Engaging People with Help
Counseling Tools
People helpers need practical tools to assist those seeking practical means to work through problems, brokenness and relational conflict. God’s Word is our best source and tool, remembering what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
When helping someone, avoid harming them.
People helpers must recognize their limitations in helping others. Even licensed counselors need to be forthcoming with clients about their limitations, when giving recommendations, advice and/or treatment plans. People helpers can avoid “helping pitfalls” when they decline to diagnose (opinion about problems) and give advice. Being transparent, using personal examples, Biblical stories and references with discussion of application is often helpful. Referring to professional counselors, primary care physician or psychiatrist is always an option and a part of helping others. Resistance to seeing a professional when needed and beyond the helper’s ability can be a “red flag” (caution) when attempting to help.
When using empathic, listening skills, people helpers become effective caregivers. When people helpers pray with those seeking a listening ear, God is engaged in the helping process as the source of healing and growth. Helpeople.net provides tools to assist helpers in the “listening” process, providing a structure for helpee's’ to express thoughts, feelings and needs; then connect with God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) who enables strength, wisdom and direction. The ultimate goal is one’s relationship with the Father who loves, Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and the Holy Spirit who comforts and empowers both the helper and helpee. In other words, dependency upon God is the goal, not upon the helper or the counselor.
Basics’ Handouts
Questionnaires
Awareness is important and questionnaires can provide an objective view of ourselves, like our thinking, understanding , while identifying strengths and areas for growth.
Find the attached questionnaires and follow the simple directions. If desired, you can download the questions, your answers and point values (5 highest, 1 lowest) for each question.
When answering questionnaires and reviewing our answers, it is important to remember what the Apostle Paul wrote to one of his apprentices name Titus, in Chapter 3:3-7:
3 “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7
Images shot on location at Warren Chair Works
Book a Consultation
Tools and Resources are essential in helping people. After 30 years of learning, counseling & teaching the use of coping strategies and counseling skills, Mr. Gary Reed will be happy to discuss your situation, need, desire and/or goal. Click here to contact Mr. Reed.