Faith-Based Counseling
Has your light become dimmer over the years? Are you struggling to find your true path and calling? Do you wish for guidance from a trained professional who will understand and respect that your number one priority is building a relationship with God?
If so, you are not alone. Many of our clients seek faith-based counseling that can heal the mind and the soul. They want to be able to not only discuss their issues but also openly discuss God, the Bible, and their belief in the power of prayer.
I am not the only counselor who has noticed that people prefer to seek guidance from those who support their faith rather than challenge it. In fact, according to a nationwide survey by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), 83% of Americans believe their spiritual faith and religious beliefs are closely tied to their state of mental and emotional health.
Three-quarters have stated that they must work with a therapist who integrates their values and beliefs into the counseling process. And more respondents said they would prefer to see a religious counselor (29%) than a psychiatrist (27%), psychologist (17%), or family doctor (13%).
Selecting the Right Faith-Based Counselor to Work With
Just as no two people are alike, no faith-based counselors are alike. They will differ on a few different things:
- How much religious training (if any) have they had?
- How much religion is incorporated into their practice?
- The populations they serve.
- Their psychological expertise.
Beyond this, some faith-based therapists aim to holistically integrate the mind, body, and spirit of people of all faiths. In contrast, others focus solely on applying scripture to modern-day problems instead of social sciences.
You will also find that the state will license some faith-based counselors, and some will not. This is because a state license prohibits a therapist from imposing personal beliefs onto clients. But a Christian faith-based counselor is free to speak openly and candidly about his or her faith with the client. And, while state-licensed mental health professionals are well-trained in emotional counseling, they aren’t necessarily trained to help heal spiritually.
It would be best if you decided on the essential qualification you wish your counselor to have. Some of our therapists have extensive training in theology, and others have life experiences that will guide their therapy.
If you or someone you love is interested in exploring faith-based treatment, please be in touch with me. We would be happy to discuss how we may be able to help. In my practice, all faiths are welcome.