Christian Counseling

What is Christian Counseling?

Christian Counseling, or what some call Biblical Counseling, is simply when a counselor uses the Bible as the foundation for truth and understanding within the therapy process. All forms of treatment and techniques used during a Biblical therapy session are measured and understood based on what the Bible teaches.

In this type of counseling, traditional counseling techniques are used in conjunction with spiritual direction methods. Assessment, goal setting, diagnosis, treatment planning, implementing interventions, and discharge procedures are all part of the treatment process.

You do not have to be a Christian to receive Christian Counseling. I only offer it upon request.

The Bible is one of the leading books of wisdom throughout history. Even if a person does not believe the truth of the Bible, we know that its ideals and wisdom of it are effective and positive for daily living.

Why go to a Christian Counselor?

The obvious reason to go to a Christian Counselor would be to see a therapist with a similar faith as you or to work on spiritual concerns in your life. However, there are other reasons having a Christian therapist can be important. Research suggests that, in many cases, spirituality is a key factor in whether or not therapy is successful.

In the past, therapists have traditionally not included questions about spirituality in their intake questionnaires or when asking about a client’s history. Since research suggest the importance of spirituality in therapy, more therapists are beginning to ask about spirituality in their intakes.

Christian therapists have traditionally included spirituality in their counseling sessions. The very nature of Christianity is based on Jesus’ nature to be non-judgmental, loving, and gracious. Your spirituality matters. As a Christian, it informs everything you do or say. Thus, going to a Christian therapist helps you stay focused on what should be driving your behavior, thoughts, and emotions.

How does a Christian Counselor conduct a session?

As a Christian, my worldview centers around Christian values and the Bible. My faith and the Bible guide my actions. Christianity is about love, compassion, and hope. Jesus’ message was one of salvation, hope, and love.

Even when I am not providing Christian Counseling, I will relate to you from a Christian perspective (ie, with love, respect, compassion, honesty, integrity, and positive encouragement) due to that being my worldview. All of us have a world view and we tend to see everything through the lens of our world view.

A Christian therapist will see things through a Christian worldview and help you realign to that lens as the therapy progresses. The goal is to align your beliefs with your behavior. I try to help you first determine what you believe and process your understanding of Christianity. Then I try to help you see how your current behavior, thoughts, or actions either align or contradict those beliefs.

If they contradict, it is hard to live in this contradiction. You will need to correct it to be able to be more healthy and feel more grounded. We as Christian counselors work to help you find unity between your beliefs about Christianity and your choices.  

As I work, I provide a non-judgmental therapeutic environment, because I want you to feel safe and open to exploring life, your beliefs, and your choices freely and without threat. The Bible says to “take the plank out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Only God has the right to judge people.

I also do not evangelize people. Evangelizing is not a therapeutic intervention. However, I do use Biblical references to help inform our work together. This allows for the truth of the Bible and the Christian faith to be seen, and for open discussion about your beliefs.

In essence, Christian counseling is conducted in the same way as any other counseling session with the understanding that the basis of truth is the Bible, and the Bible is used to help inform your beliefs and decisions to bring unity between your choices and beliefs.

Would counseling from a Christian perspective help me?

Every person struggles with something. Are you tired? Do you feel frustrated with the way you are living? Are you concerned about your spiritual life? Do your choices seem to be wrong or not helping you succeed? Are you bored or numb to life? Christian Counseling can help you find helpful, inspiring answers and meaning in your life. 

In Christian Therapy I offer help in spiritual direction.  I help you regain spiritual strength and motivation. As a Christian, I believe Jesus is the best therapist a person can have. There is so much guidance, truth, and wisdom in the Bible for your life. As a Christian Therapist, I believe that Jesus uses me as his tool to help others learn to trust his counsel and live better and with more love.