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.