Christian Counseling
What is Christian Counseling?
Christian counseling combines psychology with Christian theology. The goal of Christian counseling is to provide all-inclusive services with Christian beliefs and values. Christian counselors are mental health professionals that integrate Biblical truths with traditional psychological services. These counselors help you achieve recovery, growth, spiritual health and wholeness.
The main goal of Christian counseling is to provide you with important Biblical truths that help you improve your relationship with God, yourself and others. The Bible provides you with insight into human nature, depravity, salvation and mercy. Your Christian counselor helps you improve your spiritual connection with God, your self-image and your worldview by examine various Biblical truths, ideals and beliefs. Although these counselors are guided by Christian theology, they do not force their religious views on you. Non-Christians are welcome in Christian counseling.
Who Are Christian Counselors?
Christian counselors consist of trained and credentialed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists and pastoral counselors.
What Training or Experience Does A Christian Counselor Have?
A Christian counselor has a master’s degree and/or a doctorate. He/she is licensed and/or certified by the American Psychological Association (APA) and has completed various requirements and examinations. A Christian counselor may be a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and/or a licensed professional counselor (LPC).
What Psychological Issues Are Treated With Christian Counseling?
Christian counseling provides you with the tools that you need to resolve your problems and function at an optimal level. Some counseling sessions focus on complex psychological issues while other session may concentrate on helping you be a better spouse or improve your communication and/or coping skills. Christian counselors approach counseling in a similar manner as traditional counselors; the only difference is that Christian counselors also incorporate the Bible into the therapeutic process, while traditional counselors approach therapy from a secular perspective. It is very common for your counselor to repeatedly refer to the Bible during a session or to give you Bible verses to read for homework.
Christian counselors treat a variety of psychological issues such as:
- Depression
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Pediatric Conduct Disorder
- Anger Management
- Substance Abuse
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)
- Sexual Addictions
- Eating Disorders
- Emotional, Physical, Spiritual and/or Sexual Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Adjustment Issues
- Religious Issues
- Grief Counseling
- Workplace Issues
- Stress
- Parenting Issues
- Divorce
- Dysfunctional Marital and/or Family Relationships
- Sexual Problems
- Anger management
How Does Christian Counselors Approach Psychological Issues?
Christian counselors approach psychological issues by:
- Providing (bible-based) counseling services to Christians and the community.
- Delivering spiritual gifts of love, sensitivity inspiration, instruction, therapy, direction, aid and/or expertise.
- Combining Christian theology with traditional psychological practices (evaluation, diagnosis and treatment).
- Offering free services to individuals, children, couples and families that have limited funds, but need counseling services.
- Regarding everyone, regardless of age, race, sex, religion, ethnicity or social class with respect, understanding and acceptance.
- Adhering to both Christian values and professional ethics associated with the counseling profession.
- Guiding people towards seminars, books, videos, workshops and/or conferences that help individuals, families, couples, children improve their personal, work and spiritual relationships.
What Types of Psychological Techniques Are Used During Christian Counseling Sessions?
Christian Counselors provide a complete range of therapeutic services such as:
- Individual, Couple and Family Therapy
- Pastoral Consultations
- Group Therapy
- Premarital Counseling
- Disability Assessments
- Marital and Couples Counseling
- Diagnostic Testing
- Workshops, Conferences and Seminars
Who Seeks Christian Counseling?
Christian counseling is open to Christian and non-Christian adults, couples, children, families and groups. These individuals may seek out therapy on their own or they may be referred by their minister, physician, family member, spouse, friend, teacher, co-worker and/or associate. Common issues include: adjusting to a career change, empty nest, blended families, divorce, bereavement and substance abuse.
What Are the Benefits of Christian Counseling?
Christian counseling is especially beneficial for people who are seeking a faith-based counseling approach. This approach allows you work out your problems with faith-based principles. It is important to note that it is ok if you do not feel comfortable turning to a Christian-based counselor, especially if you are not Christian. It is also ok to feel that you prefer to seek out counseling from a Christian counselor because they share your Christian values. When seeking therapy the most important thing is to find a counselor that you feel comfortable with.
References:
Collins, G. (2007). Christian counseling casebook. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
Tan, S. (2011). Counseling and psychotherapy: A Christian perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
