I just spent 35 hours in class last week for a counseling conference...I didn't think my brain (or my seat) could handle that much information!
In all seriousness, the "Caring for the Heart" seminar was a rich and valuable time to hone our skills in reaching the hurting with the power and grace of Christ.  What did I learn?
*I learned I am still a work in progress.
*Most people's problems fall into three categories:
1.  Emotional Issues
2.  Spiritual (sin) Issues
3.  Enemy (occult) Issues
*There is hope for issues to be resolved, not just exposed and left hanging.
*Jesus Christ is the Healer of our hearts.
As we heard the wisdom of two former pastors-turned-counselors, both Walter and I felt affirmed in our vision to bring the healing touch of Jesus to wounded hearts.  This is the vision statement of our own ministry and God seemed to speak to us that we have been on the right track.  What impacted us the most was the steps to bring freedom to people through repentance of our sins, forgiveness to those who have hurt us and to take our authority in Christ as believers over the darkness.  These steps were not something brand new to us but the simple truth was presented in clear ways that gave us hope.
Hearing testimonies of those who have gone through this counseling path was very inspiring.
The stories of these men and the changes God has brought into their own lives and marriages was especially encouraging for Walter and me.  Since we have spent 25 years ministry and as a married couple, it was refreshing to hear.  We want to connect with each other more deeply and intimately in our next 25!  And we long to be more effective in our ministry and be able to share liberating truth to all those we meet and love.
The downside of this conference is that we began to feel guilty for the mistakes we've made and the impact our own issues has had on our family.  I know Walter jokes that when our kids feel they need some counseling, we owe it to them to pay for the first few sessions!  Truthfully, we needed to confess our parental sins and then forgive ourselves.  The same grace we want to extend to others we need to give ourselves, as well.
No counseling philosophy or program is the ultimate answer or magic formula.  We simply hope to absorb what is useful and profitable for our ministry and apply it as God leads us.
"...being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  Philippians 1:6