Case Study: Are You Certified?

Photo: ©Mykhaylo from Getty Images Pro via Canva.com

Biff and Mable got married 17 years ago. Their relationship has been floundering for most of those years. The boys are in their late teens, and Mable is facing the soon-to-be empty nest years with more dread than hope. Now that the boys are mostly out of the home she realizes that she knows little about Biff and the little bit she does know about him is not encouraging.

She went to her pastor for help, and he asked her to look for a local Christian counselor because he did not feel qualified to help them through their marriage problems. Mable did an internet search for a biblical counselor.

She stumbles upon your Facebook page and learns that you do Christian counseling. She sends you an email with a brief description of her problems and asks you one direct question: Are you certified?

Case Study Questions

1. You answer her question with a “yes” or “no” depending on whether or not you are certified. Based on your reply, what else would you say to encourage her to come to you for counseling?
2. What does it mean to be certified by a biblical counseling organization? Is it necessary to be certified? Why or why not?
3. What is the difference between a Christian counselor who is certified and one who is not?
4. Are you certified or not? Which is more important to you? Why did you answer that way?
5. Is it necessary to be certified by any organization? Why or why not?

Need More Help?

1. If you want to learn more from us, you may search this site for thousands of resources—articles, podcasts, videos, graphics, and more. Please spend time studying the ones that interest you. They are free.
2. If you want to talk to us, we have private forums for those who support this ministry financially. Please consider supporting us here if you would like to help us keep our resources free.

Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).