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As a Relief Society president, a key element of your calling is to counsel with adult women in your ward. The bishop may recommend that you counsel with specific sisters separate from a ministering interview. Similarly, ministering sisters may identify those who would benefit from meeting with you as well. As you humbly seek Heavenly Father's guidance and listen with a loving and nonjudgmental heart, sisters will feel your genuine concern and come to see you as a sincere disciple of the Lord. This will help them feel comfortable approaching you when they need counsel or assistance in the future. When you were set apart as a Relief Society president, you were given authority to fulfill your calling by one holding priesthood keys. The Spirit will inspire thoughts and words, guide you in discerning needs, and help you understand what to do. In counseling with sisters, you can use the principles Alma taught his people at the waters of Mormon-- to bear one another's burdens, mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. Some ways to do this include listening with the intent to understand, offering validation that their struggles are real, and expressing true empathy. You can comfort others as you express your love and confidence in them. You can bear their burdens as you point them to resources that may be of service. You can also stand as a witness of God by testifying of His unfailing love and His desire to ease their burdens. Another way to support is by helping them recognize their strengths, realize what they have done so far to solve their issues, and inspire them to find their own solutions through personal revelation. The scriptures are records of people's questions and the solutions they found during difficult times. Use them as a source of inspiration and guidance. Other resources are found in the Counseling Resources and Life Help sections of the Gospel Library and Church website. The bishop remains the only one authorized to counsel on issues related to worthiness, abuse, and the use of fast offerings. In addition, you are not expected to replace trained professionals in matters of mental health issues, marriage counseling needs, or complex relationship challenges. Your responsibility is to listen with love, teach gospel principles, and direct sisters and their families to resources that will help them progress. In all counseling situations, it is critical that you keep each sister's conversations confidential, and counsel in a spirit of love. Our Heavenly Father will support you in this responsibility to love and lift His cherished daughters. As you do, He will magnify your efforts. [MUSIC PLAYING]