What is Christian counselling?
Christian counselling is a form of counselling that integrates Christian beliefs and principles with traditional techniques. It recognises the importance of addressing not only the psychological and emotional aspects of a person but also their spiritual wellbeing.
The goal of Christian counselling is to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach that takes into consideration the mind, soul, body and spirituality of individuals, ensuring that no aspect is forgotten or neglected in the counselling session.
What is the difference between Christian counselling and biblical counselling?
Christian counselling often combines established therapeutic approaches with Christian beliefs and values. Biblical counselling typically places greater emphasis on scripture and biblical teachings. However, approaches can vary between practitioners, so it is worth asking how faith will be incorporated into sessions.
What are the principles of Christian counselling?
Some Christian counsellors may explore themes such as forgiveness, mindfulness and faith alongside established therapeutic approaches, depending on the client's needs and preferences. However, many other techniques and approaches are also used when the counsellor works integratively.
So, what theories and techniques do Christian counsellors usually use? Although there may be a level of subjectivity regarding the counsellor’s personal style and approach to their practice, below is a list of theories and therapy styles that are often used. Each section includes an example of some questions a counsellor may ask their client in the context of Christian counselling.
The questions below are examples of topics a Christian counsellor might explore with you. The questions and approaches used will depend on your individual needs, beliefs and preferences.
Person-centred therapy
Person-centred therapy is a humanistic therapy approach that is non-judgemental, providing a supportive, honest, and empathetic environment to help personal growth.
Example questions: What matters most to you? How does your faith influence your sense of purpose and personal growth?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) explores how thoughts, feelings and behaviours influence one another. It can help people recognise unhelpful thinking patterns and develop more balanced ways of responding to difficulties.
In some cases, you might experience feelings of inadequacy. A Christian counsellor might remind you that you are loved unconditionally, so there is no need to 'perform' in order to gain God’s approval. This approach, combined with some others, can be particularly helpful when dealing with low self-esteem.
Example questions: How does your faith influence the way you see yourself? What personal strengths could you draw on when facing difficulties?
Existential therapy
Existentialism is all about existence and the meaning of life. Existential therapy helps people confront anxieties in life, finding meaning in the here and now.
Example questions: What gives your life meaning? How does your faith influence your sense of purpose?
The purpose in a man’s mind is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.
– Proverbs 20:5
Narrative therapy
Narrative therapy is an approach that helps clients reframe their life stories by focusing on their values, strengths, faith, beliefs and goals. Christian counsellors might integrate, if appropriate, biblical narratives to help you understand your past from a Christian perspective.
Example questions: How do you make sense of this experience? Has your faith influenced the way you understand it?
Psychodynamic therapy
A psychodynamic approach looks at how things that happened in the past (and thoughts that we’re not aware of) affect the way people behave and relate to others.
Christian counsellors might integrate some spiritual perspectives, such as exploring the impact of sin, forgiveness, and redemption. They may also look from a non-judgemental viewpoint at what happened in the past and the consequences of what is happening today in the client’s life on psychological functioning. Dreams can also be explored to tap into the subconscious.
Example question: How do you think your past experiences influence your relationships and beliefs today?
Solution-focused therapy
Solution-focused therapy is about looking for solutions rather than dwelling on problems. It is goal-oriented while using the client’s gifts, knowledge, and talents.
Christian counsellors may focus on hope. Hope is an important theme in Christianity as it will encourage the client to see issues from a different perspective. This may help clients explore their concerns from a different perspective and identify possible ways forward. Your counsellor may explore how faith can offer reassurance and support. Prayer may be offered if the client wishes. This can help the client leave feeling encouraged, with a sense of hope and something to look forward to.
Example questions: What has helped you overcome difficulties in the past? What strengths or sources of support, including your faith, could help you move forward?
Transactional analysis (TA)
Transactional analysis focuses on analysing and understanding how people interact and communicate with each other. The Christian counsellor may emphasise the importance of healthy relationships through honesty, forgiveness, and spiritual growth.
Example questions: How do you perceive your relationship with God, and how does it impact your relationships with others? Can you identify any unhealthy patterns of communication or behaviour that may be hindering your spiritual and emotional growth?
Attachment-based approaches
Attachment-based approaches explore how early relationships and experiences may influence the way people connect with others. They can help clients understand patterns in their relationships, build trust and develop a greater sense of security.
Example questions: How has your understanding of God’s love and grace shaped your understanding of attachment and forgiveness? Do you feel secure in most of your relationships?
What can a client expect from working with a Christian counsellor?
Christian counsellors are not all the same, but generally speaking, clients should expect the following when working with a Christian counsellor:
- a respectful, compassionate and non-judgemental approach
- space to explore emotional, personal and spiritual concerns
- an approach tailored to their individual needs and beliefs
- opportunities to discuss faith or scripture, if appropriate
- prayer only if they wish to include it.
If you're considering Christian counselling, you can explore counsellor profiles on Counselling Directory to find someone whose approach suits your needs and beliefs.
Further support
This page was written in August 2023 by integrative Christian counsellor and supervisor Christel Ceraline (MACC Accred, Supervisor NCIP).
