SERVICES/TESTIMONIALS

“I first began meeting with Sophie on 7 May 2021, and we met approximately monthly until September 2021 for my Applied Ministry Practicum (part of Westminster Theological Seminary’s Master of Arts in Counseling program).
Sophie has been diligent in her role as Applied Ministry Practicum mentor. She has come to our meetings prepared, having read and considered the preparation notes which I have sent beforehand. Sophie usually has highlighted areas of my counselling sessions for us to discuss and always had insightful questions which prompted me to think more deeply about my counselling ministry.

I have appreciated Sophie’s honesty and her appropriate level of self-disclosure. During times when I was considering my methodology, or reflecting on a more complex aspect of my counselling sessions, she was open to share from her own experiences. There truly was a sense in which she was coming alongside, while also adhering to the Applied Ministry Practicum mentor expectations. I found it very helpful to hear of what Sophie has encountered with her own counselees, and in some ways these brief examples even served as mini-case studies. Yet, none of this overshadowed her main task of reflecting with me on my ministry.

Sophie’s words and connections helped me probe more deeply in my consideration of my counselee. As I connected the words and actions of the counselee with her motives of the heart, Sophie was able to also share where factors such as shame, being a past abuse victim, the place of law vs grace, and more may be lying below the surface. Overall, my discussions with Sophie helped me make wider connections so as to be a blessing in my counselling.

Personally speaking, Sophie has always been very encouraging. She was quick to point out what she appreciated in my ministry. She was friendly and engaging, very positive, and it was a pleasure to speak with her. I felt comfortable to ask about or discuss any topic.

Finally, Sophie always pointed me and my ministry back to Christ. There was never any rush to move to a certain place with my counselee, as the backdrop was the slow and dependable heart work of Christ. Sophie’s mentoring consistently held the flavour of assisting me to help my counselee find a way to rely on Him, or to help her see God’s gracious work in her life through the truth of his word.

I would not hesitate to recommend Sophie as either a Biblical counsellor or a mentor. I have truly enjoyed and appreciated our time together. I have grown through our discussions, and felt supported and encouraged throughout. I look forward to how we can continue to be a mutual encouragement as we serve Christ in our counselling ministries.”

Bern Merchant *
Minister, Westminster Theological Seminary Alumnus
12 October 2021, Australia