Faith
Is This Christian Counseling?
Depends. Do you want Christian Counseling?
"I absolutely do not want any faith integrated into my counseling sessions," said my client to me three years ago. "Not a problem," I replied.
When I saw that client here recently, he said, "Chris, when I first looked you up, you ticked none of the boxes of what I wanted, but I thought I'd give it a try....I'm so glad I did because it worked and you respected my boundaries."
For those looking for Christian Counseling, which means we can incorporate faith into the session, keep reading to see what that looks like practically. For those who don't, we're here to help. Just let us know how by clicking the "Request An Appointment" at the top of the page.
-Chris Gill
What Does Christian Counseling Look Like?
First Off, We Don't Do Weird.
I've seen "Christian Counselors" do more harm than good sometimes. And I hate that. Saying "Just pray more about it" or "You have to have more faith" are common phrases of what I call malpractice.
Yes, faith is important to a Christian. It's foundational. However, I have rarely (if ever) seen someone's lack of faith be the barrier to a healthy mental state. Many folks who walk through our doors have prayed their hearts out and still feel discombobulated.
Therefore, we don't do that. For Christians, the Bible speaks to mental health a lot! Both in the Old and New Testaments. In the book of Philippians, Paul pretty much lays out what modern psychologists call Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These modern psychologists believe they discovered a new modality in the 20th century, but I argue it's been around for quite a while.
What Tools Do You Use When Integrating Faith?
If You Don't Do Weird, What Do You Do?
We utilize a lot of tools that people find helpful for themselves. This isn't a one-size fits all approach.
Meditation
Some people find meditation helpful. Modern psychology calls this "grounding," but the practice has been around quite a while.
Scriptures
Using holy texts is helpful for others. We will help you understand the evidence-based techniques modern researchers rely on, which can also be found in religious scriptures.
Prayer
Prayer can be important for some clients. There are folks who ask us to say a short prayer at the end of the session to close out our time. For those clinicians who are comfortable doing this, that may be an option at your request.
At the end of the day, we will only incorporate what you want or request for the session.
Will Therapy Align With My Denomination?
You're Leading The Way
Absolutely. Because we're not teaching you doctrine or preaching at you. Our trained clinicians simply guide you through the use of questions (cognitive challenging) and encourage you to share what a verse means to you or ask you how you felt following a time of meditation at home.
The work that we do is meant to encourage and inspire you. Not shame you or condemn you. Hundreds of clients have found this methodology helpful, and research has shown that incorporating a person's faith into a session leads to faster progress and greater change within them.
You Are In Charge
Let Us Know What We Can Do To Help.
At the end of the day, you are in charge. Is there something you like that we are doing and want more of? Tell us! We'd be glad to receive the feedback and incorporate more. If you feel like we're incorporating too much or too little faith in the session, tell us! We love when you advocate for yourself and can say what you like and what you don't like. Our counselors have thick skin; it comes with the job. So be honest. We're here to serve you and meet your needs.
Are Your Therapist Theologically Trained?
Yes & No
All therapists are bound by a code of ethics instituted by the licensing board. There are limitations on what we can do, and one of those is to stay within our scope of practice. That's why many therapists utilize your faith and beliefs and do not project or even share their beliefs with you. Because it's irrelevant. Therapists who do not have theological training are encouraged to refer out to your spiritual mentors, such as a pastor or other clergy member.
We do have members of our staff who are extensively theologically trained and may be equipped for deeper conversation, but even then, we recommend that such conversations be reserved for your spiritual leaders.
