Have you ever noticed how people in various professions often have a wall filled with their licenses, certifications, degrees and diplomas? It makes sense when you think about it. It is important that their clients, or customers, know that the person providing a service is trained and qualified. I am sure that you would agree with me that I don’t want to take my truck for service to someone who doesn’t know an oil drain plug from a air intake module (if there is such a thing!). We want to go to someone we believe is trained and equipped to do the job right.

The same thing is true of a medical doctor or a counselor/therapist. It makes no sense to think that we can maintain physical or mental health with the help of someone who hasn’t been trained to do the job correctly. In an extreme case, we wouldn’t go to the family doctor for brain surgery! He may be a nice guy and could have kept the family healthy for years, but if he isn’t a brain surgeon by training, why would we trust ourselves to his care for this delicate kind of work? He might say that he’s read books and watched videos on brain surgery. Is that enough? No, it isn’t even close.

When someone walks into my office, they will see my own vanity wall. I have my degrees and license there for all to see. I want them to know that I have had training and experience to give them the help that is required. Here’s the thing: I never overstate my abilities. I refuse to over-promise. If someone comes to me with a mental health need that is beyond the scope of my abilities, I clearly state my limitations and make a referral if one is possible. Attempting to go beyond the scope of my experience and training is risky business. Why would I put someone’s mental health at risk, along with my own professional safety?

Some might say, “But Chuck, don’t you want to help everyone?” Indeed I do. Sometimes that help will come while sitting in my office with them. Other times that help comes in the form of passing them along to a better qualified specialist. And here is where the vanity wall cannot get in the way of providing the best help possible. Vanity is a dangerous thing. The fact that someone comes to us for help can be intoxicating. We can walk right into the trap of thinking we can do more than we really should. Degrees, diplomas and licenses don’t qualify us for everything that crosses our threshold. Having wisdom and discernment regarding our abilities is worth so much more than plaques on the wall.

If and when you have the need for mental health assistance or help from a Life Coach, find someone who is capable and trained in your area of need. Find out about their professional philosophy. I make it clear to my clients that this is Christian Counseling and Life Coaching. They know to expect counsel from the Bible, not just my thoughts and opinions.

Chuck Phillips Life Choices Christian Counseling, LLC

Licensed Christian Pastoral Counselor, N.C.C.A.

Board Certified Professional Life Coach, I.B.C.C.

LifeChoicesCLC.Com LifeChoicesCLC@gmail.com

573-280-5093