TOOLBOX for Counselors

“At the heart of everything we do is the Honu (Turtle)- the Hawaiian symbol for longevity and spiritual wisdom rooted in an eternal oneness between land, people and sea.”  LAIRD

I was recovering from foot surgery in 2022 and watched a most excellent biography on YouTube on the life of Laird Hamilton called “Take Every Wave”. I am often inspired and always relish a biography for life understanding. I also take biographies with biblical analogy and relate how they can be used in personal growth and counsel of another. You know we don’t mimic or adapt another’s life (I won’t be riding a wave on Laird’s hydrofoil board any time soon) because God has created us all so uniquely and for a special purpose that is our very own. But Laird’s life story encouraged me to accept the challenge of recovery and as a water-exercise practitioner myself, to allow the natural element of water to strengthen me then.

Earlier in my life, precisely in 1976, my dad was one of our swim team coaches, and during that time, he shared a book with me called “Character Sketches—Pages of Scripture Illustrated in the World of Nature.” Besides Bible characters related to various animals, the book also taught me analogies and concepts from our Creator in anything of His good earth. Amazingly, I still have that book in my home library and have shared it here and there over the years, and I will do so again this summer with my grandsons as we talk turtles, turtles, and more turtles! To them, I am “Nonna and her turtles”!

Naturally for me, “the turtle” has become an increasing conceptual theme I’ve loved for over a decade and blends well with the “Draw a Picture” or “Discuss a Photo” tool to  spring board discussion for heart and character issues during counsel and with scripture:

Here’s how: 

1. The Shell – Self-Protection and Fear

• Analogy: A turtle hides in its shell when it senses danger. Likewise, people often retreat emotionally, spiritually, or relationally when they feel threatened, hurt, or ashamed. (Ask: Is there something you are afraid of, hiding from or ashamed of?”).

• Counseling Point: While some protection is natural, staying in the “shell” could lead to isolation, bitterness, and a lack of vulnerability. God wants us to trust Him and peak out of our protective shells. God offers a better refuge than our own defenses. Instead of hiding, we are invited to bring our fears and wounds into the light of Christ and His people (James 5:16).

• “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

• “Perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18)

2. The Slow Pace – Growth Takes Time

• Analogy: Turtles move slowly, but they do keep moving forward.

• Counseling Point: Spiritual growth, healing, or overcoming sin patterns often feels slow. That’s okay—God is patient, and He calls us to perseverance. God values steady faithfulness. Don’t despise slow progress—celebrate it. Stay the course with Him.

• “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion…” (Philippians 1:6)

• “Let us not grow weary of doing good…” (Galatians 6:9)

3.  Hard Exterior, Soft Inside – Emotional and Spiritual Vulnerability

• Analogy: A turtle looks tough on the outside but is tender and soft inside.

• Counseling Point: Christians are often taught to appear strong, but this can hide emotional wounds or struggles. God is not looking for outer strength but inward surrender. He desires honesty and humility over toughness.

• “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

• “A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)

4. The Shell is Carried Everywhere – Carrying Burdens

• Analogy: A turtle carries its shell wherever it goes—it can’t lay it down.

• Counseling Point: Some burdens seem like they can’t be put down—chronic struggles, past trauma, or long-term consequences. Even if the burden doesn’t go away, Jesus walks with you. He sustains you under the weight, and sometimes He even transforms it into something redemptive.

• “Cast your burdens on the Lord, and He will sustain you…” (Psalm 55:22)

• “Come to me… I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

5. The Journey – Heading Toward the Goal

• Analogy: A turtle may not move quickly, but it keeps heading in the right direction.

• Counseling Point: Progress in the Christian life isn’t about speed but direction and persistence in faith. Keep your eyes on Christ. You may be slow, tired, or carrying wounds—but He is both your destination and your strength for the journey.

• “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus…” (Hebrews 12:1–2)

More TOOLS to  Use in Counseling

• Journaling Prompt: “In what areas of your life do you feel like a turtle? Where are you hiding, slowing down, or carrying something too heavy?” Listen to God in prayer, what is he showing you in your heart? Write it out, accept it and move along in Him.

• Prayer: Invite God to be the true shell, your refuge, your strength. Dear Lord, How I have _______________in my shell. Would you assist me in the Holy Spirit to trust you to ____________ so I can steadily move in Your care alone? I trust you now, Amen

• Homework: Meditate on Psalm 91, imagining God’s wings as your new ‘shell.’ Contemplate His protective love for you!

At the heart of everything a biblical counselor does, is the Triune God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit who creates a oneness in you to accept the loving relationship He established before the foundations of the world. Embrace Him in your ministry and life.