If you’ve been thinking of starting counseling, I’d like to offer you a word of encouragement and a dose of preparation. As a therapist, I’ve had the incredible privilege of helping many people find freedom and healing from things they thought they would carry to their grave. As much as I’d love to tell you that it’s a quick and painless process, I would be doing you a disservice. Why? Imagine this: every time you experienced pain, heartache, suffering, or hardships, you took a marble and tucked it neatly under the rug in your brain’s living room-stick with me for a second- you’ll see it. So you put one marble under there and guess what? No harm, no foul, right? No one can see it and it’s out of the way. Now fast forward a year or two… maybe three decades. Your rug is now perched precariously on top of a mountain of marbles. Oops.

So, yes, it’s going to take a bit of time and effort to clean all of the marbles out from under the rug, but when you do, you’ll be wondering how you carried that weight around for so long. But does that mean to run to the first counselor you find and call it a day? Not quite. As a believer you understand that we were all crafted uniquely with our own gifts and strengths. Counselors are no exception. Some counselors will be calm and gentle while others are more energetic and direct. Some will focus heavily on your upbringing while others will look more at the here-and-now. This means that not everyone is going to be a good fit for you because you are also a unique person who has your own preferences. You might find that the first counselor you start working with isn’t a good fit. That’s okay! A competent counselor is going to understand that their style is not going to mesh with every person who walks in their door (or logs into their virtual therapy room). That being said, there are some distinctions that may help you understand which kind of counselor to see.

What’s Unique About Christian Counselors

Christian counselors offer a unique blend of traditional therapy techniques and Christian beliefs. They provide a holistic approach to dealing with mental health issues, personal challenges, and spiritual questions. If you have been walking with the Lord, you would probably say that faith is the center of your life. Your decisions, relationships, and beliefs are shaped by your faith. Working with a Christian counselor means you don’t have to explain or justify any of those things. You can be confident that your counselor won’t just nod along while you describe your faith, but they will share and value your beliefs.

**A good Christian counselor will use the same technical methods as secular counselors while incorporating biblical principles and spiritual discernment.**
**This helps ensure that the counseling is both effective and in tune with your faith**.

But what about their training and experience? Let's delve into the main types of counselors, their credentials, and what they are equipped to help with.

Pastoral Counselors

Pastoral counselors are ordained clergy members with specialized counseling training from a seminary or theological school. Their deep-rooted knowledge of the Bible and theology often comes from years of pastoral work making them perfect for tackling issues like marital problems, grief, and spiritual crises within the church.

Licensed Counselors

If you are looking for someone to help with physiological issues such as anxiety, perfectionism, depression, or trauma, you will want a licensed therapist. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) all hold a master's degree, have had thousands of hours of supervision within their fields, passed state licensing exams, and are required to continue their education even after becoming licensed.

Clinical Psychologists

Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in psychology, with further training in theology or pastoral counseling for those focusing on Christian counseling. They focus largely on research and assessments for psychological disorders but many also offer psychotherapy (counseling).

So, how do you choose the right Christian counselor for you?

You unique needs will determine which one is best for your current season of life. If you need spiritual support, consider pastoral counselors. For mental health issues, LPCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, or clinical psychologists with a Christian focus may be a better fit.
Remember, it's important to find someone who makes you feel safe and comfortable, offering psychological support infused with biblical guidance for your healing and growth journey.

In the end, it’s about finding someone you can feel safe and comfortable with.

Christian counseling can offer a unique mix of clinical, biblical, and practical support. Knowing the different levels of training and experience can help you choose the right counselor to meet your needs, ensuring you get help that aligns with both your mental health and spiritual beliefs.

If you're looking for more resources, grab my free guide on nurturing your mental health as a Christian woman. Grab it here! And for daily encouragement and tips, follow along on Instagram @WonderChristianCounseling.

(P.S. If you're in Texas and seeking therapy, I offer free consultations - check it out here!)

While I am a licensed therapist, this post is for informational purposes only and may not be suitable for your specific situation. It should not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here are not intended to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, or diagnosis. Always consult with your physician or a medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

What is a Christian Counselor?