Faith-Based Counseling
Selecting the Right Faith-Based Counselor
If you or someone you love is interested in exploring faith-based treatment, I would be happy to discuss how I may be able to help. In my practice, all faiths are welcome.
Just as no two people are alike, no two faith-based counselors are alike either. They will differ on a few different things:
- How much religious training (if any) they have 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, while others focus solely on applying scripture to modern-day problems instead of social sciences.
You will also find that some faith-based counselors will be licensed by the state, and some will not. The reason for this is 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 on a spiritual level.
At the end of the day, you need to decide what is the most important qualification you wish your counselor to have. It’s a good idea to do some research and find local faith-based counselors in your area.
Get on the phone with them and ask some questions. The most important thing is whether or not you feel comfortable talking with them.
I'm available to answer any questions you have about how faith might be integrated into your therapy in a personal way.