Have a “virtual coffee” with one of our Counseling Residents, Julie Ross! Dive into her world as she shares some insights and experiences as a Resident with us.
A little about her: Julie is pursuing a Master of Arts in Counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary. She already has a B.S. in occupational therapy and a broad and diverse career in many healthcare settings. Her calling to counseling began while leading a young adult group and engaging in pre-marital counseling with her husband at their church. Julie is known for being an encourager and living authentically; her faith has been forged through deep questions and enduring trials. Away from her studies, she can be found walking with her husband and beloved dog.
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Hi Julie! Tell us…
What verses have been encouraging to you or to your counselees recently?
I’ve been studying in phases and right now, I’m focusing on a theme of wisdom. Recently, I came across Ecclesiastes 7:13, which says, “What man can straighten the path that God has made crooked?” This verse really caught my attention because it challenges my understanding; I always thought God was straightening things that are crooked! It’s a verse I’ve even referenced in counseling sessions. I enjoy sharing verses that make people question, “Have I even read the Bible? Is that actually in there?”
What book is on your nightstand right now?
I have a stack of books on my nightstand, depending on how tired I am and whether I need to be lulled to sleep by reading something or if I just need something I’ve read so many times that I can fall asleep easily. So I have Strong Like Water, A Still and Quiet Mind, and I always have Anne of Green Gables.
What do you do when you’re unsure how to help someone?
Pause. I pause and focus on the person I’m with, coming alongside them in their situation. I often think to myself, “Someone really needs to say something here. This would be a perfect moment for the Lord to reveal His wisdom!” This is where I place my trust—relying on God. I’m also cautious; if I genuinely don’t have anything to offer, I’ll suggest, “This sounds like a great opportunity for us to pray and ask God for wisdom.” After all, there’s never a moment in our day when we don’t need God’s guidance.
As a Counseling Resident, what advice would you share with counseling students or lay people involved in this kind of ministry?
Don’t isolate yourself. It’s easy to feel alone in a confidential setting since you can’t share details, but you can always ask for support. Try saying something like, “I had a really difficult case today; will you pray for me?” or “Could you check on me?” Just remember, you don’t have to go through it alone. That’s probably the most important thing. I believe Hope does an excellent job of offering supervision groups and helping connect people locally. As I think about graduating, I wonder if more seasoned counselors feel the pressure or assume they can handle everything on their own. I know that’s not truly the case.
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Thanks for having a “virtual coffee” with us and Julie! We’ll see you next time for Coffee with a Counselor.
