Quick Answer
Christian counseling integrates evidence-based psychological practice with a Christian worldview. It is different from biblical counseling (which uses only Scripture and may not use clinical methods) and from secular therapy (which does not address faith). To find a Christian counselor: look for AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors) members, licensed therapists with stated faith integration, or ask your pastor for referrals. Seeking counseling is consistent with biblical wisdom (Proverbs 11:14).
Many Christians have questions about counseling — whether it is compatible with faith, whether a secular therapist can understand spiritual concerns, and whether they should see a pastor instead. These are good questions. The answers depend partly on what kind of counseling you are seeking and what your specific needs are.
What Christian Counseling Is
Christian counseling is professional psychotherapy practiced by a licensed therapist who integrates a Christian worldview into evidence-based practice. This typically means:
- The counselor uses clinically validated methods (CBT, trauma-informed care, etc.)
- The counselor's worldview and ethical framework are informed by Christian faith
- Spiritual concerns, prayer, and Scripture may be incorporated when appropriate and desired by the client
- The counselor can hold together both the clinical and spiritual dimensions of a problem
Types of Christian Counseling
Christian counseling / faith-integrated therapy — Licensed therapists who use evidence-based methods within a Christian worldview. This is generally what people mean by "Christian counseling."
Biblical counseling (ACBC) — Counseling that uses Scripture as the primary or exclusive resource. Practitioners may not hold clinical licensure. Best suited for primarily spiritual concerns; may not be appropriate for clinical conditions like severe depression or trauma.
Pastoral counseling — Provided by pastors or trained church leaders. Valuable for spiritual direction and support; not a substitute for clinical care when clinical care is needed.
Secular therapy with a faith-sensitive therapist — A licensed therapist who is respectful of faith even if they do not share it. Can be appropriate if a Christian counselor is unavailable.
How to Find a Christian Counselor
- AACC directory (aacc.net) — The American Association of Christian Counselors maintains a directory of member counselors
- Focus on the Family counselor network — focusonthefamily.com offers referrals to Christian counselors
- Psychology Today filter — Search by "faith/religion" in specialties; many therapists identify as faith-integrated
- Your church — Many churches maintain relationships with counselors they recommend
- Ask directly — When contacting a therapist, simply ask: "Do you integrate Christian faith into your practice?"
What to Expect
A first session typically involves the counselor gathering background information, understanding what brings you in, and explaining their approach. You should feel comfortable asking how they integrate faith, what methods they use, and what their experience is with your specific concern.
Good fit matters significantly in therapy outcomes. If the first counselor does not feel right, it is appropriate to try another. This is not failure — it is being a good steward of your mental health.
Is Seeking Counseling Biblical?
Yes. Several relevant passages:
"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."
Proverbs 11:14"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."
Proverbs 15:22God addressed Elijah's depression with rest and food before spiritual conversation (1 Kings 19) — a model of practical, physical care before spiritual direction. Using trained professionals for mental health care is consistent with the biblical value of wisdom and the Christian tradition of medicine as a gift from God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should Christians see a therapist or a pastor?
These serve different roles and are often complementary. A pastor provides spiritual direction, biblical guidance, and pastoral care — invaluable for spiritual concerns. A licensed therapist provides clinical treatment for mental health conditions. For clinical depression, anxiety disorder, trauma, or addiction, a licensed therapist is typically the appropriate primary care provider. For spiritual direction and discipleship, a pastor. Many people work with both simultaneously.
Is Christian counseling the same as biblical counseling?
No — they are different approaches. Christian counseling integrates licensed clinical practice with a Christian worldview and uses evidence-based methods. Biblical counseling (associated with ACBC) uses Scripture as the primary resource and practitioners may not hold clinical licensure. For clinical conditions, evidence-based methods are generally more appropriate; for discipleship and spiritual concerns, biblical counseling may be well-suited.