What is Christian counseling or therapy?
Professional Christian therapy does not adequately describe the theories or techniques that Christian counselors use, rather it describes their worldview. As a Christian therapist I am held first to God's commandments and His truth in both my knowledge of therapy and actions. As a licensed professional I am familiar with many theories and techniques but use only those I believe are congruent with the word of God. I will not use a technique in counseling that I believe would be displeasing to God. The BEST psychology has always been in the Bible. Practically speaking, working with issues of faith depends on the client. Some of my clients prefer to pray at the beginning or conclusion of their session. Others don't. If I am working with another Christian, I sometimes use examples, illustrations or metaphors from Scripture. I will only talk about faith with a client if they are open to it or ask specifically. Many of my clients have already seen their pastor for counseling and are seeking help from a therapist to work on specific relational/emotional issues. Although I was trained in a seminary, my clients hire me as a professional therapist. Unfortunately, many who come for help have had hurtful experiences with the church, pastors or other Christians. It would break my heart if I later learned a client repeated that experience with me, and thus always consider the needs of the client and to the best of my ability meet them there.
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