Counseling is a word full of meanings. There are hundreds of counseling theories and at least 250 types of psychology. People spend time and money seeking help for the issues that affect them. Christian counseling (or biblical counseling) also has a variety of meanings. The sheer number of options, theories and ministries can be confusing.
If you need counseling, how do you choose a Christian counselor? Making a good choice can seem difficult. Begin with someone who knows Christ as Savior and believes God’s Word.
Next, find someone who has been professionally trained in counseling. For example, my credentials as a counselor are with the National Board for Certified Counselors. I am a national certified counselor, or NCC. An LPC is a licensed professional counselor whose credentials are issued by the state (government).
Both credentials require essentially the same preparation and maintenance in order for the counselor to stay current. Requirements for the NCC include a master’s degree in counseling from a regionally accredited institution, 3,000 hours of counseling experience, and 100 hours of supervision over a period of two years after earning a master’s degree. In addition, an NCC must complete 100 hours of continuing education every five years in order to maintain certification.
Both an LPC and NCC are secular credentials. That does not mean the credentials are evil, but neither does it mean they are Christian. I believe a committed Christian with a growing faith and a recognized credential in counseling is the best choice when making a decision on selecting a counselor.
There are other criteria to consider as well. For instance, the personalities of the counselor and the counselee may not mesh. Also, a particular approach to counseling may not fit a counselee’s needs. (For example, a counselor whose style is brief, solution-focused therapy may not be helpful to a counselee who needs to stay in the counseling process longer.)
There are numerous Christian counseling organizations, and some offer their own credentialing process for counselors. Christian counselors can join any of several professional organizations: American Association of Christian Counselors (the largest in the world), American Association of Pastoral Counselors, Evangelical Pastoral Counselors, Christian Association for Psychological Studies, National Association of Nouthetic Counselors, and others.
There are Christian counselors who attempt to integrate the best in psychology with the Word of God. Larry Crabb coined the phrase, “Spoiling the Egyptians,” which means taking what is valuable and using it. Other Christians abhor integrating Christianity with psychology. As for me, I believe the best approach is to find a counselor with strong professional credentials and an even stronger commitment to the authority of Scripture.
Most Christians will first turn to a pastor when they need counsel. Pastors often have had a course or more in counseling. They feel confident to handle some situations but inadequate in others. Wise pastors will refer a counselee to someone with more experience and training when the need calls for it.
It is not a sign of weakness to seek counseling. In fact, it may be a mark of strength. Counseling does not imply that a person is broken and a counselor can find a fix. It does indicate, however, that someone needs help, and a Bible-believing, trained counselor can be God’s tool for helping a person see himself or herself more clearly while developing better perspectives toward life.
A significant outcome of Christian counseling is change. To be able to deal more effectively with personal issues and to walk more completely as a child of God are hallmarks of Christian counseling.