Definition:

Doubt means to be undecided or skeptical about something. Further, to tend to disbelieve; distrust; to regard as unlikely: I doubt that we’ll arrive on time.

Brief Explanation:

I don’t doubt that doubt is a major problem for counselors. First, often we doubt that a client will actually change, the client doubts our ability, and we all doubt at times God’s care for us. But doubt is a real issue in counseling, and must be faced openly, and with faith. The development of trust, a key to our growth as humans (See Bohac and DeKoven, Human Development) is essential in counseling. Thus, I find it helpful to deal with the doubts of clients directly and with gentleness and care. Doubt is especially heard when loss has come, loss of a loved one or situation like a job. It is hard to hear a believer share genuine doubts, but they are a part of faith, a faith that as a counselor we have the honor to grapple with, with our client.

The Word of God:

Hebrews 11:6

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

James 1:5-7

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.  For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord.”

Hebrews 12:1, 2

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”