right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death." It also says (16:3) "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established."
"Sin" is a useful all purpose term that means doing something God does not approve of. Then, of course, one must define God, which isn't possible since He is eternal and infinite. Suffice to say the God meant here is the God manifest in Jesus Christ, who is always more perfect, holy, and glorious than the holiest man's conception of Him. "Sin" is rebellion against His will, and its first result is absence of His blessings: food, water, physical health, security, freedom, clarity of mind, psychological health, and any other good thing can be denied if God sees fit. Another characteristic of God is that He does what He wants when He wants and is the only person in the universe who does not have to explain why. The typical therapy patient or counselee is seeking to solve problems or feelings that are in fact a result of God calling that person to repentance. "Repentance" is a person ceasing to make his or her own choices and agreeing to obey God and do things His way, turning around and walking in the opposite direction. Typical therapy therefore treats the symptoms, which often are a result of God's call, and ignores the cause, which actually is that person ignoring God's call.
Therefore, the primary concern in therapy must be establishing the patient's relationship with God. From a right relationship with God all other things will follow as the counselor then guides the counselee through the first steps of his relationship with Jesus as His disciple, friend, brother, and adopted son of God. The counselor will be vitally important at this point because no one who comes to Jesus comes knowing everything; rather, each person comes with many erroneous ideas. Thus Proverbs 3:7-8 say "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy na...