Gary Zustiak

Gary Zustiak

Gary Zustiak, a.k.a. “Dr. Zus”, is Director of Counseling and Pastoral Care at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO. He has an MA and MDiv from Lincoln Christian University and a Doctor of Ministry from Abilene Christian University. A longtime expert on youth ministry and mental health, he has written a number of related works, including the books Intensive Care: A Manual for the Nonprofessional Who Work with Hurting and Broken Youth and Student Ministry That Leaves a Mark: Changing Youth to Change the World.

Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: Unique Characteristics of a Christian Counselor (Part 4) Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: Unique Characteristics of a Christian Counselor (Part 4)

Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: Unique Characteristics of a Christian Counselor (Part 4)

*Editor’s Note: this is Part 4 in a series on how you—yes, you—can help bring wise and kind counsel to a young person’s life. For Part 1 (“Do You Have What It Takes?”), click here, and for Part 2 (“The ‘Big 3’ Characteristics”), click here, and for Part 3 (“Additional Traits That Contribute to Successful Youth […]

More
Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: Additional Traits That Contribute to Successful Youth Counseling (Part 3) Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: Additional Traits That Contribute to Successful Youth Counseling (Part 3)

Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: Additional Traits That Contribute to Successful Youth Counseling (Part 3)

*Editor’s Note: this is Part 3 in a series on how you—yes, you—can help bring wise and kind counsel to a young person’s life. For Part 1 (“Do You Have What It Takes?”), click here, and for Part 2 (“The ‘Big 3’ Characteristics”), click here.  The following traits/characteristics are also very helpful for the person […]

More
Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: The “Big 3” Characteristics (Part 2) Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: The “Big 3” Characteristics (Part 2)

Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: The “Big 3” Characteristics (Part 2)

*Editor’s Note: this is Part 2 in a series on how you—yes, you—can help bring wise and kind counsel to a young person’s life. For Part 1 (“Do You Have What It Takes?”), click here. The search to discover what makes some counselors successful and some unsuccessful (and some even harmful) has led researchers to an […]

More
Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: Do You Have What It Takes? (Part 1) Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: Do You Have What It Takes? (Part 1)

Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: Do You Have What It Takes? (Part 1)

“Kids respond to people whom they sense have a feel for what they’re going through.” —Rich Van Pelt, Intensive Care: Helping Teenagers in Crisis[1] “Leaders must not wait until they feel ‘good enough’ to make a difference. Accepting this myth may prevent leaders from fulfilling the very role that students need most: loving them and […]

More