Christian counselling is a type of therapy that integrates traditional talk therapy methodologies with Christian belief practices by incorporating theological concepts.
It focuses on the navigation of spiritual concerns and everyday life struggles encountered by Christians.
Someone may decide to receive Christian counselling if they are seeking spiritual advisory. This form of counselling may be considered valuable to those already within the Christian faith hoping to gain further guidance, as well as those searching for a greater understanding of the religion itself.
Christian counselling can be embedded into one’s usual sessions with a counsellor if this arrangement has been discussed with the client and mental health professional. It can also be administered by a spiritual leader such as a pastor, minister, or priest.
Religious counselling has been conducted by spiritual advisors for centuries, but it wasn't introduced into psychotherapy until more recently. Ironically, the history of psychology actually began with theology. Since most Canadians identify themselves as having a religious affiliation, a large portion of which are Christian, it is important to have the opportunity to receive Christian counselling.
Types of Christian Counselling
While there aren't necessarily any official types of Christian counselling, there are multiple subcategories in which Christian counselling can be integrated, such as psychotherapy, Christian psychology, biblical counselling, and pastoral counselling. Each of these categories are all very different and offer varying contributions to a person's life.
Christian Counselling with Psychotherapy
A psychologist or therapist (who usually identifies as Christian themselves) may practice a form of Christian counselling if they are equipped with adequate experience to give spiritual advice.
Some therapists may consider spirituality and religion to be important topics to discuss with clients, but some still remain hesitant to cross that line. The decision to include religion in sessions must be determined by both the client and therapist.
Christian Psychology
Christian psychology usually involves therapy sessions with a Christian psychologist. These psychologists are also referred to as integrationist because they seek to integrate Christianity into psychology.
This form of psychology may also include a focus on the subject of God’s grace in that God forgives sins and offers His love.
Biblical Counselling
Biblical counselling uses the Bible as a guide in counselling individuals as opposed to psychological theories. Content in the Bible is studied as an exemplification of virtuous acts.
Counsellors attempt to connect the Bible's meanings to the present world and personally relate its content to an individual’s life. This form of Christian counselling is more practised in Protestant denominations within a religious setting or theological institution.
Pastoral Counselling
Pastoral counselling is counselling either provided by a pastor or by one who has received graduate credentials in ministry and counselling. takes place within a religious facility and focuses more on spirituality while also integrating psychology.
Although biblical counselling is only related to Protestantism, pastoral counselling is more diverse and is a shared practice throughout Christianity.
Techniques of Christian Counselling
Christian counselling techniques will be similar to that of traditional therapy, but with the incorporation of Christian belief practices such as prayer and bible reading.
Christian counselling can incorporate the following approaches.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
Can be used in Christian counselling with a therapist. This type of CBT is called Religious Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (RCBT), which helps an individual process irrational and unhelpful thoughts pertaining to religious matters, such as feelings of guilt or religious doubt.
In RCBT, religious concepts are used to facilitate healthier thinking and actions. The client is encouraged to utilise their religious beliefs to transform negative and harmful feelings into a more positive view of the world. RCBT can also help with understanding your faith. It coincides with the notion of strengthening virtues such as hope, meaning, optimism and purpose.
Meditation
Meditation can be an impactful strategy taught during counselling that helps one to focus their attention on the grace of God and how He has blessed their life.
It may also be combined with mindfulness techniques that teach how to be more in the present moment with God and feel a deeper connection with Him.
Meditation also targets destructive thinking that may distract from a person’s relationship with God. Therapists often remind the client to not judge themselves for these thoughts but to instead acknowledge them and begin the process of understanding the thoughts a bit further.
Prayer
Clergy leaders may engage in words of prayer before and/or after biblical or pastoral counselling. During prayer, they can ask God for a successful session, as well as invite Him to provide spiritual guidance.
Prayer is also used as a healing technique and meditation method that Christians believe allows them to communicate with God about circumstances that are burdensome. Prayer is a very sacred practice for those within the Christian faith that essentially connects believers to God.
Through prayer, a person is able to speak words of praise, gratitude, and humility to God but also ask for protection, deliverance, and intervention within their life and the lives of others. Clergy leaders providing counselling may partake in prayer to encourage and uplift the client as well as help them feel the presence of God.
Bible Reading
The Bible is used during biblical counselling as a learning tool for studying theology while relating its stories and philosophies to everyday life.
It can also be utilized in other Christian counselling as a way of providing additional support to what is being discussed and worked on in counseling. Scriptures or chapters within the Bible may be referenced to clients as words of affirmation or encouragement. Christians also use the Bible as a way to connect to God since it is considered a guide that He left for believers to follow.
The Bible is known to be a book crafted by God from collections of letters and books written by multiple authors throughout biblical times. It conveys lessons pertaining to God’s Will and uplifting messages.
Benefits of Christian Counselling
religion spirituality is both associated with greater mental and physical well-being. This means it can be beneficial for some people to engage in religious or spiritual practices and seek spiritual guidance for mental health challenges as well as additional life concerns.
Integrating religion into psychotherapy is correlated with more positive traits, such as gratitude and optimism, which are linked to less depressive feelings.
Overall, investing in spiritual growth can add great advantages to a person’s life, and a Christian counselor may aid in the development of spiritual well-being.
Effectiveness
Christian counselling is effective for spiritual enrichment, strengthening one’s relationship with God, and overcoming or managing mental health issues like depression.3 It also helps individuals in enhancing positive traits and feeling a sense of purpose in life.
One study found that integrating a client's religion into therapy is just as (if not more) effective in treating depression than "secular treatments" for clients who have a designated faith.
Religion provides a set of beliefs that a therapist can use to help someone replace their own harmful thoughts. In this way, therapy centred on religion can help someone reduce their negative and hurtful thoughts and behaviours.
Clergy members can be effective in helping an individual manage depression or anxiety to an extent, but if symptoms persist or reach a certain severity, professional mental health treatment should be considered.
Things to Consider
Christian counselling can be a complex matter. It is important to be clear in your expectations of what you hope to receive from Christian counselling, because some may have different ideas of what it is than others.
You should also keep in mind that not all therapists discuss religion in sessions. If you want to incorporate this type of counselling into psychotherapy, search for a Christian therapist and inquire about Christian counselling.
It’s possible that, if you want to receive a more theological approach to counselling, what you are looking for is in fact biblical or pastoral counselling. In this case, your search would be geared towards a clergy leader or minister rather than a licensed mental health professional.
Decide Exactly What Type of Counselling You Have in Mind
Remember that Christian counselling can have various subcategories, so it’s important to identify what kind of counselling you’re interested in. If it seems like biblical or pastoral counselling is what you’ve been looking for, then contact a church or religious institution that can give you the right information.
Maybe you’re considering Christian counselling with a therapist. If so, search for a Christian clinician. For those who already have a psychologist, discuss adding religion and spirituality into your sessions. If your therapist doesn’t do Christian counselling, they may be able to point you in the direction of a therapist better suited for your needs.
Search for a Counsellor or Therapist
If you currently do not have a therapist and want to find one that will incorporate Christian counselling, you can browse the internet for online or in-person therapy. An online therapy directory is a good place to start - often, you can filter your search on a directory for a therapist who provides Christian counselling or who identifies as a Christian.
Expect to Tap into Spiritual and Emotional Subjects
Talking about these topics may feel awkward at first but will eventually be easier to open up about. You don’t ever have to share information you are not comfortable discussing. Your counsellor will try to go at a pace best for you and they should always approach your feelings with patience and sensitivity.