Gospel-Centered Counseling

Season 2 of Consult the Counselor kicks off with a foundational conversation on what it means to practice truly gospel-centered biblical counseling. Host Brian Walker is joined by Anchored Virtual counselors Katie Boomer and Wagner Floriani to unpack why “gospel-centered” is more than a buzzword—and how it shapes both the message and the tone of faithful counseling.Together, they define gospel-centered counseling as more than offering quick fixes or isolated Bible verses. Instead, they explore how Scripture’s one unfolding story of redemption helps counselors connect a person’s lived experience of sin and suffering to the person and work of Jesus. The discussion also highlights how hermeneutics (how we interpret the Bible) matters deeply in counseling, especially in avoiding moralistic “try harder” approaches and learning to apply the imperatives of Scripture in the context of the gospel’s indicatives.Along the way, Katie and Wagner talk candidly about sanctification, union with Christ, common misconceptions about gospel-centered counseling, and practical ways counselors can cultivate gospel “instincts” that bring real hope to real problems.Topics include: gospel doctrine + gospel culture, counseling tone and patience, avoiding formulaic “life hacks,” reading the Old Testament with Christ in view, identity as saints/sufferers/sinners, and recommended resources for growing in gospel-centered counseling.