counseling

Is “biblical counseling” the same as “Christian counseling”?

Very often it’s not.

I’m going to share a short story of what I learned the hard way. I want to spare you unnecessary pain and confusion. Sound cool?

Before I made an appointment with a “Christian” counselor, I wish I had heard these words from Pastor John MacArthur: “Modern psychologies use hundreds of counseling models and techniques based aon a myriad of conflicting theories, so it is impossible to speak of psychotherapy as if it were a unified and consistent science.”

And this from Elyse Fitzpatrick:

Sadly, what Christian women need to know to live an abundant life is not found in many of today’s ‘Christian’ self-help books. Instead of guidance in knowing and pleasing God, which is the way to finding abundant life, we are given man-centered philosophies on how to love ourselves more, how to get more out of life, how to assert ourselves.

Our greatest need is being ignored.

What we need most of all is to know God.

I pray you’ll have more discernment than me when you decide to reach out for help. Would you like a great way to find profiles of excellent female biblical counselors who have been vetted? Check out my Heart2Heart Counselor Directory.

Finding a Counselor the Old Way

In my early 30s, I grabbed the phone book — Google had yet to come on the scene — and looked up “counseling,” searching for a Christian counselor. I figured he’d counsel by the Bible. Foolish me.

We prayed once in a while, but he also encouraged a crazy technique called transference. I became to depend on him for my happiness. I wanted his approval not God’s And every time I left the counseling office I felt worse, and my “counselor addiction” grew.

He said this transference meant I was healing. I was getting worse! He said to expect this as I got better emotionally. Are you shaking your head?

To make a long story short, for my emotional and spiritual health, I had to ditch this counselor. Quick. (It took my a year and I half to figure this out!)

God through the Word set me free. Good-bye, confusion. Years later I stumbled on true biblical counseling. What a difference!

Embracing the Best

Here’s the great definition of biblical counseling out there. It’s by Bob Kellermen.

If you ever need help, as I did, as we all do from time to time, contact me. Biblical e-counseling is effective and affordable. Most of my clients need eight visits or less (in person or by Skype).

Here is part of Bob’s definition. I made a few edits but kept the meaning fully intact.

Biblical counseling is not “beating people over the head with the Bible.”

Nor is it saying, “take two verses and call me in the morning.”

And it is not one-problem, one-verse, one-quick-solution.

Rather,

Biblical counseling depends upon the Holy Spirit

to relate God’s inspired truth

about people, problems, and solutions

to human suffering and sin

to empower people to exalt and enjoy God

and to love others

by cultivating conformity to Christ and communion with Christ

and the Body of Christ.

Question: Have you had a bad Christian counseling experience? Share in Comments, below.

Sharing Hope with Your Heart,

lucy-signature-blue

Find GOD's Freedom from Anxiety

 Get My FREE Anxiety Helper Pack!

Choice is a wonderful gift from God. You do NOT have to be stuck in self-focused anxiety. You can find God’s freedom.

You have Successfully Subscribed!