The Four Processes
of Counseling:
Reducing Symptoms
Counseling Toolkit for
June 2025
Often, what motivates people to seek help is their experience of distressing physical, emotional, and mental symptoms that impact their day-to-day lives. As Christians serving others, we may be tempted to overlook someone’s physical symptoms and only address their spiritual needs. However, both are important, and we need to consider each person holistically. Reducing Symptoms is the process of caring for the whole person, tending to both their physical and spiritual needs, and it is an important part of loving ministry. This process aims to alleviate their physical and emotional pain so that they can have the capacity to understand and address the deeper roots of their suffering. This Toolkit shares guidance on the process of Reducing Symptoms.
Christine Chu, LCSW
Counselor & Clinical Supervisor