Although there is a variety of definitions of Christian Counseling, but,
there is one that sums it up in a nutshell. According to Garzon (2011),
"Christian spirituality focuses on cultivating an intimate relationship with
Jesus Christ that progressively transforms one's values, a sense of
purpose, beliefs, and lifestyle in the context of a faith community." In
order for Christian Counselors to be effective, they must have a personal
relationship with Christ to fully understand and comprehend the nature of
God before trying to counsel someone else biblically. It's the individuals
faith in the Lord that would move mountains. Garzon (2011) found that in
the Christian realm, "90% of the US believe there is a God, more than 80%
live according to their faith, and 85% identify themselves as Christians." In
contrast, in the mental health sector, Garzon explains the findings of
Delaney, Miller, and Bosono, which showed the major difference in
percentages of mental health counsels who identify themeselves, has
faith, or consider to be a part of another religion. For instances, "only 46%
of clinical psychologist view themselves as Christians, 38% endorsed other
religion, and 16% views themselves as agnostic, atheists, or had no faith"
(Garzon, 2011). The only way for Christian Counseling to be effective
everything has to be based off the Truth which the Word of God
(Scriptures). Its the Word that transforms the individuals mind and heart.
When the counselee has the understanding that they can't do it alone, the
reason why Jesus did what he did on the cross, and also have the
understanding on why God has to be apart of their suffering will bring
them a sense of peace and hope to their situation. When God is in the
midst of our suffering then there is hope and when he's not then hope
seems to be lost. The Word of God says All things work together for the
good for those who Loves the Lord and are called according to his purpose
(New King James, Romans 8:28). The highlight in that scripture is "For
Those Who Loves the Lord" without the transformation of the mind and
heart in the Lord we won't have the peace, joy, or hope that we are
looking for. With all that said, a secular therapist using spirituality in
counseling with a Christain client is a good thing but will not be effective
if the counselor doesn't have a relationship with God. It will take the
guidance of the Holy Spirit to help the counselor in the counseling process
in how to handle and counsel the Christian client. If the secular therapist
doesn't have the full understanding of the scripture, understands God's
nature, or has personally experienced God then he or she can easily
misguide the Christian client in the wrong direction. The Word of God
says, "trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own
understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct you
paths (New King James, Proverbs 3:5).
Garzon, F., L (2011). Spirituality in Counseling. Liberty University: Faculty
Publication and presentations
The Holy Bible (2013). New King James, Proverbs 3:5: Thomas Nelson
The Holy Bible (2013). New King James, ROmans 8:28: Thomas Nelson
