Whether a counselor is a secular counselor (who begins interpreting everything through a behavioral, biological, cognitive, existential, humanistic, psychodynamic, or socio-cultural lens immediately) or a Biblical counselor (who consistently relies on the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27-28)), it is too often that counselors make assumptions about the counselee and jump to quick conclusions.  Sadly, even if a counselor takes the time to listen to the person, they can still have preconceived notions (perhaps due to countertransference) and are tempted to take shortcuts in diagnosing the disorder.

Ticking the boxes off the DSM-5 criteria can be poor taste when so many disorders have overlapping symptoms and risk factors, but presuming a Biblical profile just because there are surface level commonalities can be downright vile.  For example, referring to Job when people are grieving or telling a person who is experiencing chronic pain that the Apostle Paul had a thorn and still was the greatest missionary of all time, is not exhibiting the compassionate discernment that we are called to.

Having made a preliminary diagnosis, some counselors also err on the side of being ambiguous about the plan or path forward—which does not give any comfort to those who need specific hope.  All too often, secular counselors reach for medication management as the default, even when many psychological treatments have shown to be more effective immediately or in the long run.  Either way, simply dulling the biological factors neglects to do away with the psychological issues and leaves relational issues unresolved.  In the same way, Biblical counselors who send counselees off with “two verses and call me in the morning” are doing a disservice to those they are serving.  Whether driven by compassion fatigue, countertransference, or arrogant over-estimation of one’s capabilities, we need to combat this predilection for quick fixes.

Finally, the view that our brain and body-based issues are autonomous and out of reach of the Almighty Creator who not designed us but sustains us by the power of His Word is inconsistent with our faith as followers of Jesus. Christians who profess faith in the Author of Life would be well-served by reconciling our counseling methods with a Biblical worldview.  Is it a matter of self-actualization or maturing to the fullness of Christ?    Do we strive to have our counselees make compromise for happy marriages or be sanctified for holy matrimony?  Are we aiming for counselees’ restoration to who they were before the event that changed their lives or for redemption despite their past because of the new life that has been predestined?  Are the attachments (or lack thereof) they made with their earthly parents determinative or is the union with their Heavenly Father through Christ paramount?  This is a true test of our theology.

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