Christian Counseling
Has your walk with God weakened over the years? Are you struggling to find spiritual meaning and purpose in life? Do you want guidance from a clinically trained professional who will understand and respect that your number one priority is keeping and building a relationship with God?
If so, you are definitely not alone. More and more of my clients are looking for Christian counseling that can heal the mind and the soul. They want to be able to not only discuss the issues they are having but also openly discuss God, the Bible and their belief in the power of prayer.
And I am not the only counselor who has noticed that people prefer to seek guidance from those who support, rather than challenge, their faith. In fact, according to a nationwide survey by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), 83% of Americans believe their spiritual faith and religious beliefs are closely tied to their state of mental and emotional health. Three-quarters have stated it’s important for them to work with a therapist who integrates their values and beliefs into the counseling process. More respondents said they would prefer to see a religious counselor than a psychiatrist, psychologist, or family doctor.
Selecting the Right Christian Counselor With Whom to Work.
Just as no two people are alike, no two Christian counselors are alike. They will differ on a few different things:
- Their personal walk with God.
- How much Biblical training (if any) they have had.
- How Biblical principles are incorporated into their practice.
- The populations they serve.
- Their psychological/clinical expertise.
Beyond this, some faith-based therapists aim to holistically integrate the mind, body and spirit for people of all faiths, while others focus solely on applying scripture to modern day problems instead of social sciences.
A Christian counselor is not afraid to deal openly and candidly with a Christian client from a Biblical perspective about faith, prayer, and other spiritual topics.
At the end of the day, you need to decide what is the most important qualification you wish your counselor to have. It’s a good idea to do some research and find local Christian counselors in your area. Get on the phone with them and ask some questions. The most important thing is whether or not you feel comfortable talking with them.
If you or someone you love is interested in exploring Christian treatment, please reach out to me. I would be happy to discuss how I may be able to help. While I am a Christian counselor, people of all faiths are welcome in my office.