You  might be wondering what is Christian counseling and is it any different  from regular counseling? This answer can be a bit more complex and vary  from therapist to therapist, but the short answer is yes, Christian  counseling is different from just typical counseling. In modern day  psychology, there is now an understanding and general acceptance that  human beings have a spiritual side to them and there is something more  to this world than what can be seen and heard. The biggest difference  between typical counseling and Christian counseling has to do with what  is often referred to as a higher power and the role this plays in the  overall therapeutic treatment. Unlike  secular counseling, which focuses solely on mental and emotional  health, Christian counseling addresses the whole person — mind, body,  and spirit — through the lens of faith.

In Christian counseling, the higher power is understood and accepted to be  the triune God (God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the  Holy Spirit). Therefore, the advice that is given in therapy is inline  with Biblical values and morals. In Christian counseling, an integration  approach is often used as well. Counselors will often use both Biblical  values and various therapeutic methods. As long as the therapeutic  methods do not contradict what is expressed in the Bible, the approach  is acceptable and welcomed into the therapeutic process.The  integration of faith and therapy allows individuals to address their  struggles within the context of their spiritual beliefs. This  combination can provide a sense of purpose, hope, and peace as they work  toward healing. This type of counseling acknowledges that faith is not  always easy. It recognizes the complexities of life and encourages  individuals to seek God’s guidance and strength through difficult times. Prayer is also something that can be incorporated into the therapeutic approach if the client desires this.

In  fact, there are dozens of therapeutic modalities that can incorporate  Biblical values. Here are a few common examples of therapeutic  modalities that can be used in an integrated approach, Cognitive  Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT),  Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS),  Motivational Interviewing (MI), Eye Movement  Desensitization and  Reprocessing (EMDR) and Child Centered Play Therapy. There are dozens of  other approaches that can incorporate Christian counseling values.

Here  at LR Clinical, Christian counseling is something that is never forced  upon clients. The client always has full determination of what they wish  their therapist to include in their therapy process. We have many  clients of various faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds. We will never  turn away a client based on having different beliefs.