ask myself the question. Do I need counselling? How do I deal with my emotions? Do I respond in a positive or negative way? Do I most act in an abrupt manner? Yes! Meaning I also at times need assistance .

I become emotional, but emotions are important to our emotions.

As you work with the client the pain becomes less and less.

Belief in God.

I learn more and more. My confidence grow emmensely as I venture deeper and deeper into the program. I realise daily as I engage with the lecturers that I don’t need to be accepted by man but by God.

I will develop mental issues if I expect man to accept me. I have a Harvest Family who cares and support me. They are guides my God and the Holy Spirit.

Thank you support team. AMEN!