Pondering the basic principles of Christian counseling at Christian Counseling Centers?...
Pondering the basic principles of Christian counseling at Christian Counseling Centers? In the face of life's profound challenges, such as personal, health, financial, and relationship issues, Christian counseling offers a steadfast faith-based approach that can be transformative when guided by the right principles. Rooted in biblical principles and Christian beliefs, this counseling method provides hope and joy amidst despair and misery. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking spiritual growth and guidance, whether through pastoral counseling or Christian psychology. While not a rigid set of rules, these counseling principles are designed for general application, encouraging individuals to seek skilled Christian counselors for personalized advice. Emphasizing cognitive behavioral therapy and biblical counseling, Christian counseling supports mental health challenges and spiritual development, highlighting the benefits of Christian counseling in aligning one's life with Christian faith and religious beliefs.
Most Christian counselors at various Christian counseling centers who also often double as pastors sometimes wonder what are the best principles to adhere to while counseling people? They don't want to talk too much and at the same time, they want to relate with the person to be able to come off as being able to solve their problems through the guidance of Jesus Christ. So what exactly are the basic principles of Christian counseling? Christian counseling means the process of identifying problem points of people in need of help and the psychological use of God's word in applying solutions to the situations of such people. It is aimed at having a stronger commitment toward one's relationship with God and helping an individual to help overcome his problems. Certain principles must be incorporated by experts at Christian counseling centers to faithfully present the sincerity and solace in God's word to individuals to offer help to their problems and hope to their lives.
Understandably, many Christian counseling centers don't want to come off as too churchy and less humanly inspirational and want to be more practical. However, the Bible is the sole guide on how people, especially Christians should align their thoughts and behaviors. The Holy book is the only truth. Thus, during Christian counseling, it is very important to make the word of God the base of all counsels and a strong point of reference. The counsels that are being given must be biblical and come from the Holy Bible as it is God's own words and it is sufficient, necessary for all teachings and rebuilding. It is intentional and repairs the life of the counselee completely. Christian counseling is aimed toward healing our hurts, and therefore it is important to make whoever is being counseled acknowledge that their life is flawed and only the wisdom of God and His words can provide the diagnosis and treatment, that is, solutions to their life problems.
The principle of total acceptance should not be underestimated in the process of Christian counseling in various Christian counseling centers. Many people seek Christian counseling because they want to be happy in their lives, they want to function better and improve their situations. Therefore, it is important to wholly accept the patients with their conditions and whichever state they may be in either psychologically, physically, or economically.
Christian counseling centers should make it a sacred principle of initiating positive thoughts in their counselees through honest and positive self-talk. Your self-talk can either harm your happiness and joy or uplift you and promote your life. Most people who are being counseled are usually fond of the habit of being hard on themselves and that way, they lower their self-esteem. Therefore, during Christian counseling, it is very much desired to make the people learn how valuable they are in the eyes of God and encourage positive and active self-talks.
Christian counseling is usually used in proffering solutions to different issues which at times include serious and deep relationships and marriage issues and even chronic addictions. It is more advisable to keep Christian counseling sessions done in open places and not necessarily in the public where such sessions may be interrupted or brought to an abrupt end by bogus distractions. An open place, may mean an area with enough openings of windows and doors and not shut away from the seeing public or better still a completely open space with few people at a reasonable distance who can't constitute distractions to the Christian counseling sessions. This is important because it is unethical for a male Christian counselor to have a counseling session with a lady in a completely secluded place shut out from the public or alone room and probably start opening up to you about herself and her marital life problems and gradually you take the place of her sole confidant and you start bonding with each other in emotional ways. This can lead to sexual sins and has most of the time led to marriages being broken and the downfall of many Christian counseling centers. Therefore, it is important to maintain purity at all costs and respect the sanctity of spirituality and marriages, and other related relationships.
During Christian counseling sessions, a Christian counselor in the process of talking to people will begin to get intimate details about their lives and it is almost very possible to come across some very sensitive information. Because of this, it is important to maintain the sacred client counselor's privilege; however, it is important to note that it is unethical to promise total or absolute confidentiality to a client. Promising a total of absolute confidentiality puts a Christian counseling expert in a tight position of either reneging on your promise or breaking the law. This is because there are some situations where some information was given by a client no matter how sensitive, you may professionally deem fit to let the family of the counselee know.
Such instances include where a counselee discloses a pending action of carrying out self-harm such as suicide. It is important to bring their family into the knowledge of such action to maintain a "round-the-clock" check on such a person. Similarly, when a client divulges an intention to harm someone else or informs you of the existence of heinous criminal acts such as molesting of kids and related abuses, it is important to let the law enforcement agencies be aware of this so that necessary actions would be taken against such menace. Therefore, at the beginning of each Christian counseling session, it is important to reiterate that as a counselor, you are dedicated to keeping the contents of your counseling sessions confidential from people who do not need to know about them. That way you leave the door open that if there is any need to share the information you can do so honestly and lovingly in the best interest of the client and that way you won't be promising complete or absolute confidentiality.
The highlighted principles above are foundational to Christian counseling, setting the stage for transformative and impactful sessions across various Christian counseling centers. These core counseling principles, deeply intertwined with Christian beliefs and biblical principles, offer a pathway to spiritual guidance and growth. If people consider weaving together pastoral counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy, Christian counseling can present a distinct fusion of talk therapy and theological concepts that foster spiritual well-being. Many Christian counselors adeptly incorporate evidence-based psychological techniques within the counseling process, ensuring that therapy sessions are not only effective but also resonate with a Christian perspective. Unlike secular counseling, this approach prioritizes spiritual growth and well-being, offering individuals a profound opportunity to strengthen their connection with their faith and achieve personal transformation.
Five Principles of Effective Biblical Counseling - Lifeway Research
https://pccca.org/should-you-become-a-life-coach/
https://www.therapytribe.com/therapy/christian-counseling/
https://www.clarkssummitu.edu/2019/05/28/8-things-you-can-do-with-a-degree-in-christian-counseling/
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
Start by understanding your worth as God's creation. Then, strive to maintain your integrity, express yourself honestly and respectfully, forgive and respond to evil with good, and rely on God's strength and wisdom in conflicts. These principles can guide you in various situations—whether at work, school, home, or in your community.
Jesus reminded His followers that they might face persecution for standing up for righteousness (Matthew 5:10-12). But He also promised blessings and rewards for those who endure. Therefore, do not fear standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
The Bible encourages us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). This means expressing our feelings and needs honestly but respectfully, without resorting to harmful words or actions. Prayer, wisdom, and guidance from the Holy Spirit are also crucial in such situations.
No, standing up for oneself does not conflict with Christian humility. Humility involves recognizing our dependence on God and others, not devaluing ourselves. It's possible to maintain humility while asserting our dignity and rights.
The teaching of turning the other cheek is about responding to evil with good, not avoiding conflict. It encourages non-retaliation and forgiveness. However, it doesn't mean allowing persistent injustice or abuse.
