While there is great wisdom in utilizing people with counseling licensing and experience, we often belittle the good that others can do even without proper training. Any ministry leader should be able to take some initial steps with someone in need.
You remember that situation you never thought you would survive? Well, you did. You are still standing today. And part of that reasoning is so you can help others who have fallen down in similar situations.
The average Christian would admit to having little to no counseling training or experience, but that doesn’t mean that you couldn’t provide helpful counsel. Even if lacking in expertise, you can take some simple steps to help others continue through trials.
Many people have years of damage done and want immediate fixes, but it is never that easy. They can get help, but it takes time. You didn’t get here overnight, and you aren’t going to get out of here overnight either.
As a pastoral counselor, I have never witnessed someone asking for help too early. Unfortunately, quite the opposite is true. Every situation that seems dire enough to ask for assistance probably could have come a little sooner.