Counseling For Depression: Client Assessment

In my years as a Christian counselor, I have seen many clients who are battling depression. During the first session, I assess, as a minimum, the following points:

1. What is the client’s physical state? Do they exercise? Are they overweight?  Studies have shown that there is a link between physical well-being and depression.  While chronic depression can lead a person to neglect their bodies, this aspect is a consideration when trying to determine how best to help someone. Sometimes people are able to make significant strides in overcoming depression issues by embarking on a fitness program.
2. Do they know the specific source of their depression, when it started and if it is generational?  If the specific root is identifiable, then it is often easier to address through biblical counsel. If there is a generational / family history or if the specific sources are indeterminate or long term, then these are typical indicators (not proofs) that deeper issues, including  demonic strongholds, likely need to be addressed.
3. How well does their thinking line up with the bible? How do they see themselves?  This is an important indicator to me because it reflects as a minimum their understanding of what God’s word says about them and their situation.
4. Are they alone? People who are alone or at least feel alone, without a close friend or sympathetic family member to share with, are very vulnerable to “stinking thinking” and more easily open to wrong courses of action.
5. Assess where that person is spiritually with Christ. This is a huge issue for me in trying to determine how to best help someone.  Are they saved or are they only churchgoers? Those with little biblical understanding or perhaps weaker faith are much more prone to seek out therapies that are not truly going to help them. The track record for anti-depressant and other mood-altering medications is spotty at best and typically most people are seeking a better alternative, which is how they find us in the first place. If they can see that the problem is in their bloodline, are they open to considering deliverance ministry as one of the therapies?

Depression at its best is a temporary manifestation of the emotions in our soulish realm. It happens to everybody and is typically overcome by teaching believers about God’s love for them and teaching them how to begin winning mind battles.Sustained, ongoing depression is a tool that the demonic realm can use to keep us from our appointed destinies and our experience is that deliverance ministry can help people like this.

Is depression an issue in your life? Connect with us; we can help you!