Christian Spiritual Counseling

Other resources:

Certification In Christian Counseling: The Seven Joys of Mary and Counseling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Certification in Christian Counseling: Counseling for Joy in the Life of Mary

So many times in Christian theology, we focus only on the sorrows of Christ, Mary, and the saints.  In this short article, I would like to focus instead on the some of the joys especially during the Easter season.  In particular, since in previous articles we looked at Mary’s seven sorrows, I would like to look at her seven joys.  Catholics as well as Protestants can find some

common ground in professing joy during counseling sessions.  As Christians we can all share in joyous moments of Jesus and Mary.  Joyous moments that will one day be shared in Heaven.
This Christian tradition of documenting Mary’s joys is hundreds of years old.  The first joys involve Mary at the Annunciation, the Nativity, and the adoration of the Magi.  Some traditions include the Visitation to Mary’s cousin Elizabeth as one of Mary’s joys.
Mary’s later joys include the Resurrection of Christ, the Ascension, Pentecost, and her entry into Heaven.  In Catholic circles this involves the dogma of the Assumption and the Coronation.  This is obviously a debate within Protestant theology since Protestants do not accept the Assumption.  However, all Christians could concur that Mary is in Heaven and Jesus has placed his mother in high esteem.
These joys of Mary can be looked at in numerous ways.  It shows that despite the many sorrows that Mary endured on Earth, that God wants all his people to experience happiness here as well.  This world while fallen still reflects the goodness of the Creator and should be enjoyed.  There are many moments on Earth we will all remember when in Heaven.  These joys should be cherished as Mary’s seven joys are warmly remembered.
If you are interested in Christian Counseling Training, please review the program.  Our Certification in Christian Counseling is an excellent way to help others as a Christian Counselor.

Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

Counseling Through the Confusion of Catholic Marriage Laws

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Counseling Through the Marriage Laws of the Catholic Church

Confusion is the most common element when it comes to the Canon Law of the Catholic Church concerning its marriage laws.  Especially for counselors who hope to counsel those through it.  Protestant counselors in this regard can release a sigh of relief in

that they are not concerned with such legalistic matters, however, Catholic counselors will need some education in the confusing and murky waters of the Church and its marriage laws.
In studying these legalistic issues, one should not be too intimidated, these rules only caused Henry VIII to break from Rome and is also the cause for most Catholics in leaving the faith!  With such pressure of properly interpreting these ideals, the Catholic counselor should have a firm understanding of these regulations.  If any Protestant counselors wish to also attempt to understand these rules, buckle up for this crash course in Canon Law.
There are two primary premises of Catholic Theology regarding marriage and maybe understanding this can somewhat help others at least understand why the Church is so protective of matrimony.  First, the Church believes in the unbreakable union of marriage.  Echoing in the back of this theology is Christ’s words that “what God has joined together, no man can put asunder”.   Christ even emphasized that if a man put away his wife and take another, he commits adultery.  With such scriptural references, the Catholic Church has always defended the vow of marriage.  The second premise of Catholic theology regarding marriage is the sacramental nature of the vow.  In the Catholic Church, marriage is considered a sacrament.  Christ at Cana elevated this social

contract to a holy union between a man and woman.  As a vow before God, a sacred covenant is permanent.  The nature of a vow and its sacredness and indissolubility are characteristics that make a vow permanent.  Hence divorce or a breaking of a valid vow is impossible within Catholic Canon Law.
While divorce is permissible in Protestant circles, it is strictly forbidden in Catholic circles.  Hence as a Catholic counselor, one cannot encourage the remarriage of any person bound by a legitimate sacramental bound.  Any marriage thereafter would be considered adultery and illegitimate, even if conducted in another church.
While this idea is simple enough, Catholic ideas on marriage become more complicated as different situations arise that surround the nature of vows and intent.  The subjective element of one’s intellect and will can play a major role in the validity of the vow and hence the entirety of the sacrament’s validity.  With these things in mind, what is necessary for a vow?  Obviously to make any vow, a person must be free from cohesion or outside pressures.  They must have a full understanding and comprehension of the nature of the vow and the competency to carry it out.  Furthermore, in a vow such as marriage, there must be full transparency of intents between both parties.  These subjective elements would include a variety of examples that could nullify a vow.  For example, if someone was forced to marry against their will or a person made false promises or hid their true identity.  In these cases, the vow is not “pure” and the sacramental nature of the vow cannot manifest.  Keep in mind, these subjective elements are all preliminary to the vow and not after it.  For example, when one makes the statement for “better or worst”, one refers to incidents after the vow and not prior.  To nullify, invalidate, or annul a sacramental vow, the deficiency must be a priori.  The seed of the issue must exist prior to the making of the vow.  This is the primary reasons annulments are granted for people who discover dark unknown secrets after the vow.  Full disclosure was not given or true intents were not shared prior to the marriage.
However, if bad things occur after the marriage, such as a moment of weakness via infidelity, the Church will not grant an annulment; Of course, if that infidelity can be tied to prior unknown feelings, it could be used as grounds for an annulment but not if it was merely a moment of weakness or a mistake that was never intended or anticipated.  However, this does not entail that one must continue to live with such a person.  In cases of infidelity, a person may indeed separate but not remarry.  A more serious issue would be abuse.  Usually cases of abuse, however, are granted because abuse is usually a seed prior to the vow and not something that developed after the taking of the vow.  In cases of abuse, the spouse is encouraged to leave the abuser at all costs.
Hence an annulment is not a divorce.  An annulment is merely an a priori deficiency before the vow that invalidates it.  Hence in all reality there was no sacramental marriage contract.  While this may seem like a loop hole to some, it actually represents a thorough understanding of the subjective element of man and also the requirements of a vow.
In addition to these regulations, there are also cases of invalid marriage prior to sacramental marriage.  In these cases, the man and woman are not seen as married in the eyes of the Church and hence eligible to marry within the Church after civil divorce to another person.  The reasoning behind this is that the Church does not consider certain marriages to be valid.  Within this circle, one can find any civil marriage without a religious figure.  If a man and woman are married before a justice of the peace, then that marriage is considered invalid.  In fact, the Church would view such a marriage as merely living together in sin.
Other examples include unbaptized individuals who may marry, or if a Christian married an unbaptized non-Christian.  In these cases, the sacramental form cannot manifest and the  marriage is invalid.  Non Catholics who are Christian who may marry within their own denomination, however, are considered valid unions in the eyes of the Catholic Church.    In some cases though, if a Protestant man divorced his wife and sought to marry a Catholic woman, the Catholic Church would forbid such a union because they would consider the man to be married to the previous woman.  Of course, this union is until death, in which case, if the one of the spouses died, then remarriage is again possible.
In regards to Catholics, a Catholic can marry a baptized person of another Christian denomination with permission from his or her bishop.  In which case a dispensation is granted that ensures the spiritual guarantee that the Catholic spouse will remain Catholic and all

children will be raised Catholic.  If this is not agreed upon or approved by the local bishop, then the marriage would be invalid.  Also if a Catholic wishes to marry in a non-Catholic Church to a Protestant spouse, one again can gain permission from the local bishop but without this permission, the marriage would be invalid.  Finally, if two Catholics marry outside the Catholic Church, the marriage is always invalid.  This is even the case, if the Catholic leaves the Catholic Church.
As one can see, there is a host of situations that canon lawyers and the tribunal deals with on a daily basis regarding Catholics and re-marriage.  However, it is critical especially if a Catholic counselor, to understand the teaching and rules of the Church when counseling people who are seeking marriage or remarriage.
If you are interested in Christian Counseling Educational Courses, please review the program.

Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

The Spiritual Aid of Angels in Counseling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Spiritual Aid of Angels in Counseling

Made in the image and likeness of God, angels too share in the glory of God in an intimate way that only creatures blessed with free will can.  As man, they too were tested, and as man, some failed.  Yet the good angels who did not fail became integral parts in the history of mankind.  They became our spiritual elder siblings who care for their younger sibling.  The spiritual director or counselorshould take special consideration of their love for humanity and plead for their intercession and guidance in counseling sessions.  The spiritual aid of angels is an enormous help to any counselor.
The angelic hosts consist of Nine Choirs.  The highest choirs of the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones are angels that partake in constant adoration of God, while other choirs also deal with interactions with man and God’s creation.  These other orders include the Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels and basic angels.   These angels perform a two-fold purpose in their interaction with humanity.  First, they act as messengers from God and second, they act as intercessors and protectors.  All of the angelic hosts possess great intellect that far surpasses human nature but fortunately, these holy beings only desire the will of God and have a great love for humanity.
With such holy friends, it is of great benefit to ask these heavenly beings to intercede and protect us from evil.  Angels are only too happy to aid mankind in any way towards his eventual salvation.  This is in particular true of guardian angels.  Every person is given a guardian angel

that watches over, protects, directs and prays for us.  Our guardian angel is our greatest and best friend.  This being is chosen from the dawn of time to become our closest companion on earth.  In this, one should hope to cultivate a close friendship with his or her guardian angel and make this heavenly being part of one’s spiritual daily life.  Counseling sessions should also invoke the guidance and intercession of guardian angels to help one overcome sin or struggles.
While guardian angels are our primary helper of the angelic choirs, archangels and the other choirs also can help with particular issues of virtue or holiness or protection.  St. Michael the Archangel is more than willing to protect and bless one’s home from the assault of the fallen angels.  Christian Counselors should utilize this powerful angel in any demonic or occult encounters.
In conclusion, one’s spiritual life and its progression is greatly enhanced when one has the love and aid from our angelic friends in Heaven.  These older spiritual siblings love us deeply and wish to share in the Beatific Vision with us for eternity.
If you are interested in Christian Counseling Education, please review the program and see how it applies to you.
If you want to learn how to become a certified spiritual christian counselor, then please review the program.

By Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

Christian Counseling Certification Program: Counseling and Guiding Christians Through Discernment

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Counseling Certification Program: Guiding Christians Through Discernment

When various inclinations or choices come to one at a macro or micro level, one in some cases needs to make a moral judgment on the choice.  In some cases, the conscience can determine the value of the choice especially if the conscience is formed properly in accordance with God and his commandments.  Sometimes, however, feelings and inclinations are more difficult to ascertain and the issue of discernment becomes critical. In these cases, counselors need to guide Christians through discernment.  In these cases, St. Ignatius lays out ground work for pastors, Christian Counselors and those in ministry to help guide those in spiritual confusion.
In regards to temptations and inclinations, St. Ignatius points out that those lost in sin are

usually tempted via obvious pleasures that the person enjoys.  On the contrary, however, those who possess sound judgment are tempted with remorse over the slightest pleasure.  In these ways the spirit exploits one and torments the other.  Discernment is needed in regards to the morality of the individual to understand the tactic and motive of the enemy.   The spirits of good will encourage and give consolation when one seeks spiritual perfection but the spirits of evil will induce doubt and desolation for one who attempts to purify himself.  These stages of desolation and consolation are extreme opposites in the spiritual life.  One who can discern desolation as from the evil one, should endure the hardship to learn spiritual patience and offer his or her cross to God.  These desolations also bring one to an understanding of how truly fragile human nature is without God.  In these fashions when tempted via desolation, one should remain steadfast in his original plan and pray for the grace to overcome the spirit of evil.
It is the nature of evil to corrupt via desolations and false consolations.  St. Ignatius makes note that the evil one, like an opposing commander, analyzes an individual and focuses on the weakest point of one’s defense.  In this regard, one must be alert and always steadfast even in consolation because the evil one can deceive.  First and foremost, God and good spirits cause genuine happiness in the soul, while the evil one causes confusion and sadness.  While God and the good spirits give true consolations, the evil one will attempt via deceit to manifest true consolations.  In this way, he diversifies his attack through not only desolation but also through trickery of an illusionary good.  How can one discern if this good is truly good or an illusion?  St. Ignatius teaches pastors, priests and other Christian Counselors many ways to identify false consolations.    St. Ignatius points out that the beginning, middle and end should tend to wholly what is only good.  If train of thought or motion leads one down a slippery slope of eventual evil, then it is not from God, but Satan.  This is also true when the initial peace and harmony become weakened via confusion and noise.   One can also sense the signs of the demonic by the similarity of the soul it wreaks havoc upon.  If of likened desire, the evil spirit can enter into one’s mind quietly without notice because of the shared values, but when an evil spirit is different, his presence is immediately heard and seen because of the sensitivity of the man’s conscience.
In these regards, Christian Counseling should attempt to utilize discernment processes in helping and aiding others in the constant spiritual battle over the souls of men.  Christian Counselors can be of great help and aid in directing people down moral and good paths via good discernment and understanding of a spiritual child’s soul and the intents of other spirits.
If you are interested in the Christian Counseling Certification Program, please review it.

Christian Counseling Ceritfication Training: Christian Education and the Rights of Parents

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Counseling Certification Training: Christian Education and Teaching Children

One of the most prominent rights of parents but least utilized is the right to educate.  Only recently with the emergence of Home Schooling in opposition to secularism in schools has the issue become not only a moral one but a legal one. Christian Education is an extremely important part of child development that starts in the home.

Christian Counselors and the church must always stand and defend the inherent and God given right that parents have as the primary educators of their children.  Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, parents have a super natural assistance to raise their children that no other person can claim for their child.  Furthermore as the parents, it is their obligation before God to raise them as good people.  Only the parents will stand before God and be judged for the raising of their children.
At the most primary level, the parent is responsible for teaching their child about God.  It is the duty of the parent that the child learns of Christ, his church and scripture.  It is the duty of the parent to ensure that the child is baptized and attends Mass or Church services.  It is the duty of the parent to raise that child according to the precepts of Christ no matter what anyone else may do or say.  This is the serious nature of parenting that many secular parents neglect.
Obviously, parents also have the moral right to educate their children beyond the mere theological.  The Church has triumphantly stood behind the Home Schooling Movement in defense of the right of the parents to educate their children.  While states have attempted to restrict this, one cannot deny the illicit nature of this.  When the state attempts to restrict a parent’s right to educate, it is over reaching its legal boundaries.  Recently, state laws have retreated as the Home Schooling Movement has become more organized and legally represented.  This is good news for parents who choose to exercise their right.  Unfortunately, some countries go well beyond their rights and indoctrinate children against their own parents.  This truly puts things into perspective when analyzing American issues with worldwide issues.
If the parents decide the primary education of their children should be transferred to a school, then it is their obligation to monitor the teaching at the school.  It would be immoral from parenting standards to turn a blind eye to one’s child’s education.  It is the duty of parents to review curriculum and to be central figures in the child’s education.  This not only ensures the child’s welfare but also speaks volumes to the various teachers that the parent is a part of the child’s life and will play a shared role in child’s education with them.
Christian Counselors should emphasize to parents that they need to recognize their moral responsibility before God to raise and teach their children.  Christian Counseling sessions should point out that teaching one’s child is an everyday affair, even if the primary teaching is done at a local school.
If you are interested in Christian Counseling Certification Training, please review the program.

Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

Christian Counseling is at Odds with Moral Relativism

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Counseling Versus Moral Relativism

Christian Counseling seeks the truth in all solutions.  A Christian Counselor never sends a person down the road of least resistance but down the road of truth.  The objective reality of a

binding truth in all moral decisions is the moral compass a counselor uses when directing people in a decision.  Christian Counselors, and especially Spiritual Directors, have a grave responsibility to help form good moral character.  When dealing with Moral Relativism , one is confronted with a secular and atheistic philosophy that challenges the very essence of truth.
Subjective Moral Relativism teaches that moral decisions have no true bearing and are either right or wrong dependent upon the view of the person.  This treacherous slope of immorality places man as the source of authority over his own actions and dismisses a universal and binding moral law founded by God.  Hence what is right one day may be wrong another and what is wrong today may be right tomorrow.  With this ideal, the only source of power is retained in various social constructs that have no true moral authority but only power of authority in the present moment.
As a Christian Counselor, one should employ various philosophical arguments from Socrates and his disciples regarding universals and other ideals of objective truth.  The use of natural theology may be well used here since many who are plagued with moral subjectivism are not Christian.  However, those who are Christian can be quickly shown the error of their ways.   One objection which can be utilized is the issue of slavery.  Within a relativist philosophy, the majority rules and there is no true right or wrong.  Hence how can one condemn slavery or even the Holocaust?
The ultimate question regarding those who practice the morality of Moral Relativism is if they choose it out of philosophical pride or merely laxity.  Do they seek to escape authority and convince their own souls they are innocent and just in their immoral decisions?  Christian Counseling can address these issues and attempt to discover the moral pathology that is causing a clearly erroneous philosophy.
If you are interested in Education for Christian Counseling Certification, please review the program.
By Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

Counseling for Good Decision Making

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Ignatian Ideals for the Counseling of Forming Decisions

St. Ignatius in his Spiritual Exercises focuses on many spiritual dilemmas and decisions.  In particular he emphasizes the importance in making good elections or decisions.  A critical

element in Christian counseling and spiritual counseling is helping others form good life decisions.  These decisions may range from vocational life decisions to everyday life decisions.  Regardless of the magnitude, St. Ignatius believes decisions should be made carefully and deliberately when they involve the life of the soul.
As a Christian Counselor it is important to help a spiritual child find peace and resolution in a decision but the process sometimes can be a heavy burden especially when the decision can have so many ramifications upon oneself or others.  In these difficult times, St. Ignatius laid out a guideline to help others form good decisions or elections about their life.
The primary theme in any decision according to Ignatius is that the end serves the ultimate purpose of salvation.  If the decision contradicts the laws of God or endangers one’s eternal salvation, then that decision must be aborted.  Christian Counselors should only lay out options that correlate with scripture and the moral law of God.  If the decision corresponds with this or at least is neutral in value, then one can begin to evaluate the various options.  Christian counselors should help one weigh the various options with all the benefits of one versus the other.  In some extreme cases, the person may have to experience the various alternatives to see what best fits for him or her.  One should be encouraged to pray to the Holy Spirit for wisdom in these times of uncertainty.
St. Ignatius also points out what conditions point towards a positive election.  The first instance is if God divinely intervenes.  He used the case of St. Paul to help illustrate this.  St. Paul’s conversion and life choice to serve Christ was a wise and correct choice because Christ himself intervened and pushed St. Paul towards the proper decision.  Another example for spiritual certitude is if the person has commited enough time to prayer.   In addition to this, the person should possess adequate knowledge and experience with the situation to form a decision.  Finally, when one is free from the noise of spirits or other internal confusion one can make a clear decision.   This spiritual tranquility is needed because one cannot form a good decision if his or her conscience is in doubt or is hampered by the noises of the evil one.
In finalizing one’s decision, St. Ignatius also offers this good advice.  One should be able to imagine the choice chosen being applied to another.  If the choice can be willed to another, then it potentially can be applied to oneself with at least a positive moral value.  One should also be able to feel no regret if this choice was made on one’s death bed and finally one should feel no regret if this choice was made before the final judgment of Christ.  If any of these choices cannot be seen as positive for these events, then they should be avoided.
With these ideals in mind, Christian Counseling emphasizes the importance of making good choices with clear conscience that corresponds with the teachings of Christ.  Some decisions however present issues that are beyond bad and good values but carry a neutral value.  In these cases, the soul must search deeper in prayer and meditation and seek the will of the Father in determining the outcome.  These solutions are not found easily but through time and spiritual soul searching.
If you are interested in Christian Counseling Courses, please review the program. Those who are interested in becoming a Christian Counselor, can review the program.

America’s Christian Symbol

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Symbol of America

While it is true our constitution does not endorse one religion over another, one cannot deny the imprint of Christianity upon the history of America and the importance of it in the life of Americans.  While immoral laws pass and the idea of God is attacked, the will and desires of the people is truly seen in this soon to be constructed 700 foot cross which is a true Christian symbol of our country.

It is good to know while the vile attacks of atheists attempt to mock Christian belief with ignorant roadside signs that hovering high above them is the symbol of truth via the soon to be constructed 700 foot Branson cross.

If you would like to learn how to become a certified Christian Biblical Counselor, then please review.

If you are interested in the truth of Christ and Christian Counseling, please review click here.

Agnosticism and Christian Counseling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Counseling and Agnosticism

Christian Counseling with an Agnostic can be a challenge because an Agnostic does not share the core faith as a Christian.  Agnosticism while not denying the existence of God, questions the existence and is skeptical of any truth and finds truth in a cafeteria of philosophies that suite him one day and un suit him the next day.

When dealing with an Agnostic, one must understand the primary issue affecting him.  This issue lies in the sole issue of faith.  The Agnostic does not possess the theological virtue of faith.  He is subdued with doubt and second guessing and is constantly in search of stable ground.  His intellect or reason refuses to release the will to jump forward into the unknown.
When dealing with a lack of faith, one must attempt to build a logical ground work for the intellect to find some sense in the article being analyzed; Once the philosophy is understood, the intellect then can decide if the ideals presented or within credibility or not.  Ultimately, reason can only take one so far. One must assent to the grace of the Holy Spirit to receive the faith necessary to believe.  Why?  The answer is simple.  The simple finite mind cannot comprehend the majesty of God and only through the release of reason can the certainty of faith sweep within the soul.  Man cannot save himself and must release himself to God.
This is the paradox of the Agnostic.  He does not possess faith but also is afraid to accept faith.   The impediments to this may result from pride in reason or a sincere fear of the unknown.  As a Christian Counselor, it is important to identify what is preventing the Agnostic from embracing faith.  In Christian Counseling, various discussions can lead one to discover whether the Agnostic suffers from pride or fear.
Ultimately everyone’s choice lies in free will and if the intellect and will refuse to accept a logical argument then one will not be open to conversion.  Of course there have been cases, especially in the case of St. Paul, where the Lord manifests himself beyond any reasonable doubt, but for most, our Lord proclaims, “Blessed are those who have not seen, yet still believe”.
If you are interested in Christian Counseling Courses, please review the program.  Christian Counseling courses consists of core ideals that better train the Christian Counselor in the areas of pastoral care, theology and moral counseling.

The Christian Family and the Role of the Man

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The role of the man in the Christian family

The Christian Family is constantly besought with a variety of ideals that transgress the natural order of marriage.  Modern secular society presents numerous views of what a family should be or look like all the while distorting the gender roles of husband and wife.  These distortions come from a variety of gender stereotypes and immoral ideals that corrupt the natural dignity of masculinity and femininity.  With these things in mind, it is important to note that the spiritual nature of humanity corresponds with its physical gender.  The nature of man is not composed of merely one element, but two.  This inseparable nature of soul and matter is only temporarily torn via death as a result of sin.  Through this, the spiritual energy of man saturates the matter with all of its gender-like qualities.  Hence a man is man and a woman is a woman at one’s most center core.  A man and woman’s role within the family is then not based on social constructs or biological needs but at a deeper level that defines masculinity and feminity.

Within Christianity, these roles are clearly defined in marriage.  In another article, we looked at the role of woman in marriage, in this article we will look at the role of man as husband.  Christian counselors should take care to direct men to become good husbands that correspond with Christian morality.  The first and foremost concept is the divine command of Christ for husbands to love their wives as Christ so loved his Church.  This is not a small matter but one that correlates with a love that can lead one even to death.  Such love does not seek to dominate or abuse, but to cherish and love.  The husband loves his wife as his own flesh, hence two become one.
Another characteristic of man in marriage is his role of authority.  It is true that women are to obey their husbands.  This is clearly mentioned in Paul and explained in my other article.  The authority of husband over wife, however, is not arbitrary.  It coincides with the divine precedents of law and ultimately love.  The love of a husband for his wife will never allow his authority to become abusive or illegitimate.  It is also important to note that this authority is an authority of order not necessarily an authority over every single aspect.  As one flesh, decisions are still joint but the voice of authority is proclaimed through the husband as a visible source.  The wife, while never unequal, is the whisper behind her husband’s proclamation to the rest of the family.
Another characteristic is the element of strength and defense.  While stereotypes do place emphasis on the husband as the breadwinner, one cannot deny that some of these ideals do correlate with the evolutionary need of man to defend.  It is man who is blessed with strength to hunt and defend his woman.  Obviously these ideals evolved naturally but as a father and husband, these views also correlate with the spiritual nature of the family.  The father is the spiritual head and should be the source of discipline and strength, while the wife becomes the source of security.
The Christian husband should respect his wife, protect his family and guide them in prayer.  He should emulate the meekness of St. Joseph and always seek to put his family before himself.  This is the nature of a father and husband.  Christian counseling sessions with couples should emphasize the need for men to show this strength but also to have the gentleness of St. Joseph. In essence, as the mother teaches her children how to be good women, a father becomes an example on how to be a Christian man.
Christian Counseling is an excellent source for married couples to discover their roles in marriage.  Ultimately, it lies in the emulation of the greatest Christian family, which is the Holy Family.
If you would like to become trained in Christian Counseling, then please review the program.

By Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C