Faith-Based Counseling

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 of my clients are looking for faith-based 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, and their belief in the power of prayer.

And I am not the only counselor who has noticed that people prefer to seek guidance from those who support, rather than challenge, their faith. In fact, 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%).

Tips for Seeking Faith-Based Counseling 

Just as no two people are alike, faith-based counselors or therapists can show up differently in their practice. When seeking faith based therapy, some things to consider is 

• How much experience do they have with your spiritual beliefs.
• How much religion is incorporated into their practice.
• The populations served.
• And psychological expertise.

When making such decisions, you need to decide what is the most important qualification you wish for your therapist or counselor to have. The most important thing is whether or not you feel comfortable talking with them.

My Role in Faith Based Counseling

As a faith-based therapist, I aim to holistically integrate the mind, body, and spirit of a person through integrating your spiritual beliefs into your journey. All faiths are welcome, but my expertise is in the Christian or Biblical faith. Please know that my role is not to impose my personal beliefs onto my clients. Instead my role is to incorporate their values and things important to them into treatment, whether it's spiritual or not. Also there is no pressure or requirement to include your spiritual faith in treatment. Some people prefer to solely focus on the clinical side, which can be done. The good news is that you get to choose the level of spirituality you wish to incorporate into your treatment! 

If you or someone you love is interested in exploring faith-based treatment, contact me. I would be happy to discuss how I may be able to help.