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. It focuses on the navigation of spiritual concerns and everyday life struggles encountered by Christians.

Someone may decide to receive Christian counseling if they are seeking spiritual advisory. This form of counseling may be considered valuable to those already within the Christian faith hoping to gain further guidance, as well as those searching for a greater understanding of the religion itself.

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, or priest.

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. 

Types of Christian Counseling

While there aren't necessarily any official types of Christian counseling, there are multiple subcategories in which Christian counseling can be integrated, such as psychotherapy, Christian psychology, biblical counseling, and pastoral counseling. Each of these categories are all very different and offer varying contributions to a person's life.

Christian Counseling With Psychotherapy

It's possible for psychotherapy to incorporate Christian counseling. A psychologist or therapist (who usually identifies as Christian themselves) 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 still remain hesitant to cross that line. The decision to include religion in sessions must be determined by both the client and therapist.

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. 

Biblical 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 the Bible's 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. 

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.

Techniques of Christian Counseling

Christian counseling techniques will be similar to that of traditional therapy, but with the incorporation of Christian belief practices such as prayer and bible reading.

Specifically, Christian counseling can incorporate the following approaches.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used in Christian counseling with a therapist. This type of CBT is called Religious Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (RCBT), which helps an individual process irrational and unhelpful thoughts pertaining to 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 negative and harmful 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.  

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 themselves for these thoughts but to instead acknowledge them and begin the process of understanding the thoughts a bit further. 

Prayer

Clergy leaders may engage in words of prayer before and/or after biblical 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 circumstances that are burdensome. Prayer is a very sacred practice for those within the Christian faith that essentially connects believers to God.

Through prayer, a person is able to 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.   

Bible Reading

The Bible is used during biblical 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 or 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 pertaining to God’s Will and uplifting messages. 

What Christian Counseling Can Help With

Christian counseling can be helpful in addressing conditions and life concerns such as those mentioned below:

• Spirituality
• Self-esteem
• Stress
• Chronic Illness
• Depression
• Anxiety 
• Anger
• Grief 
• Relationships
• Marriage
• Divorce 
• Domestic violence 
  

Benefits of Christian Counseling

Religion and spirituality are both associated with greater mental and physical well-being. This means it can be beneficial for some people to engage in religious or spiritual practices and seek spiritual guidance for mental health challenges as well as additional life concerns.

Integrating religion into psychotherapy is correlated with more positive traits, such as gratitude and optimism, which are linked to less depressive feelings.

Overall, investing in spiritual growth can add great advantages to a person’s life, and a Christian counselor may aid in the development of spiritual well-being.

Effectiveness

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 own harmful thoughts. In this way, therapy centering on religion can help someone reduce their negative and hurtful 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.

Things to Consider

Christian counseling can be a complex matter. It is important to be clear in your expectations of what you hope to receive from Christian counseling, because some may have different ideas of what it is than others.

You should also keep in mind that not all therapists discuss religion in sessions. If you want to incorporate this type of counseling into psychotherapy, search for a Christian therapist and inquire about Christian counseling.

It’s possible that, if you want to receive a more theological approach to counseling, what you are looking for is in fact biblical or pastoral counseling. In this case, your search would be geared towards a clergy leader or minister rather than a licensed mental health professional.

How to Get Started

If Christian counseling seems like something that you are interested, here's what you can do to get started.

Decide Exactly What Type of Counseling You Have in Mind

Remember that Christian counseling can have various subcategories, so it’s important to identify what kind of counseling you’re interested in. If it seems like biblical or pastoral counseling is what you’ve been looking for, then contact a church or religious institution that can give you the right information.

Maybe you’re considering Christian counseling with a therapist. If so, search for a Christian clinician. For those who already have a psychologist, discuss adding religion and spirituality into your sessions. If your therapist doesn’t do Christian counseling, they may be able to point you in the direction of a therapist better suited for your needs. 

Search for a Counselor or Therapist

If you currently do not have a therapist and want to find one that will incorporate Christian counseling, you can browse the internet for online or in-person therapy. An online therapy directory is a good place to start - often, you can filter your search on a directory for a therapist who provides Christian counseling or who identifies as a Christian.

Consult with your primary care physician or other health professionals, or contact your insurance provider to find therapists specifically in your network. 

Expect to Tap Into Spiritual and Emotional Subjects

Talking about these topics may feel awkward at first but will eventually be easier to open up about. You don’t ever have to share information you are not comfortable discussing. Your counselor will try to go at a pace best for you and they should always approach your feelings with patience and sensitivity.  

Have an Idea of What You Hope to Gain From Counseling

Be prepared to potentially be asked during your first session what you want out of your therapeutic experience. The counselor will create the best plan for your sessions, but they will need a little understanding of why you decided to begin counseling. Together, you both can contribute to your progression.