Christian Counseling Help

Professional counseling services are helpful to anyone experiencing a difficult time. However, Christians seeking this type of professional help may prefer to find Christian counseling help instead to offer clinical and spiritual guidance based on biblical principles. These specialized counseling services are becoming more popular among faithful Christians searching for faith-based help dealing with emotional issues.

The Difference Between Christian and Traditional Counseling

• Both traditional and Christian counseling services focus on helping others overcome their problems to become happy, health, well-adjusted individuals, mentally and emotionally.

  Where Christian counseling differs is that it adds another dimension. According to the International Association of Biblical Counselors, instead of focusing only on psychologically integrated systems, Christian counseling professionals use biblical counseling to help fellow followers of the faith discover areas within their lives where they may be disobedient to the principles and commands of the scripture. Christian counseling focuses on helping a patient submit to God's will.

What Issues Does Christian Counseling Address?

• Many of the problems people seek Christian counseling help for are the same ones you'd see a traditional counselor for. Marriage and family issues, depression, anxiety, addictions, sexual abuse and eating disorders are commonly addressed.

Choosing a Qualified a Counselor

• In order to benefit from any type of counseling, it's important to choose qualified professionals. Christian counselors receive formal education and training in counseling and the Bible. Most have a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, sociology or religion. Some obtain a master's or doctoral degree, although it is not a requirement. Obtaining continuing education is encouraged. Depending on state requirements, a counselor may need to obtain a license to practice. Christian counselors receive certification to provide therapy based on Christian values

Including Scripture in Treatment

• Christian counselors rely on the same skills from counseling and psychology that traditional counselors do when treating their patients. The twist is in their recognition that the Bible is the final authority in treatment, not psychology.

  A major goal of Christian counseling is to help patients continue to seek biblical truth in their daily lives. Biblical scripture is seen as truth, and counselors believe that when a person knows the truth, believes and obeys it, they will be free of many mental and emotional afflictions.

Counseling Costs

• Those seeking Christian counseling help will find that many churches, agencies and professionals strive to keep services affordable, so everyone can get the help they need. Insurance may not cover the expense. Many churches, agencies and private professionals provide services base on subsidized sliding-scale fees determined by a person's need and income.