Written by Cassandra Currado

For many, religion and spirituality can play very important roles in their daily life and identity. As you practice your religion, you can find community and membership with others as you form your beliefs, morals and self-concept; all of which can promote your wellbeing. With something as important as your religious identity, you may want to consider integrating your religion into counselling sessions. For instance, a Christian may want to consider Christian counselling to improve their wellbeing as they explore their religious identity and practices. This blog post will outline what Christian counselling is, what you can expect with this type of counselling, and the benefits of Christian counselling for individuals and couples.

What Is Christian Counselling?

Christian Counselling is a form of counselling that incorporates Christian practices and beliefs with common counselling techniques, such as psychotherapy or cognitive behavioural therapy. Similarly to non-Christian counselling, Christian counselling helps you explore everyday life and mental health concerns through the support of a trained therapist. However, with Christian counselling you can further explore your spirituality and even integrate your religious practices into the therapeutic process.

Though you can discuss your religious concerns within non-Christian counselling services, Christian counselling gives you the opportunity to explore and integrate your religious beliefs on a deeper level. Regardless of who you are or how you identify, it can feel intimidating to reach out to a counselling service for support. Deciding to open up to someone is a big step that takes courage and vulnerability, especially when you want to focus on something as important as your belief system. In this case, Christian counselling may ease some of those nerves as you can feel comforted while working with a therapist that shares similar beliefs and is well-prepared to explore your religious identity.

Through Christian counselling you can seek support as an individual or as a couple. As an individual you can use Christian counselling to gain a deeper understanding of your religion while also addressing any life challenges. As a Christian couple you may want to try Christian counselling to strengthen your communication, commitment and spirituality with each other. In either scenario Christian counselling can support you the same way as non-Christian counselling does, but with that extra consideration of your religious identity. As you learn more about your religious identity and connect with your beliefs through Christian counselling, you’ll promote a sense of wholeness as you support your true self.

What You Can Expect from Christian Counselling

Before you decide to begin Christian counselling, there are some things you should consider. First, there are different types of Christian counselling that are offered by either a licensed Christian therapist or pastor. In general, a licensed therapist will likely focus more on psychological approaches while also integrating religion into your sessions. Whereas a pastor will focus on your religious practices to support you through your concerns. Though both can support you and your spirituality, it’s important to reach out to a licensed therapist for any mental health concerns. Typically, licensed therapists offer Christian counselling services, while pastors offer bible or pastoral counselling services. To decide which option is best for you, consider what your goal for therapy is and how you want to be supported. Here are some different Christian counselling options and how they can support you.

Christian Counselling

Counselling sessions offered by a licensed Christian therapist
Combines religious practices and beliefs with psychological theories and approaches (Example: Bible Readings and Prayer + Psychotherapy)
Can help you understand your faith
Learn how to reframe general negative thinking or in relation to religious concerns
Can support you through mental health concerns while integrating religious practices

Bible Counselling

Counselling sessions offered by a pastor
More likely to be done within religious setting, but can still be used by a licensed therapist as a way to integrate religion into your counselling sessions
Uses the Bible to guide sessions and connect meanings of the Bible to your concerns
Emphasizes religious practices and spirituality

Pastoral Counselling

Counselling sessions offered by a pastor within a religious setting
Can be similar to Bible counselling, but often explores more religious approaches and practices beyond the Bible
Emphasizes religious practices and spirituality

The Benefits of Christian Counselling

Through Christian counselling you can feel better understood and validated as your spirituality is emphasized in each session. This level of understanding and connection with your therapist can lead to very effective and impactful counselling sessions that best support you. However, the benefits don’t end there. As you decide if Christian counselling is right for you and your goals, consider the following benefits for both individual counselling and couples counselling.

Individual Counselling

Strengthens your relationship with God, while also supporting mental health concerns
Supports your feelings of life purpose
Promotes positive personal qualities of hope, optimism, gratitude and compassion
Reduces negative thoughts and beliefs through religious practices

Couples Counselling

Strengthen your relationship with God and your partner
Promotes spiritual growth for you and your partner while also addressing your concerns
Improves communication, conflict resolution and commitment to your partner
Understand the importance of forgiveness and compassion within your relationship
Opportunity to have difficult conversations with your partner in a non-judgemental environment

At The Relationship Agency all of our therapists are Master’s level Registered Social Workers/Psychotherapist who can offer individual and couple therapy. We’re also happy to be able to offer Christian Counselling for individuals and couples with our therapist Rohan Thompson, who is a skilled therapist with an MSW and Master of Divinity. Rohan offers Christian Counselling in Oshawa in person and virtually for clients across Ontario. Book your free 20 minute video consultation for individual or couple therapy with Rohan today.

book now

Not quite ready to book? Have questions? Call us at 289-271-1909 or contact us via the button below.

contact us