What is “Christian Counseling”? Common Myths and Truths

If you’ve ever wondered whether Christian counseling is just “therapy with a Bible verse” or pictured someone quoting Scripture while you sit on a couch nodding politely, you’re not alone. There are plenty of myths floating around about what it is, and what it isn’t. The truth? Christian counseling is a thoughtful blend of faith and evidence-based counseling practices, designed to care for your heart, mind, and spiritual life in a real and practical way. Let’s clear up the confusion, bust a few myths, and talk about what Christian counseling actually looks like.

Here are some common myths about Christian Counseling:

Myth: Christian Counseling means my therapist will try to convert me to being a Christian in therapy

Truth: This is absolutely not the case. The purpose of therapy is to provide you the tools, insight, and support that you need to address your challenges, overcome life’s obstacles, and grow into the person you want to be. In your very first session, your therapist will work with you to help you identify your personal goals for therapy, and will identify a plan for how to help you get there. Our role as clinicians is to equip you with evidence-based tools therapeutic techniques to address your emotional and mental health concerns.

Myth: Christian Counseling means I have to talk about religion with my therapist, even if I don’t want to

Truth: Nope! Your therapist will never force you to talk about anything you don’t wish to talk about. That includes your personal history, your political beliefs, and your religious beliefs, as well as anything else you do not wish to share with us. Therapy is for you, not for us, so you are always in the driver’s seat about what topics are open and which topics are off-limits. If there is ever anything you don’t wish to discuss with your therapist, (for example, if you don’t ever want us to talk about your mother-in-law or your underwater basket-weaving hobby), simply let us know and we will honor that!

Myth: Christian Counseling means my therapist will judge me for not being a Christian, or for having different beliefs

Truth: When you come to see us for therapy, you are first and foremost our therapy client. That is a very special relationship that inherently comes with something we call, “unconditional positive regard”. We see you first as a person who has been through struggles, and who is being brave and bold and coming to therapy to get help and support. Judgment has no place here <3

Myth: Christian Counseling is the same as Biblical or Pastoral Counseling

Truth: Biblical or Pastoral counseling is generally provided by a staff member of a church (think preacher, pastor, elder, shepherd, etc) and is centered around scripture. The purpose of this type of counseling is to primarily utilize a scriptural lens to look at challenges you may be facing. Common questions you may ask in this setting are, “What does scripture say about this issue?”, or, “How does Jesus recommend we respond to this type of situation?”

In Christian Counseling, the therapist will use a therapeutic lens to look at the challenges you are facing, and will ask you questions from the therapeutic modality they are using. Christian Counseling is simply counseling provided by a therapist who is Christian, and who is able to integrate scripture and faith conversations into your counseling if you request it.

Think of it like ordering a burger from a menu: Standard counseling is like ordering a number 3 and getting only exactly what comes with that item. The burger is still delicious and will fill you up, just like it is designed to do. Requesting Christian Counseling is like adding bacon to your burger. You still get the number 3 with everything that comes with it, but you also get an extra flavor profile that can enhance your burger. You don’t have to add bacon if you don’t want to, but for those who would like to, a Christian Counselor is able to add faith-based conversations and a shared knowledge of scripture and love of the Lord to your counseling if you request.

Myth: Christian Counseling is stuffy and judgmental

Truth: Christian Counseling is like bacon.