by Cheryl Scott

Created on: August 31, 2009   Last Updated: October 05, 2009

Christian counseling is different then 'regular' counseling in that the Christian faith is utilized in the sessions. In 'regular' counseling the therapist may specifically refrain from discussing God, or biblical principles and how they would apply to your marriage. In Christian counseling the therapist will generally use biblical standards of marriage that are set forth in scripture. Pros and cons of Christian counseling exist.

Pros for Christian counseling would include the option of praying in the session. Some Christian counselors will begin and end their sessions with a prayer. It may be for some couples that taking the focus of themselves for few minutes and pay tribute to their creator. These moments could service to calm the couple and set the mood for a constructive session based on the principles of love set forth in scripture. Reminders of vows taken and other responsibilities and duties of their faith may service as deeper inspiration to give their marriage an additional try.

Cons against Christian counseling would be the fact that there is actually no standard for the practice set forth by any licensing board. Counselors who provide 'Christian Counseling' are providing purely their own individualized brand of counseling. How much of the session is guided by religion versus how much by science is an individual decision based upon the belief system the counselor holds, as opposed to any set of standards. Another con against Christian counseling is the widespread idea that the counselor, being 'Christian', would hold higher morals and values then the 'regular' counselor. This may or may not be the case.

If you do chose Christian counseling, you should first ask some questions of your counselor before committing to long term therapy. The first question you will want to ask the Christian Counselor is what is their own personal definition of 'Christian Counseling'. See if you like what they say. See if their answers stir up more questions. Further, ask the Christian counselor what is their personal religious belief system. One 'Christian Counselor' may be a Jehovah's Witness, while another may be a Catholic. In that example neither counselor will likely help you if you are Baptist. You should be a match in basic religious beliefs.

Other questions of your counselor should be about their license and the modalities of therapy that they use. Some counselor use cognitive therapies while others are psychoanalytic. Be sure that your counselor is experienced in marital therapy as well as family therapy if you have children. Consider a consultation appointment in which you ask most of the questions. Be sure you are first and foremost comfortable with the therapist and feel they can be non biased between the issues of you and your spouse.

Any good licensed counselor should balance personal beliefs with science. Good 'Christian Counseling' provided by a reputable licensed mental health professional should provide a modicum of structure and a minimal treatment plan which consists of basic goals, basic strategies, and some basic measures-how you know you are making progress.

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