How do I choose a good Christian counselor/therapist?
In order to understand Christian therapy or biblical counseling, it is important to know a bit
about its history. Psychotherapy is usually associated with Sigmund Freud or Carl Rogers.
However, Christians generally view the theories behind psychoanalysis as unbiblical and thus
unhelpful in therapy. In the past 50 years, Christians from various professions have sought to
bridge the gap between psychology and the Bible. The pioneers of Christian therapy wanted no
association with man-made theories. Today, however, many Christian counselors have found
some value in the science of research, therapeutic technique, and sociocultural studies. However,
the useful parts of these theories are given different weights in a biblical worldview.
There are Christian counselors today with opposite approaches to counseling. There is nothing
inherently sinful about psychological treatment methods, even if they were invented by those
who disbelieve the Bible. Counselors who don’t believe that the Bible has much to say about the
practice of therapy are not seeing the problem through God’s perspective. On the other hand,
counselors who do not believe that psychology has a place in therapy are missing the value of
studying the most complex being God made: the human. Most Christian counselors agree that
the Bible is the foundation for understanding the mind because God made the mind. The Bible
proclaims itself to be sufficient for everything we need, and counseling is no exception (2 Peter
1:2–4; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16–17).
Does a Christian really need a “Christian” counselor or “Christian” therapist, or can he just go to
any counselor—much like he goes to a doctor for a broken leg? The difference between
therapeutic counseling and treating a broken leg is that counseling is designed to minister to our
souls. Yes, our outward lives and emotional pains are motivations to seek counsel, but ultimately
it is our souls that are in peril. Therefore, we are best served by a Christian counselor because a
believer will have the truth from God, which cannot be replaced by man-made philosophy.
Secular psychology is a band-aid solution to a terminal illness. The band-aid serves a purpose
and is helpful for a time, but only the salvation of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit can cure
what truly ails the soul. A counselor who is led by Jesus can use the Bible alone, the Bible and
psychological literature, or psychology alone to help a client. The key ingredient is Jesus. He is
the healer. He is the medicine for all of life’s trials and troubles (Psalm 103:3).
Unfortunately, a counselor may have a desire to counsel biblically but not be equipped to
counsel. It is important to examine credentials. Did he go to a university or get a certificate
through another type of organization? What are his beliefs about God? It is helpful to ask the
counselor about his education and how he intends to use Scripture in his practice. Another
important trait of an effective and equipped counselor is the ability to listen and empathize. He
can be knowledgeable of Scripture and therapeutic techniques, but if he doesn’t listen well, the
client won’t feel helped. Lecturing a client is rarely therapeutic. The counselor must be interested
in learning about the client in order to help repair what is broken or strengthen what is weak.
To choose a counselor, start with prayer and commit to follow where the Lord leads. Second,
find a trusted pastor or a church that emphasizes discipling its members. Another possible source
of help can be professional counselors who specialize in biblical (or nouthetic) or Christian
counseling. Secular counseling can be helpful, also, if it is done in conjunction with (and not in
lieu of) biblical discipleship.
There is no perfect Christian counselor or Christian therapist. Counselors are human and are
therefore sinners. To help choose Christian or biblical counselors, these questions are helpful: Do
they listen well? Do they know how to empathize? Do they understand how the Bible applies to
a situation? Do they give both positive and critical feedback? The counselee should feel the
counselor is “for” him or her, in the sense of being an ally against a problem.
Small support groups of positive, safe, biblically wise people are also helpful for growth; of
course, participating in a support group requires honesty and vulnerability. A humble surrender
to the Lord and time spent seeking Him are central to healing. Study the Word personally and
pray, because only the Holy Spirit can produce spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). On the road to
recovery, keep your eyes on Jesus and keep moving toward the end of the race (2 Timothy 4:7;
Hebrews 12:1).
