Why might someone seek biblical counseling?
Acknowledging our need for God enriches both our lives and our relationships within the body of Christ. Questions such as, “Where is God in this?” often open the door to deeper soul care and spiritual growth. Jesus Himself invites the weary and burdened to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28).
There are seasons in life when understanding how God’s Word applies to our circumstances can feel difficult. Discouragement, anxiety, grief, relational struggles, spiritual confusion, or major life transitions can leave us feeling disconnected or overwhelmed. While believers await the day we will see Christ face to face (1 John 3:2), biblical counseling offers compassionate, Scripture-centered help and encouragement along the journey.
What is biblical counseling?
Biblical counseling is a Christ-centered approach to soul care firmly rooted in the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. It seeks to apply God’s Word to the real struggles of everyday life through the wisdom, hope, and transforming power of the gospel.
The Association of Biblical Counselors defines biblical counseling this way:
“Biblical counseling is a fluid event and process, as part of the Great Commission, whereby one or more theologically and relationally qualified people provide spiritual, emotional, and behavioral service, comfort, and guidance in love to one or more people through the truth and power of God’s Word under the ministry of His Holy Spirit.”
Biblical counseling addresses not only outward behaviors, but also the heart motives, beliefs, desires, and struggles beneath them. Through Scripture, prayer, discipleship, and loving encouragement, individuals are helped to better understand their identity in Christ and grow in grace.
Unlike secular approaches that often focus primarily on self, biblical counseling points people to Christ, the sufficiency of His Word, and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.
How can biblical counseling provide help and hope?
Biblical counseling offers gospel-centered encouragement for the struggles and burdens of life. I seek to walk alongside Christian women facing discouragement, loneliness, anxiety, grief, spiritual weariness, relational difficulties, or seasons of transition.
Through Scripture, prayer, compassionate conversation, and practical biblical application, counseling aims to help women grow in spiritual maturity, deepen their trust in Christ, and walk faithfully in the midst of difficult circumstances (Colossians 1:10–12).
True hope is ultimately found not in ourselves, but in Christ, the Good Shepherd, who lovingly leads His people and calls them to follow Him (John 10:27).
Why does the counselor engage in the private ministry of the Word?
The goal of biblical counseling is not merely behavior modification, but spiritual care that points people back to God and the truth of His Word. The “private ministry of the Word” involves personally applying Scripture to the struggles, questions, and experiences of everyday life.
My desire is to help individuals better understand God’s truth, recognize their need for His grace, and learn to bridge the gap between what they believe and how they live. Biblical counseling seeks to lovingly encourage spiritual growth, wisdom, repentance, faith, and greater dependence upon Christ.
As believers grow in the knowledge of God, they also grow in grace, peace, and spiritual maturity (2 Peter 1:2).
How should we think about our struggles biblically?
Scripture reminds us that we were never intended to face life’s burdens alone. God graciously provides help through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. Jesus offers strength for the weary, peace for the anxious, comfort for the hurting, and wisdom for those seeking direction.
God often works through ordinary means to accomplish His purposes. In biblical counseling, those means include the truth of Scripture, prayer, loving fellowship, encouragement, accountability, and faithful discipleship within the body of Christ.
Training & Background
I am not a licensed clinical counselor. My counseling ministry is rooted in the authority and sufficiency of Holy Scripture and is intended to provide biblical encouragement, discipleship, and spiritual care.
I am committed to serving Christian women from various backgrounds while affirming the essential doctrines of the historic Christian faith.
My training and theological education include studies through:
- Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC)
- Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC)
- Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF)
- Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary
- Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Scripture Foundation
— 2 Peter 1:3
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.”
Debbie Swindell 