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Lay Counseling Assignment
Lay counseling is a counseling biblically based method or practice used by those who are
not licensed professional counselors, and typically practiced under the body of a church, the
congregation. While it does differ from professional counseling that is administered by licensed,
professional counselors, there are quite a few similarities between the two. For instance, lay
counseling and professional counseling share in the common goal of caring for, encouraging, and
supporting individuals who are navigating the new, uncomfortable, and difficult seasons of life.
Lay counseling also shares in the ethical methods of professional counseling, such as building
cultural competency, keeping notes on file, keeping confidential information confidential, and
remaining professional with clientele. Even with these similarities and common goals, there are
quite a few differences presented by lay counseling, though it is an amazing ministry that abides
by the Word of God.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Lay Counseling
One of the most significant advantages and strengths of being a lay counselor and being a
part of the lay counseling ministry is that is biblically founded and based on scripture. This
ministry and those who are lay counselors aspire to create a safe environment for those who are
brokenhearted and heavy laden, and seeking biblical guidance. What better way to help others
who are hurting than by pointing them to Jesus. Sanders (2013) expounds upon lay counseling
ministerial areas, sharing that lay counselors are given opportunities to lead different counsel
groups within the church such as grief counseling, recovery counseling, addiction counseling,
and many more. Another aspect or area of lay counseling that could potentially be considered as
an advantage or strength is that lay counselors are not required by the state to be licensed in order
to practice counseling. Sanders (2013) emphasizes that there are professional counselors that aid
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lay helpers in there practice, offering supervision and adequate training since lay helpers and
counselors are not required to obtain their licensure. Because of this, the opportunity is presented
for more people to be of assistance as the battle of mental health continues to rise throughout the
United States and around the world (Tan et al., 2023). This also encourages more people to help
others and provide quality care for the lost and broken, following God’s command to help others
(Christian Standard Bible, 2017, Leviticus 19:34, Proverbs 19:17, Matthew 5:14-16, Mark
10:42-45, Luke 6:38, John 13:34, Acts 20:35, Romans 12:9-13, Philippians 2:3-4, Hebrews
13:16, James 1:27, 1 Peter 4:8-10).
While there are many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to lay counseling,
including hardships that counselors might face. One of the biggest disadvantages is the lack of
extensive education and not being required to receive a state licensure to practice. Yes, this is one
of the advantages of lay counseling, but it also hinders the ability for counselors to appropriately
provide assessments, psychological tests, official diagnoses, etc., all the things that licensed
mental health counselors can do (Sanders, 2013). Because lay counselors are not professionals, it
limits the extensivity of their practice, care, and help. Tan et al. (2023) suggest that professional,
therapeutic counseling has a larger success rate in regards to long-term improvement and
maintaining growth for patients or counselees, further suggesting the limit put on para-
professionals counseling practices.
Competence for Lay Counselors
Sanders (2013) expresses the importance of lay counselors developing proper and
professional ethics for their practices. One that I find extremely important for all counselors is
the ethical practice of competence, which essentially allows counselors to be the best they can
be, and continuing to improve their knowledge, education, and experience. For lay counselors in
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particular, it is quite crucial for them to understand the limits of their own competence,
understanding when issues and circumstances are far above their level of expertise and how to
refer them to someone who is more adequately prepared. The ethical practice of competence
holds these helpers accountable, encouraging them to practice what they preach. For instance,
Sanders (2013) addresses certain guidelines in order to properly assess one’s competence, as well
as specific expectations that lay counselors should be held to. These guidelines and expectations
include having spiritual maturity, having a true understanding of scripture and the gospel, having
biblical/spiritual knowledge and discernment, not living for the desires of the flesh, maintaining
healthy relationships with others (family, friends, peers, etc.), finding help when experiencing
their own issues, furthering experience and education, etc. Competence aids lay helpers practice
counseling in an appropriate, adequate, and effective manner that benefits those who seek help.
Training for Lay Counselors
In the text, Sanders (2013) discusses training or education for lay counselors in the areas
of the ethics code, decision making, issues of clinical application and competency, sexual
feelings within psychotherapy, and the dual roles of the Christian therapist. Training is important
for counselors to be able to possess a better understanding of how to properly navigate certain
circumstances, providing quality care to their counselees. It equips counselors with the
experience needed to help them grow confident in their position. While all of these aspects of
training are important, I believe the issues in clinical application and competency is more crucial
because it encourages the development of critical and ethical thinking skills. This will certainly
lead to better decision-making, aiding in the counseling process and working with other people.
Personal Reflection
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Currently, I think the ministry of lay counseling is something that is so important to the
church in providing a safe place for hurting souls to find sound, biblical encouragement and
counsel. Before this class, I honestly had never heard of lay counseling or lay helping, but I am
very interested in the ministry itself. I think it is a great opportunity for more believers and
followers of Christ to utilize the gifts that God has given them, but not necessarily having to
reach the level of education or training that professionals are required to. While helping others is
what we, as Christians, are called to do, it is good to have a little bit more of a deeper
understanding and training than none, which is what lay counseling provides. As of right now, I
plan to pursue a more professional role as a counselor, taking my education and training further
than that of lay counseling. I am quite interested in mental health counseling and I want to be
able to provide full services for any patients I might work with.
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References
Christian Standard Bible. (2017). Holman Bible Publishers.
Sanders, R. K. (2013). Christian counseling ethics: A handbook for psychologists, therapists and
pastors. InterVarsity Press.
Tan, S. Y., Kim, J. K., Parker, B., & Phua, A. (2023). Lay counseling: A brief review and update
from a Christian perspective. Journal of psychology and Christianity, 42(3), 251-258.
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