Christian Counselors Near Me

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Azleena Azhar

Azleena Azhar

Chaplain & Wellness Coach Spiritual Mentor Wellness Coach
Offers virtual services

English

I have a Graduate Certificate in Islamic Chaplaincy (GCIC) from Hartford Seminary. I did my Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). My training includes mental health in Islam, grief counseling and spiritual support during trauma & illness.


Holistic Life Coach Life Coach,Personal Life Coach,Christian Life Coach,Teen Life Coach,Spiritual Life Coach,Holistic Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Relationship Counselor,Marriage and Family Therapist,Mental Health Counselor,Spiritual Counselor,Christian Marriage Counselor,Family Counselor,Premarital Counselor,Energy Healer,Human Design Reader,Holistic Health Coach,Anxiety Therapist,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Family Coach,Relationship Coach,Healer,Intuitive Healer,Career Coach,Business Coach,Speaking Coach,Holistic Health,Mental Health,Weight Loss Hypnosis,Counseling,Couples Counseling,Christian Counseling,Grief Counseling,Career Counseling,Social Anxiety Therapy,Grief Coach,Manifestation Coach,Psychotherapy,Sleep Therapy,Mental Therapy,Couples Therapy,Spiritual Cleansing,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness,Obesity Care,Chaplain,Spiritual Mentor
Rev Lenise D Harris

Rev Lenise D Harris

Holistic Life Coach
Offers virtual services

English

Recovering Mean Girl, Mom of Two, Spiritual Advisor, Author, and Speaker. My services are for the modern spiritual woman looking to get unstuck, attract healthy love, and live in her purpose. I use alternative healing & spiritual interventions. My main focus is on Mindset, Self-Love, Manifest…


Health & Wellness Coach | Mental Health Specialist Health Coach,Life Coach,Personal Life Coach,Teen Life Coach,Holistic Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Mental Health Counselor,Holistic Health Coach,Anxiety Therapist,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Family Coach,Relationship Coach,Holistic Health,Mental Health,Counseling,Couples Counseling,Christian Counseling,Grief Counseling,Substance Abuse Counseling,Christian Family Counseling,Nutrition Counseling,Behavioral Health Counseling,Social Anxiety Therapy,Cognitive Behavior Therapy,Grief Coach,Manifestation Coach,Psychotherapy,Regression Hypnotherapy,Sleep Therapy,Mental Therapy,Couples Therapy,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness
Carmel Cordray Noble

Carmel Cordray Noble

Health & Wellness Coach | Mental Health Specialist
Offers virtual services

English

Mental Health Advocate, Socially Conscious Entrepreneur. I place high value on strengths of fairness, kindness and bravery. My lifelong love of learning and curiosity about the world around me have given me invaluable social intelligence, cultural awareness and perspective. My myriad profess…


Counseling,Couples Counseling,Christian Counseling,Grief Counseling,Substance Abuse Counseling,Christian Family Counseling,Christian Premarital Counseling,Career Counseling,Behavioral Health Counseling,Stress Counseling,Self Esteem Coach,Grief Recovery Specialist,Anxiety Coach,Trauma Class
Kela Mason

Kela Mason

Offers virtual services

Coming Soon


FAQs:

What is Christian Counseling?

Christian counseling is a type of therapy that integrates traditional talk therapy methodologies with Christian belief practices by incorporating theological concepts.1 It focuses on the navigation of spiritual concerns and everyday life struggles encountered by Christians. Christian counseling can be embedded into one’s usual sessions with a therapist or psychologist if this arrangement has been discussed with the client and mental health professional. It can also be administered by a spiritual leader such as a pastor, minister, priest, etc.

Religious counseling has been conducted by spiritual advisors for centuries, but it wasn't introduced into psychotherapy until more recently. Ironically, the history of psychology actually began with theology. Since most Americans identify themselves as having a religious affiliation, a large portion of which are Christian, it is important to have the opportunity to receive Christian Counseling.

What Happens During a Christian Counseling Session?

Sessions often begin with prayer and Bible readings. Afterward, as in secular therapy, the client reports their feelings and any relevant happenings in their case. Because Christian counseling often involves family or marital matters, family members may be included in the session. Clients and therapists work to establish goals. They may be individual, or mutually agreeable among all people involved. Christian clinicians may administer tests or ask diagnostic questions, teach coping behaviors, or utilize other counseling tools, and they use scriptural references to address the issues. Christian counselors, however, recognize the importance of self-determination, so they do not attempt to “convert” their clients. Sessions end with the clinician assigning homework and prayer.

What are the Areas of Christian Counseling?

Christian counseling incorporates spiritual resources, Bible teachings, and faith traditions into therapy while employing established clinical techniques. Christian counselors view their clients’ difficulties through the lens of a Christian worldview rather than from a strictly naturalistic perspective.

Some key aspects that define Christian counseling include:

1. Focus on the whole person – mind, body, and spirit: Christian counselors address mental, emotional, behavioral, relational, and spiritual components of wellness. They consider how a client’s faith impacts their mental health.

2. Use of spiritual interventions: Christian counselors may employ practices like prayer, Scripture reading, worship, and service alongside clinical methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy. Their goal is to facilitate spiritual growth and a deepening relationship with God.

3. Consideration of sin and human fallenness: Through the Christian worldview lens, counselors understand negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as expressions of the fallen, sinful human condition. But they emphasize the transformative power of grace, redemption, and spiritual rebirth.

4. Goal of reconciliation: Christian counselors aim to help restore relationships between the client and God, others, and themselves. They seek to guide clients toward wholeness in all areas of life.

5. View of personhood: Christian therapies operate from a biblical anthropology that sees people as created in God’s image yet marred by original sin. Counselors appeal to the spiritual component at humanity’s core.

6. Ethical practice: Christian counseling adheres to professional codes of ethics but gives special attention to practices that align with Christian moral values. Boundaries regarding sexuality, confidentiality, and other issues reflect biblical principles.

So in short, Christian counseling integrates faith and spirituality into the therapeutic process to treat the whole person within a Christian framework. It utilizes clinical methods while emphasizing spiritual resources to foster improved mental health.

What are the Goals of Christian Counseling?

The counselor and counselee need to establish clear objectives and goals, which are specific and realistic, and even measurable.

1. Self-understanding: This is the first step in healing. Many problems are self-imposed (biased perceptions, harmful attitudes, self-destructive behavior).

2. Communication: It is well known that many marriage difficulties come due to a breakdown in husband-wife communication. The same is true for other problems. We must learn to communicate feelings, thoughts, and attitudes both accurately and effectively. One must be able to express oneself and receive accurate messages from others.

3. Learning and behavior change: Most if not all of our behavior is learned. Therefore, one must unlearn ineffective behavior and learn more efficient ways of acting. Such learning comes from instruction, imitation, or trial and error. One must practice new ways of learning.

4. Self-actualization: Humanistic writers have used this term to express the importance of individual learning to achieve and maintain one’s optimal potential. To the Christian, a term like “Christ-actualization” might be substituted to indicate that the goal in life is to be complete in Christ and develop our greatest potential through the power of the Holy Spirit who brings us to maturity.

5. Support: Often people can meet the above goals and function effectively, except for temporary periods of unusual stress or crisis. Such persons can benefit from a period of support, encouragement, and burden-bearing until they can re-mobilize their personal and spiritual resources to effectively meet the problems of living.

What are the Qualities of a Good Christian Counselor?

A Christian counselor is an important part of many people's lives. They help provide guidance and support during difficult times, and they can offer a unique perspective on the challenges faced by their clients. 

Christian counselors are also trained to provide counseling services that are based on Christian principles. This means they can help their clients develop a stronger relationship with God and find comfort and strength in their faith. They can be an invaluable resource for those struggling with personal issues or dealing with difficult life circumstances. Here are the top 5 qualities of a good Christian counselor.

1. A good Christian counselor follows the teachings of the Bible. 

When it comes to finding a counselor, many Christians want someone who follows the Bible. And that makes sense! After all, the Bible is our guide on how to live a godly life. But what does it mean for a counselor to follow the Bible? 

First and foremost, it means that they will seek to help you find healing and wholeness in Jesus Christ. They will also look to the Bible as a source of wisdom and guidance for your situation. Additionally, they will pray with and for you, providing spiritual support as you work through difficult issues. If you're looking for Christian marriage counselors who follow the Bible, be sure to ask about their beliefs and approach.

2. They express selfless love. 

A good Christian counselor is someone who shares the love of Christ with others through the counseling process. This love is expressed in several ways, but it always involves a selfless commitment to meeting the needs of others. 

A Christian counselor views their clients as precious children of God, and they strive to help them experience all the joy and peace that comes from a relationship with Christ. They are also willing to sacrifice their own time and resources to ensure their clients receive the help they need. In short, a Christian counselor expresses the selfless love of Christ through their counseling ministry.

3. They never advise that they don’t apply to themselves. 

A Christian counselor would never advise that they don’t apply to themselves. After all, how can they expect clients to follow their advice if they’re not living it out? 

Good Christian counselor strives to live according to the principles they espouse. In doing so, they provide a testimony of hope and grace that can inspire others to do the same. At Impact Family, our firm belief is that Christian counselors are responsible for leading by example. 

4. They tell the truth, even in difficult situations. 

A Christian counselor is committed to telling the truth, even when it is difficult. This can sometimes be a challenge, but it is essential to their job. Christian counselors believe that truth is ultimately what will set people free from their struggles. They also believe that God is sovereign and capable of using even difficult truths to accomplish His purposes. 

As a result, Christian counselors always seek to speak the truth in love. This does not mean that they sugarcoat things or avoid difficult conversations, but rather that they approach each situation with compassion and a desire to see the other person thrive. Ultimately, Christian counselors want to see people flourish in all areas of their lives, and they believe that the truth is a necessary part of that process.

5. They uphold a proper code of ethics. 

Christian counselors are expected to uphold a strict code of ethics, which includes maintaining the confidentiality of their clients and respecting their dignity. They must also avoid any conflict of interest, which could jeopardize the counseling relationship. In addition, Christian counselors must be competent in their field and keep up with the latest research to provide the best possible care for their clients. By adhering to these ethical standards, Christian counselors can ensure that they provide proper care for those seeking their help.

Who Should Seek Christian Counseling?

Many seek out a Christian therapist for spiritual reasons. Others prefer Christian counseling. For example, if you feel like you're losing your faith or your connection with God, a Christian therapist can help discover what might be causing this and get you back on the right track for yourself.

However, a religious therapist is more than just someone who can help you with the aspects of your life related to your faith. They believe the Bible can offer many teaching to enrich your life and overcome mental health concerns and personal challenges, as well. If desired, they can also guide without relying on Biblical teachings or do so minimally. They may be able to help you in other ways, just like any other counselor.

Some examples of these ways can include:

1. Marriage problems. Religious counselors can be couples’ counselors and help resolve issues that you may have, be it disconnection, miscommunication, disagreements, or trouble with you and/or your partner’s faith.

2. Grievance. Even when your faith is strong, loss such as the death of a loved one can be hard to fathom and overcome. A counselor may be able to help you heal by providing guidance and coping mechanisms that allow you to continue with your life, often at least partially by leaning on your faith.

3. Mental health concerns. A religious therapist may be able to provide guidance and treatment through the teachings of the Bible that may be able to help you overcome any mental health concerns you may have. Biblical passages have many interpretations and can often be applied to a wide breadth of life experiences and difficulties.

4. Help you reach your goals. If you’re finding it difficult to accomplish goals in your life or find your purpose or passion, a counselor may be able to help you gain a new perspective or give you tools and strategies provided in the Bible to help you find and pursue your desired path in life.

5. Substance use. A religious therapist may be able to help you manage any substance use that is negatively affecting your life based on various Biblical teachings and without judgment.

6. Anger management. A religious therapist may be able to help you develop ways to manage your anger more healthily through faith-based teachings.

Will Christian Counseling Benefit Me?

The Christian faith looks forward to a blessed hope—a wonderful eternity with God in heaven. There will be no pain and suffering there—only love, joy, and peace. Gaining an eternal perspective, you will find hope for a beautiful and fulfilling life here and now.

Christian counseling can be a great help in overcoming addictions, dealing with mental health or mood disorders, navigating personal struggles, grief or loss, and healing marital and family issues. It is a great help in walking through this life’s challenges—a hopeful road to healing and change.

Is Christian Counseling Effective?

Christian counseling is effective for spiritual enrichment, strengthening one’s relationship with God, and overcoming or managing mental health issues like depression. It also helps individuals in enhancing positive traits and feeling a sense of purpose in life.

One study found that integrating a client's religion into therapy is just as (if not more) effective in treating depression than "secular treatments" for clients who have a designated faith.

Religion provides a set of beliefs that a therapist can use to help someone replace their harmful thoughts. In this way, therapy centering on religion can help someone reduce their depressive thoughts and behaviors.

Clergy members can be effective in helping an individual manage depression or anxiety to an extent, but if symptoms persist or reach a certain severity, professional mental health treatment should be considered.

Are Christian Counselors Licensed?

Unlike other counseling professions, Christian Counselors are not required to possess a licensed counselor certificate.   Ministry licenses however are an excellent license to possess if one wishes to be certified in this field.

Why is Counseling Important for Believers?

The goal of Christian counseling is to assess and treat mental health problems using faith-based and psychological principles to help you cope and resolve any challenging life issues. During a Christian counseling session, your Christian counselor or therapist can help to shed light and understanding on your life challenges. They help you identify behaviors that affect your relationships with the people you love and can guide you to scriptures that speak directly to you and give you daily wisdom. Finally, a Christian therapist can pray with and for you.

What is Spiritual Counseling?

Psycho-spiritual counseling takes the soul, rather than the mind, as its starting point of balance. It has an expanded view of life, recognizing that the world is a complex mystery and it takes into account belief systems, universal and personal energy systems, intuitive psychic realities, karmic interplay, subconscious and superconscious states of awareness, metaphysical experiences, spiritual theology, spiritual presence, and higher-self cosmic connections.

Spiritual counseling sees that life is innately personal and individuals want to build their own unique, flowing relationship with it, organically and without force. With the Soul being the starting point individuals come from the heart, whilst not forgetting their head, and from this heart space, they care for the sacred interdependence of all life.

Compassion for self and compassion for others is a core concept for their personal and collective growth. As spiritual counseling is holistic, there is no separation, no duality between personal or collective responses and reactions, all are intrinsically linked. There is the awareness that life experiences become the greatest tool, with the integration of personal pains and personal journeys.

The aim is for clients to express themselves and their world with intimate wisdom, spiritual awareness, and personal authenticity; using integrity and wise use of their spiritual gifts, skills, and knowledge.

What is Biblical Counseling?

Biblical counseling is a process of focused discipleship. It is one aspect of discipleship. It is an aspect of discipleship focused on the application of God’s Word and walking in God’s Spirit when dealing with matters of life as a whole. Biblical counseling can be defined as a fluid event and process, as part of the Great Commission, when a follower of Jesus Christ in the service of the Holy Spirit provides a face-to-face ministry of the Word to others.

How Did Christian Counseling Begin? 

Christians have believed that knowing Jesus Christ is the “cure of the soul” but the church has provided often unskilled and not personalized care and counsel. In the 1960s there was the start of the biblical counseling movement that worked to reclaim counseling from the church and provide a Christian alternative to mainstream psychotherapy and psychiatry.

The modern Biblical Counseling movement was spearheaded by Jay Adams who worked hard to bring modern counseling approaches back to biblical teachings. It is through the bible that we can find ourselves and how God can support us in overcoming our problems. He was able to create a Christian counseling curriculum that could help therapists guide their clients to greater health and well-being based on biblical teachings.

What is a Christian Counselor?

A Christian counselor is someone who approaches treatment with individuals, couples, or families from a Biblical perspective. They, like other clinical practitioners, carefully draw from their education and training to provide clients with appropriate forms of treatment. The distinction lies in being able to provide clients the opportunity to join with a counselor who holds a similar Biblical worldview. This dynamic provides clients with a sense of safety and trust in knowing that the discussions and interventions applied throughout the counseling process will account for, and be in line with their Christian faith. Furthermore, clients can explore how they can draw from and deepen their relationship with God as they evaluate their situation from a sound Biblical lens, all the while gleaning from the counselor’s clinical knowledge and experience.

Types of Christian Counseling

While there aren't necessarily any types of Christian counseling, there are multiple subcategories into which Christian counseling can be integrated such as psychotherapy, Christian psychology, Bible counseling, and Pastoral counseling. Each of these categories is very different and offers varying contributions to a person's life.

1. Christian Counseling With Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can incorporate Christian counseling. Psychologists or therapists may practice a form of Christian counseling if they are equipped with adequate experience to give spiritual advice. Some therapists may consider spirituality and religion to be important topics to discuss with clients, but some remain hesitant to cross that line. The decision to include religion in sessions must be determined by both the client and the therapist.

2. Christian Psychology

Christian psychology usually involves therapy sessions with a Christian psychologist. These psychologists are also referred to as integrationists because they seek to integrate Christianity into psychology. Christian psychology incorporates both psychological theories and theological approaches to talk therapy by using biblical concepts with psychotherapy practices. This form of psychology may also include a focus on the subject of God’s grace in that God forgives sins and offers His love.

3. Bible Counseling

Biblical counseling uses the Bible as a guide in counseling individuals as opposed to psychological theories. Content in the Bible is studied as an exemplification of virtuous acts.

Counselors attempt to connect its meanings to the present world and personally relate its content to an individual’s life. This form of Christian counseling is more so practiced in Protestant denominations within a religious setting or theological institution. 

4. Pastoral Counseling

Pastoral Counseling is counseling either provided by a pastor or by one who has received graduate credentials in ministry and counseling. It is similar to psychotherapy but takes place within a religious facility and focuses more on spirituality while also integrating psychology. Although Biblical counseling is only related to Protestantism, Pastoral counseling is more diverse and is a shared practice throughout Christianity.

The Role Responsibilities Of A Certified Christian Counselor

1. Provide spiritual assessments of clients

2. Provide spiritual support based on a Christian perspective

3. Assist clients with spiritual issues that may be affecting their healthcare status or conditions

4. Teach clients principles related to Christianity when issues come up regarding health care and health decision making

5. Participate with clients in prayer as requested by the clients and/or families

6. Provide spiritual assessment and support to health care professional staff when requested

7. Provide a common spiritual bridge for clients who are facing challenging issues with their health care and need support in decision making

8. Refer clients to appropriate clergy based on a defined assessment of the client’s spiritual needs

9. Provide spiritual support and education to client’s families when appropriate and requested

10. Assist clients by providing spiritual support and education when they are faced with issues related to death and dying

11. Be a liaison with the client’s church community when they are away from the community due to health challenges

12. Maintain ongoing education in spiritual practices and Christian counseling for professional development and continued competency in spiritual work and counseling

While the above highlights major role responsibilities, they are not exhaustive. The role is developed as the relationships with the clients are established and are based on the client’s needs and what the client and certified Christian counselor agree upon as appropriate and value-based for both parties. The role is always in dynamic development and is practiced with strong legal and ethical considerations at all times. The role is strongly supported by solid and sound spiritual and Christian teachings, principles, and philosophies.

Christian Counseling Techniques

Christian Counseling techniques will be similar to that of traditional therapy with the incorporation of Christian belief practices such as prayer and bible reading:

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) could be involved in Christian counseling with a therapist. This type of CBT is considered Religious Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (RCBT), which helps an individual process irrational thoughts about religious matters, such as feelings of guilt or religious doubt. In RCBT, religious concepts are used to facilitate healthier thinking and actions. The client is encouraged to utilize their religious beliefs to transform depressive feelings into a more positive view of the world. RCBT can also help with understanding your faith. It coincides with the notion of strengthening virtues such as hope, meaning, optimism, and purpose.  

2. Meditation

Meditation can be an impactful strategy taught during counseling that helps one to focus their attention on the grace of God and how He has blessed their life. It may also be combined with mindfulness techniques that teach how to be more in the present moment with God and feel a deeper connection with Him. Meditation also targets destructive thinking that may distract from a person’s relationship with God. Therapists often remind the client to not judge oneself for these thoughts but to acknowledge them and begin the process of understanding the thoughts a bit further. 

3. Prayer

Clergy leaders may engage in words of prayer before and/or after Bible or Pastoral counseling. During prayer, they can ask God for a successful session, as well as invite Him to provide spiritual guidance. Prayer is also used as a healing technique and meditation method that Christians believe allows them to communicate with God about burdensome circumstances. Prayer is a very sacred practice for those within the Christian faith that essentially connects believers to God. Through prayer, a person can speak words of praise, gratitude, and humility to God but also ask for protection, deliverance, and intervention within their life and the lives of others. Clergy leaders providing counseling may partake in prayer to encourage and uplift the client as well as help them feel the presence of God.   

4. Bible Reading

The Bible is used during Bible counseling as a learning tool for studying theology while relating its stories and philosophies to everyday life. It can also be utilized in other Christian counseling as a way of providing additional support to what is being discussed and worked on in counseling. Scriptures or chapters within the Bible may be referenced to clients as words of affirmation for encouragement. Christians also use the Bible as a way to connect to God since it is considered a guide that He left for believers to follow. The Bible is known to be a book crafted by God from collections of letters and books written by multiple authors throughout biblical times. It conveys lessons about God’s Will and uplifting messages.

Benefits of Christian Counseling

For those with Christian faith, some Christian counselors use biblical principles in their counseling techniques. However, you don’t necessarily have to be a believer to benefit from Christian counseling as its methods and principle interweave both sound psychological theories and faith.

If you’re in addiction recovery, Christian counseling can help you in many ways. When you believe that God, as your Higher Power, can help you get and stay sober, that faith combined with addressing your internal issues may be the thing that fuels you into recovery non-stop.

Here are 6 benefits that you can receive from Christian counseling:

1. Moral Values

Christian counseling promotes godliness, which is one of the virtues that come along with adopting positive values. You’ll get a clear understanding of Christian living as well as advice for living a righteous life. These go a long way in enabling you to live an addiction-free, fulfilling and enjoyable life.

2. Positive Relationships

Addiction typically drives people to stay in poor relationships and burn many bridges. Christian counseling will encourage you to be nicer to the people around you and foster more meaningful relationships. In this regard, Christian counseling focuses on both developing the person as well as promoting loving relationships with all people.

3. Forgiveness

Christian counseling emphasizes forgiveness, a major principle in the Bible. It helps you focus on healing any damaged emotions you may be struggling with by encouraging you to forgive both yourself and those who may have wronged you. Through your faith in the abundant love and grace of God, healing of your emotions can occur.

4. Community

The process of Christian counseling also introduces you to a community of like-minded believers. If you follow the Christian way of life, for example, you have the opportunity to attend Christian churches or a Christian 12-Step group where you can get together with those who feel the same as you. Surrounding yourself with people who are going through the same breadth of emotions and experiences can be helpful in recovery.

5. Love

Christian counseling teaches you about unconditional love. You learn that as Jesus loves everyone regardless of what they’ve said or done, you too can show others that same unconditional love. Through living in love, you can experience a more fulfilling life.

6. Hope

The Christian faith looks forward to a wonderful afterlife in heaven. There, you will know no pain and suffering—only love, joy, and peace. As you explore the possibility of life after death, it can give you hope for a beautiful life at the end of addiction.

What to Expect from Christian Counseling?

Christian counseling pulls from a variety of counseling methods – one of which is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). One of the main differences between Christian counseling and some of the more secular counseling approaches is that Christian counselors use a wide range of materials, tools, resources, and psychological techniques, including prayer, scripture, affirmation, bible study, self-auditing or self-evaluation to help you combat your “demons” (problems).

Contrary to most secular counselors and therapists, Christian counselors do not believe that secular counseling approaches adequately cover the range of issues a person may be experiencing. As a result, these counselors combine your spiritual health with your mental health.

In other words, Christian counseling focuses on your spiritual health, personal relationship with God, and the belief that with therapy, personal problems, mental health issues, and emotional distress can be replaced with increased self-worth and spiritual fulfillment.

Some of the things you should expect from Christian counseling include:

- Prayer, scripture, and other supplementary materials during the session and as homework assignments

- Family education & support

- Learning how to cope with serious life events like death or illness

- Learning how to make good judgment calls and decisions

- Referrals to other specialists – i.e. psychiatrists, social workers, and/or physicians, if needed

- Ceremonial preparations for couples who plan to get married and funeral services for families who have lost a loved one

The Effectiveness of Christian Counseling

Christian counseling is effective for spiritual enrichment, strengthening one’s relationship with God, and overcoming or managing mental health issues like depression.

 It also helps individuals in enhancing positive traits and feels a sense of purpose in life.

One study found that integrating a client's religion into therapy is just as (if not more) effective in treating depression than "secular treatments" for clients who have a designated faith.

Religion provides a set of beliefs that a therapist can use to help someone replace their own harmful thoughts. In this way, therapy centering on religion can help someone reduce their depressive thoughts and behaviors.

Clergy members can be effective in helping an individual manage depression or anxiety to an extent, but if symptoms persist or reach a certain severity, professional mental health treatment should be considered.

The Role of Prayer in Christian Counseling

Prayer is a part of our daily life and many of us regularly pray in our homes, workplaces, and cars, as well as in those places set aside for worship. But what is the role of prayer in Christian counseling? People use prayer as a way of connecting with someone bigger than themselves, irrespective of whether they have a relationship with God, or whether they simply claim to be spiritual. Some use prayer to find peace or forgiveness while others use it to help them cope with the daily demands of life. Prayer can also be a tool for people trying to deal with anger or other types of emotional challenges.

1. Where Does Prayer Begin in the Counseling Process?

The first challenge for Christian counselors is to develop a personal, powerful, and consistent prayer life in their daily walk. Such a prayer life, or the lack thereof, will directly impact their understanding, approach, and use of prayer in counseling.

2. When Should We Pray During Christian Counseling?

The question for a Christian counselor is not whether one should use prayer in a counseling session, but rather what direction such prayer should take, with which clients it should be used, and under what circumstances. In helping a  client to find and build the healthy sense of self needed for the healing of their relationships, the counselor needs to be careful to not use prayer as a coercive means to control the client. Likewise, the Christian counselor must be careful that the client does not use prayer as a mask to cover deeper issues. It is, therefore, essential that the client be open and willing to take part in prayer, and not be forced into participation. Of central importance are the comfort level of the client and the appropriateness of prayer in specific circumstances.

The following suggestions are things I find helpful in promoting this attitude of prayer throughout the counseling process:

- Pray Before the Counseling Session Begins: By regularly lifting your clients in prayer, you become connected to them, and your heart is opened to them before the counseling session begins. Moreover, you should not overlook the power of prayer, for as  Isaiah says, “How gracious He will be when you cry for help. As soon as He hears He will answer you.” (30:19)

- Pray Before the Client Arrives: Counselors generally take a break between sessions that they use to jot down a note, or perhaps grab a cup of coffee. In addition to this, it can be a help to the counselor and a blessing to the client to use this time to pray before each session. This allows the counselor to ask God to calm the hearts of all involved and to guide the coming session.

- Pray at the Beginning and End of the Counseling Session: Praying at or near the beginning of the session allows you to invite God’s presence, wisdom, and peace into the session. A closing prayer enables you to give thanks for God’s guidance and help during the session. This can be a time when clients renew their faith and hope, forgive one another, and gain encouragement from the Lord. By praying in this way, clients gain support as they work through problems, and are sent home knowing that the Christian counselor is committed to them and cares for them. This helps to challenge their sense of loneliness or seclusion, creates a rapport, and helps to build trust in the therapeutic relationship.

How Can I Find a Good Christian Counselor?

Choosing a Christian counselor can be difficult. Each person and each family is unique. One size doesn’t fit all!

Start with prayer

Ask the Lord to give you the insight to make this important decision with wisdom and discernment. The counselor you choose should be trained, qualified, and highly skilled. And they should also be a match for you in terms of personality, temperament, values, and basic beliefs. The Lord knows your situation, and He can lead you to the person who can best help you. Ultimately, it’s not the wisdom of man but the work of the Holy Spirit that heals.

Dig Deeper

Choose a therapist with three basic categories in mind: spiritual, professional, and practical. When you understand the importance of each one and ask relevant follow-up questions, you’ll be on your way to a worthwhile experience.

 

Sources:

AIHCP

How To Become

Very Well Mind

Impact Family

TCS

HC Edu

RPM Counseling

My Therapist

Sober Recovery

Honey Lake

Live Beyond

Counselling Directory

Christian Counseling

Seattle Christian Counseling

Focus on the Family

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.