“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17, ESV)
It is true in general, that there can be little true progress in putting away sin without sound doctrine. So it is also true that we can never substitute the finding out of sound doctrine for the putting away of sin. And thirdly, the true putting away of sin is never located merely in the amendment of actions – but must be accompanied with a true change of the heart.
All of this is essential in our counseling. And it applies as much to the counselor, as to the counselee.