CREEKSIDE MINISTRIES: Honoring My Clients As I Close Up Shop

Truth be told, these have been rough weeks at the counseling office. Tears have been shed, kind and tender tributes have been offered back and forth and back again. Together, some clients and I have mapped out plans to continue our work over the phone and Skype after a bit of a break, while a few have been referred to other counselors.

And then there are those who are ready to take wings and soar.

On reflection, I'd say we've finished well. And while it's fair to say that most of them are not exactly ecstatic about my leaving, I think they'd agree that we have worked hard at bringing this season of life together to a most satisfactory conclusion that has honored Christ.

Even if tears flowed freely from time to time with no embarrassment or shame. From clients and counselor alike.

So instead of focusing on the now empty shelves in a half bare room and my very mixed feelings about this most difficult of transitions, I want to bring tribute to these incredible women of valor. I hope that by the time you're done reading these words, you'll know why I'm passionate about what I do ... and why it's so hard to leave this place.

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no one's immune from sitting in the counseling office

I've talked with clients from 14 - 84. They've come from endless, fascinating cultures with the broadest array of experiences, challenges, and pain. But no matter where they find themselves or how they spend their days or how much cash they've got in their pockets, whether they're people full of faith or those who shake their fist in God's face ... when all is said and done, life happens. And absolutely no one is immune from emotional trauma, grief, unexpected events, family crises, or serious illness that can pull the rug right out from under us.

it takes courage to come to counseling ... and to keep on coming

Let me put to rest the myth that people who go to counseling are weak. It takes an inordinate amount of strength to admit you need to talk with a professional. Tenacity to find the perfect fit with the counselor who has the proper training to match your needs ... and a true connection to your soul. And raw faith and endless trust to allow that counselor to lead you through your stuff, week in and week out, so that you come out on the other end so much better than when you started.

every wounded soul needs a healing team

While counseling conversations are 1-1 and confidential, healing doesn't come in a vacuum. Together, counselor and client create a healing team that comes alongside as she moves through the tough times. Safe, caring family members and friends, experienced medical and legal professionals, ongoing support groups, effective community services, church resources, and online help all come into play. We don't heal on our own. We were created for community.

counseling's not a 1 hour a week deal

A motivated client is not content with 1 hour of work a week. An emphasis on caring for her body through healthy eating, exercise, rest, and a new work/life balance are all on the table. Consulting with her doctor, taking needed medication as prescribed, and creating a space to meet with God on a regular basis are vital steps in moving ahead. Those who follow up on assigned reading and journaling, who begin to set up wise boundaries and take concrete steps to reach their goals ... these are the ones who mend, who grow, who heal.

wounded healers emerge from painful places

God doesn't bring healing so we can simply wander off and put our feet up and be happy. The goal is always to take the lessons learned and the strength and wisdom gathered to bring something of beautiful, healing substance to others. To be so restored and so grateful and so wise that grace and hope can be offered to others who are broken ... that is when the client knows she's come full circle.

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I honor you today, all who've invited me to sit and be present with you in the stark reality of your pain. To leave no stone gently unturned as we've walked slowly but surely through the dark and scary places into the healing light and freedom that comes through Christ. To banish the lies that have hindered, to discover the power of forgiveness, and embrace new ways of looking at life and relating to others well. And ultimately, to claim the joyous potential of inviting our Redeemer to restore 'the years the locusts have eaten' {Joel 2:25}.

Thank you for allowing me to champion your healing, pray you through each setback, speak the hard truth in love, and celebrate your victories. When all is said and done, God is faithful and He is good.

Anticipating what He has in store for us all ~