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FAQs:
What is Christian Family Counseling?
Christian Family Counseling is a type of therapy that focuses on family dynamics and meets with the family together at each session. A therapist meets with the family as a whole and implements the use of assessments, talk therapy, and clinical skills. The therapist will help to grow the family into stable functioning that brings glory to the Lord.
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.
Why Do Christian Families Need Counseling?
Families are not immune to the strains that life and mental health can place on individuals. The unit of the family is affected by each individual and all the experiences they have separately and collectively. This can be seen in families who have members suffering from mental illnesses, families who walked through external hardships, or families that have walked through a divorce. There are a myriad of reasons that bring families to counseling as they look for ways to strengthen their bonds and heal their communication skills.
Christian families are essential. The structure of the family was designed by God to accomplish His will and bring Him glory. It is through the family, I believe, that He brings restoration and abundance to the Christian culture once again. As families are restored, personal relationships are restored. It is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, to love one another well. This is first seen in the family. Because we learn and model what we have been taught, often our first glimpse of loving others is through family relationships. This will not be a perfect picture for anyone and will never be before the Lord returns. However, it is our duty as Believers to steward our family relationship well and grow with one another in our relationship with God.
Will Christian Counseling Benefit Me?
Christian counseling may be most beneficial for Christians and those who have a strong faith or spirituality – although you don’t have to be religious or spiritual to benefit from this therapeutic counseling approach. Anyone – religious or non-religious can partake in Christian counseling. If you struggle with grief and/or relationship problems, and can no longer cope with these issues alone, Christian counseling will most likely benefit you.
In addition, if you have a strong faith and belief in God, this type of therapy will most likely benefit you because it centers on biblical teachings. The hope is that by sharpening your knowledge of the Bible, strengthening your connection with God, and understanding God’s commandments, you will be able to turn your life around and conquer your problems.
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 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.
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.
Does Christian Family Work?
Yes, it does. Christian family counseling can resolve many of the issues modern families are facing. But like in every problematic scenario, active involvement on the part of each member is necessary for the best results. However, if this is not possible, it should not be a hindrance for the others who wish to be healed of their hurts.
Do We Meet Separately or as a Group?
The counseling sessions are more effective if everyone is together as members can voice opinions right there and then, and sincerity and love can be seen and felt. But it still depends on the circumstances. Sometimes there may be individual meetings for some members if they are not yet ready to face the group. Your counselor knows how to best handle the situation.
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.
Do Children and Teens Really Benefit from Christian Family Counseling?
Yes, they do. Issues in the family usually have a direct effect on the children. Though the child or teen might not voice it out, something within has changed and is having negative effects on their behavior.
The Christian family counselor will speak directly to the child or teen to determine how the family problem is impacting them. As a neutral party, young children and teenagers are usually able to open up, knowing that what they say will be kept confidential. Should the child need individualized attention, as he or she may be dealing with other issues, the counselor may recommend Christian counseling for children or Christian counseling for teens.
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.
How Did Christian Counseling Begin?
The root of Christian counseling lies within biblical accounts. Jay E. Adams, the founder of the Biblical Counseling Movement, discussed this faith-based approach to treating mental health conditions, relationship/adjustment issues, trauma, emotional distress, abuse, addiction, etc., in his novel, Competent to Counsel.
This approach was quite controversial because it differed from the more popular therapy approaches of the time. But, by the late 1960s and 1970s, this new form of counseling took off only to later become one of the most popular therapy options for Christians, and those who want to include their faith in the therapy process.
In 1968, the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation was formed to provide present-day and future Christian counselors with guidelines on how to properly treat those seeking a faith-based therapy approach.
It is important to keep in mind that counselors not only have to adhere to the fundamental values and beliefs of the Bible, but also follow the guidelines and ethical rules of the law, DSM-V, and the APA (American Psychological Association).
Goals of Christian Family Counseling
1. Grow and strengthen the family unit and help them work together to build better communication and connection.
2. Provide constructive, loving ways to resolve conflict, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional bonds between family members.
3. Encourage positive interactions between parents and children that enable them to better understand each other and communicate in a way that promotes respect and growth.
4. Equip parents with tools for effective parenting and conflict resolution.
5. Encourage and strengthen your faith and relationship with God, and achieve spiritual maturity.
Issues And Concerns Christian Family Counseling Can Help With
1. Determining family roles, rules, and goals when both parents are not on the same page.
2. Conflicts between parents and children.
3. Troubled relationships among family members.
4. A child who is strong-willed, rebellious, has a learning disability, and/or a physical or mental health issue.
5. A fractured family.
6. A crisis of faith.
7. Difficulty living connected to God.
8. Marital and/or financial problems that are causing stress and conflict.
9. Impact of substance abuse, chronic health issues, or mental illness within the family.
10. Communication problems.
11. Blended family, step-parenting, or co-parenting issues.
12. Sibling rivalry.
13. Trauma and/or abuse.
14. Setting boundaries and establishing priorities.
15. Family transitions such as moving, career changes, or the death or loss of a loved one.
16. Conflicting discipline and parenting styles.
17. Addiction to electronics and social media.
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.1 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.1 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.
Techniques of Christian Counseling
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 a Family Counseling Session
A family counseling session will last from 45 minutes to an hour. It will begin with an “assessment.” This will allow the counselor to gather information about the family and assess what would be best moving forward. Depending on how old the children in the family are, the counselor may ask to see the parents first and the children separately. The counselor will want to see the family all together, but initially, it may be better to gather the information from the family without little children present. This is based on the preference of the counselor, so do not be afraid to call ahead and ask who should be present at the first session. The counselor will be able to tell you what they feel will be best.
The counselor may have paperwork for you to fill out before you come in, this will allow you to have more time with the counselor during the session. To prepare, it will be best if you are ready with the papers before the session. As parents, you may want to sit down with your children and explain what counseling is or what to expect. It may be helpful to remind each family member that honesty with the counselor will be key to seeing change while in family therapy.
Each counselor has a different style, just like parents have different parenting styles. Some may be more structured and have each family member talk at certain times and some may be more relaxed and want to evaluate how the family interacts normally without placing limits on talking per person. It will vary greatly. This is good. It means that counselors are not one-size-fits-all and there is a counselor that will work best with your family.
Counselors range in price. Many counselors are able to file for insurance. Depending on your insurance, the co-pay will range from free to having to pay the full amount. It is best to contact your insurance to see what your mental health benefits would be and if there is a cap on the number of sessions you can have. Many counselors also offer what is called a “sliding scale” that allows families who may not be able to afford counseling to come in at a lower cost. If able to pay for a counseling session, it is ideal to find the best fit of a counselor for your family over the “cheapest” option. The payment option should be made clear to you before the family goes into the session.
How Christian Family Counseling is Delivered
Given below are some ways through which Christian Family Counseling is delivered:
1. Prayer
The counselor may guide the family in prayer and teach them how to pray. He may also encourage them to make prayer a regular part of their family life. This can help family members feel more connected to God and develop a deeper sense of trust and faith in His plan for their lives.
2. Scripture reading
The counselor may recommend Bible passages or devotionals for the family to read together and discuss. This can help family members understand the teachings of the Bible. Moreover, they can know how they apply them to their lives, as well as promote discussion and reflection on important spiritual topics. Scripture reading with children can instill faith and spirituality in them.
3. Faith-based exercises
The counselor may assign exercises that are rooted in faith. Such as writing down prayers or reflecting on how a particular Bible verse relates to their lives. These exercises can help family members develop a deeper understanding of their faith.
4. Encouragement
The counselor may encourage the family to attend church together. They may also encourage them to join a Bible study or small group, or participate in other faith-based activities. This can help the family feel more connected to their faith community. Moreover, it can provide them with opportunities to learn, grow, and serve others in the name of Christ.
5. Modeling
The counselor may model spiritual practices and behaviors in their interactions with the family. This can include demonstrating how to pray and sharing personal stories of faith and redemption. It may also include modeling a Christ-like attitude of love, forgiveness, and compassion.
What Christian Family Counseling Teach
Christian family counseling teaches several important principles and practices, including:
1. Forgiveness
Christian family counseling teaches the importance of forgiveness in relationships. This helps to resolve conflicts and establish better relationships as well. For example, the counselor may teach family members how to extend grace to one another, and when to seek forgiveness sincerely.
2. Faith and Spirituality
It emphasizes the role of prayer and faith in overcoming challenges and finding peace. For example, the counselor may teach family members how to pray together, how to trust in God’s plan for their lives, and how to lean on their faith in difficult times.
3. Setting boundaries
Christian family counseling teaches families the importance of setting healthy boundaries around issues. Such as screen time, communication, and conflict resolution. For example, the counselor may teach family members how to set limits around cell phone use during family time, or how to agree on a set of guidelines for healthily resolving conflicts.
4. Prioritizing quality time
Christian family counseling promotes the value of spending quality time together as a family, and how to make this a priority. For example, the counselor may encourage family members to schedule regular family activities, such as game nights or movie nights, to strengthen family bonds and promote positive relationships.
5. Personal responsibility
Christian family counseling teaches families the importance of taking personal responsibility for their thoughts, feelings, and actions. For example, the counselor may teach family members how to recognize negative thought patterns, and how to practice self-care and self-reflection.
6. Gratefulness
It emphasizes the importance of gratefulness in all family members. For example, the counselor may teach family members to be grateful to God in all circumstances. They may also help to recognize their blessings and look at the positive side of their life.
7. Underlying issues
Christian family counseling teaches families the need to address any underlying mental health or addiction issues that may be impacting the family dynamics. The counselor may help with other health professionals or resources to help family members address these issues and promote healing.
How to Find a Christian Family Counselor Near Me
There are several ways to find a Christian Family Counselor in your area. First, it is suggested that you contact your local church. A referral from a pastor or trusted church member means that they are sending you to someone they have “vetted” and sent others to as well.
The second way is to contact your insurance and see who is in-network as a provider. This can be tricky considering not all of your insurance's referrals will be Christian, but it can narrow down the list so that as you sift through you are able to see which counselors conduct therapy from a Christian viewpoint and accept your insurance.
Third, do some research! Let reviews online guide you to a counselor that has experience and success. Do not be afraid to ask around. It is better to know at least one referral for your counselor than to pick someone blindly.
Know that once you find a counselor, if you do not feel like it is a good fit for your family, you can change counselors. Give time for the relationship to grow and the counselor to learn, but if they are not a good fit then there is a counselor out there that will be the best fit. It is okay to switch around. A professional counselor will want you to find success even if it is not with them.
Sources:
California Christian Counseling
Los Angeles Christian Counseling
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.
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