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The ONLY christian counselor you need, is Jesus. He always listens, never judges, and doesn't charge you money for the appointment..lol 
I'm 100% in support of seeking counseling for problems, healing, or gaining coping skills. I definitely think we need to be wise in who we choose. A solid Christian is obviously the best choice, since they are being led by the Holy Spirit and will guide you in what is right biblically. But as long as a secular counselor isn't saying something that's against scripture, he/she can also be very helpful in teaching us why we behave the way we do, and how we can get better.
Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.
Proverbs 13:10 Through insolence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel.
Proverbs 19:20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days.
I think this is where the confusion is. People aren't saying to substitute God's wisdom with man's, to not listen to God at all and only man.
We are to rely on God, to come to Him. But He put the body of Christ together for a reason. And I don't know about you, but I've learned (good) lessons from non-believers as well. Sure, I may have to measure what they say and hold it in more scrutiny to see if it aligns with the Bible, but advice, encouragement, comfort, guidance...those can all be found in other people. Should it be found only in other people? No, and no one here is saying that.
Something else to keep in mind...and I'll make it personal so as not to project, but I'm sure others have felt the same:
Sometimes I need OTHER PEOPLE to get me BACK to God. In a perfect world, I would run to Him every time. I wouldn't struggle with who He is. But the reality is that I've run to other Christians first because I did NOT want to run to God (for various reasons, I can elaborate if wished) and they have helped me through it and/or set me on the right path towards Him.
Furthermore, I know some very VERY wise, godly people. I would not discredit their wisdom because "Well you're a human so your wisdom stinks, I'll just go ask God." Have you (general you) ever considered that maybe their wisdom is God's wisdom coming through?
We are to rely on God, to come to Him. But He put the body of Christ together for a reason. And I don't know about you, but I've learned (good) lessons from non-believers as well. Sure, I may have to measure what they say and hold it in more scrutiny to see if it aligns with the Bible, but advice, encouragement, comfort, guidance...those can all be found in other people. Should it be found only in other people? No, and no one here is saying that.
Something else to keep in mind...and I'll make it personal so as not to project, but I'm sure others have felt the same:
Sometimes I need OTHER PEOPLE to get me BACK to God. In a perfect world, I would run to Him every time. I wouldn't struggle with who He is. But the reality is that I've run to other Christians first because I did NOT want to run to God (for various reasons, I can elaborate if wished) and they have helped me through it and/or set me on the right path towards Him.
Furthermore, I know some very VERY wise, godly people. I would not discredit their wisdom because "Well you're a human so your wisdom stinks, I'll just go ask God." Have you (general you) ever considered that maybe their wisdom is God's wisdom coming through?
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yes, especially the above bolded.
i think this is a time when you have to realize that God uses others to work our in lives, to use their unique training or experience to work in concert with His guidance, word, etc. and yes, He does this even with non-christians.
also, this brings up another reason why we need to be in the word: so that we can move forward boldly and with confidence knowing that our bibles can serve as the compass to help us be in tune to what isn't consistent with His word. when you know the truth, lies have no effect. however, it's our ignorance of that map when we are most vulnerable to being off-course.
i think this is a time when you have to realize that God uses others to work our in lives, to use their unique training or experience to work in concert with His guidance, word, etc. and yes, He does this even with non-christians.
also, this brings up another reason why we need to be in the word: so that we can move forward boldly and with confidence knowing that our bibles can serve as the compass to help us be in tune to what isn't consistent with His word. when you know the truth, lies have no effect. however, it's our ignorance of that map when we are most vulnerable to being off-course.