LIBERTY UNIVERSITY JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
What Is Faith-Based Counseling?
A Paper Submitted to
the Faculty of the School of Divinity
in Candidacy for the Degree of
Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (Ed. D) Department of Christian Leadership and
Church Ministries
By
Mary Gracias
Lynchburg, Virginia
7/2022
What Is Faith-Based Counseling?
Faith-based counseling is counseling or therapy that involves a spiritual and/or religious
approach. Dependent upon the education and skill-base of the provider, the approach might be
entirely religious/spiritual, or it might incorporate and integrate secular psychological theories
and interventions as well.
Core Concepts of Faith-Based Counseling
Spirituality
Spirituality refers to a personal connection with a higher power, energy, divinity and/or
consciousness, which can provide a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in one’s life.1
Religion
Religion refers to an organized and shared set of beliefs, values, and practices that guide an
identifiable religious community in their quest to deepen their spirituality.1
Counseling vs. Psychotherapy
Understanding the differences between counseling and psychotherapy can be confusing
because of the potential overlap, and due to the fact that these terms are often used
interchangeably. In the broadest sense, counseling can refer to providing information,
education, guidance, coaching, advice, and/or supportive listening.
Individuals who use the title of “counselor” in these contexts, are not required to be
licensed by the state, and thus do not have to meet minimum educational or clinical
requirements. In some cases, however, “counseling” might refer to professional counselling or
psychotherapy. Individuals who are professional counselors or psychotherapists will have
completed at least a Master’s degree and a supervised clinical internship in a mental-health
related field (e.g., clinical counseling, counseling psychology). They must also meet state
licensing requirements to provide these services.2
Biblical/Christian Counseling
Biblical counseling is a type of faith-based counseling that is more common among
conservative Christian religions. These counselors adhere to the belief that biblical knowledge is
both necessary and sufficient to provide the framework and foundational knowledge needed to
allow them to counsel their fellow Christians.3
Pastoral Counseling
Pastoral counseling refers to guidance and counsel offered by religious leaders (e.g.,
priests, rabbis, imams, gurus, etc.). Some pastoral counselors will have had one or two
counseling courses as part of their religious training. Others will have completed dual degrees
in both religious studies and in the counseling field. The former tend to work in religious
settings and are not required to be licenced by the state. The latter, in addition to working in
religious settings, will often also work in community settings and will be state licenced to
provide professional counseling and psychotherapy.2,3
Faith-Based Psychology, Professional Counseling or Psychotherapy
Faith-based psychology refers to professional psychologists who integrate spirituality or
religion into their clinical work. These psychologists have completed doctoral level studies and
are licensed to provide services within their state. Within this group are a subset who identify
as Christian Psychologists.
Christian psychologists focus primarily on the underlying psychology of the Bible and other
Christian texts and use this to guide their clinical practice.3 Likewise, faith-based professional
counselors or psychotherapists have completed the education and training required for state
licensing, and integrate their faith and spirituality into their clinical practices.
What Are the Goals of Faith-Based Counseling & Who Determines that Goal?
The goals of faith-based counseling will be determined by the client in conjunction with
their counselor.
Some of these goals might include:
Making sense of suffering and challenges in one’s life
Learning how to use spiritual or religious interventions to deepen one’s faith and
increase coping skills
Finding purpose or meaning in life
Identifying religious or spiritual values to help to guide life decisions and choices
Learning how to forgive others or oneself, and how to ask for forgiveness
Connecting or reconnecting with a religious community
What Can Faith-Based Counseling Help With?
Faith-based counselling can help with:
Spiritual and religious concerns, including religious abuse
Interpersonal challenges (e.g., marriage, couple, or family issues)
Finding meaning and purpose
Making important life decisions
Improving and maintaining physical, emotional, and spiritual health
Reducing distress and symptoms caused by mental illness
Providing a sense of belonging and connection
Offering hope
Who Is Faith-Based Counseling NOT Right For?
It will be important that those who seek services from a faith-based counselor or therapist
are aware of the approach of the provider of those services, to ensure they fit with their own
spiritual or religious values and goals.
There are times when faith-based counseling might not be right for a person, a couple, or a
family. Some situations might be beyond the scope of certain faith-based counselors (i.e., those
who are not specifically licensed to practice as mental health professionals), and additional
specialized care might need to be activated.
Some examples could include cases in which clients are dealing with symptoms of:
Psychosis
Schizophrenia
Bipolar Disorder
Severe Depression and/or Anxiety
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Active suicidality
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Furthermore, if a faith-based provider is aligned with religious or spiritual beliefs that
believe that mental illness is a result of sinfulness or a lack of faith, this could add an additional
burden to a client who is already suffering. Likewise, members of the LGBTQ+ community who
are looking for support might connect with a faith-based counselor who further stigmatizes
them based on religious or spiritual tenets, which could cause greater harm.
