Should You Consider Seeing a Christian Counselor or Not?
I am a Christian Counselor.
Let’s discuss five myths about Christian Counseling.
MYTH #1: A Christian Counselor has the ultimate goal of converting me to Christianity.
This is 100% not true. The purpose of Christian Counseling, as in all counseling, is to help clients gain personal insights, develop strategies and come up with real-life solutions to the problems and challenges they face in every area of life.
One of the first questions I ask a new client is why they came to see me and what their goal is for their time with me. From there I can start to develop a direction for our sessions and techniques to use to help clients reach their desired goals. My goal as a counselor is to use evidenced based techniques and tools that a client can use to address mental and emotional health concerns.
“Counseling is the bridge between where you are and where you want to be — built one honest moment at a time.”
MYTH #2: A Christian Counselor is harsh and will judge me for my lack of faith or religious beliefs.
The counseling environment is a NO JUDGEMENT SAFE zone! When a client comes in for counseling, one of my immediate goals is to establish a safe, non-judgmental environment, where they can express their feelings and thoughts freely. I do not expect clients to come in with a deep, lively, knowledge and execution of biblical truths in order to gain progress in their healing journey.
I meet clients where they are. If they are open to incorporating biblical truths into their healing process then that is done, if not, then I approach the session in a way that is comfortable and beneficial for their specific concerns. Christian counselors emphasize empathy, safety, and Christ‑like compassion. Their goal is to listen and support, not shame.
MYTH #3: Christian counselors just recite Bible verses instead of offering real help.
As a Christian, often times during sessions, a Bible verse will come to mind that is related to the issue at hand, however, I do not always verbally express it to the client. In our Counseling ministry (Balance 4 Life Ministries), we take the whole person into consideration when counseling.
We apply the 4 core values of mental, physical, spiritual, and social wellbeing – the keys to the simple balanced life. If the client is a Christian and open to faith-based applications, then I will share Bible verses or prayer. In Christian Counseling ‘real help’ based on evidence-based tools and techniques is applied during sessions.
MYTH #4: Christian counseling ignores mental health science.
Christians Counselors are licensed or Board-certified and have completed numerous hours of professional training in specific therapeutic, psychological, social techniques to support counseling client with emotional and mental health concerns. They are often also Pastors with extensive theological expertise that is incorporated into the above-mentioned training.
Most Christian counselors are trained professionals who integrate theology with modern therapeutic approaches. It’s not a rejection of psychology but a holistic approach to healing. A first-time client can always review these types of questions during the initial consultation.
MYTH #5: Only people with ‘big’ or extreme problems need counseling.
Counseling is for anyone who is believes they would benefit from personal growth, clarity and support. Although many people come to counseling due to crisis or trauma situations, It’s not just for those reasons.
Christians sometimes believe they should not experience any emotional or health problems if they truly were good Christians. That’s not true at all – needing help to weather emotional or mental health concerns is not a sign of spiritual weakness or failure. It simply means you recognize that you can be in a better place than where you are currently. Christian counselors are there to help.
I’m sure there are more myths out there, but these are five that I often hear.
If you feel the need to get counseling for growth, clarity, support, or just to talk through some things, don’t hesitate to consider a Christian Counselor. You can reach out me at Balance 4 Life Ministries. Make an appointment. We’ll have a session to see if we are a good match to proceed on the journey to your well-being.
“Healing takes time and asking for help is a courageous step.” Mariska Hargitay
Peace & Blessings to you,
Rooted & Renewed 
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