Purpose-Passion-Philosophy

The call to counseling and a Christian world view are the foundation for my perspective on counseling and for helping people. My desire is to lead people to know and understand how to live a healthy, abundant life with the ability to cope with the adversity faced in this life. My values and beliefs are rooted in faith; a trust and reliance on God in order to help clients to live positive healthy lifestyles and make changes that help them in personal growth. God changes hearts!

People are created in God’s image and are therefore highly valued. I believe mankind is the pinnacle of the creation of God and this brings an inherent significance to people and for relationships between individuals. This understanding of the respect and dignity of people is essential to human relationships and forms the basis for the care and compassion in this practice. But we also live in a depraved and fallen world. Humans are fraught with the ability to hurt others, make mistakes and feel pain, guilt and rejection. This is a challenge to me to be compassionate and empathetic for those hurting, and to help them see the truth: God desires us to live in freedom and abundance, not in guilt, shame or self condemnation.

People have a basic drive for meaning and significance in life. We are unique, rational, and have been given abilities and capacities to make decisions and be responsible to think rightly and behave in healthy ways. The counseling process is one of building hope and helping people see a different perspective for their life; one of healthy changes leading to fulfillment and enjoyment in present living.

The Core of Christian Counseling

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.   James 3:1, 17-18

I adhere to the values and beliefs of my Christian counterparts and colleagues I am associated with at the American Association of Christian Counselors. I believe it is important to acquire and maintain important competencies clinically, ethically, culturally and most importantly spiritually. The verse in James above adequately reflects God’s wisdom and desire for the character of the Christian counselor.

Service

The discipline of service does not call attention to itself, but concentrates instead on the needs and concerns of others. True service does not look for recognition but is born out of love for Jesus and a desire to follow him in washing the feet of the saints. In this discipline, we take on roles that are passed over and that do not call attention to ourselves; we steadfastly refuse to live for appearance and recognition, choosing instead to show kindness, courtesy, sensitivity, and concern for people who are often overlooked.                                                                                                                                                                  
Kenneth Boa-Conformed to His Image