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 definitely not alone. More and more clients are looking for Christian counseling that can heal the mind and the soul. They want to be able to not only discuss the issues they are having but also openly discuss God, the Bible, prayer, and the intersection faith and their problems.

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 it's important for them to 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 Christian Counselor to Work With

Just as no two people are alike, no two Christian counselors are alike either. They will differ on a few different things:

• How much theological training (if any) they have had.
• How much theology is incorporated into their practice.
• The populations they serve.
• Their psychological expertise.

Beyond this, some Christian therapists aim to holistically integrate the mind, body, and spirit, while others focus solely on applying Scripture to modern-day problems instead of social sciences.

You will also find that some Christian 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 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 Christian 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.

If you or someone you love is interested in exploring faith-based treatment with one of our counselors, please schedule a free consultation today!