Frequently Asked Questions- Christian Counseling

Biblical counseling uses a Christian perspective and often does not require a formal degree to perform services, though many counselors do have degrees in either Biblical counseling or mental health counseling.  Biblical counseling uses an approach that incorporates all aspects of the Bible to produce desired changes and healing in a person through the Holy Spirit.  Biblical counselors who are not also licensed by their practicing state are not bound by a legal code of conduct or ethical guidelines.  

Secular counseling requires the clinician to be formally trained and licensed in the state in which they are practicing.  Secular mental health professionals are held to a code of ethics that require the use of evidence-based practices for treatment planning.  Secular mental health professionals also use a scientifically proven evidence-based practices.  Secular mental health professionals do not incorporate the Bible or Christian views into the therapy session unless specifically mentioned by the client as a consideration for cultural issues or concerns.  Secular clinicians will most often have the title of LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or other state specific titles indicating full licensure.  

While the views of others often differ, Christian Counseling is the perfect blend of Biblical and Secular Counseling.  Using the Bible as a life guide while incorporating the very scientific practices God has given us as tools allows for a more comprehensive approach to therapy. It is so important that the medical aspect of some mental health problems not be overlooked as we seek God in every answer.  We can absolutely pray for healing from everything life throws at us, but we can also do our parts to heal our brains with every resource made available.  

Absolutely!  God is the ultimate healer of everything that ails us.  God is capable and waiting for us to call out to Him for healing.  That does not alleviate us from our responsibility to seek Him in all that we do including mental health counseling services.  We do not bypass the doctor when we are having a heart attack, why bypass the therapist for mental health problems? 

The very nature of counseling/therapy is to help you recognize where you have been and where you want to be.  Undoing the stuck feelings of a sinful life and looking forward to the hope that Jesus has for your future is an essential part of what Christian counseling entails.  We live our lives like Jesus, not shying away or turning from the broken, but instead lifting you up and helping you to be restored to your God given potential.