Biblical & Christian Counseling: How to Know the Difference

Are you looking into Christian therapists in Raleigh, NC for yourself or your child? If so, you might have come across a few options when searching for “Christian counseling near me,” including biblical counselors and Christian counselors. What’s the difference between the two approaches? Let’s explore the key distinctions, so that you can make an informed decision that’s best for you.

Qualifications

You want to be sure that the counselor you work with has the education and experience to serve you or your child well. Biblical counselors and Christian counselors can receive different education and/or certifications.

• Christian counselors obtain a Master’s or doctoral degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work or Psychology; complete supervised experience post-graduate degree hours, and become licensed through a state licensure board after passing state exams. 
• Biblical counselors may or may not obtain a graduate degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work or Psychology. They are also not required to hold a state license. Some may or may not complete a short course and/or obtain a certification through a biblical counseling organization.

Counseling Approach

All faith-based counselors can use scripture, prayer, and Christian insights to help their clients heal.

• Christian counselors incorporate clinical counseling techniques/empirically supported therapies such as EMDR, CBT, PCIT, and more—but from a Christian perspective that does not undermine faith-based values. 
• Biblical counselors are trained to use the Bible as the primary source of their counseling. If you’re seeking counseling but not necessarily for a mental health issue, biblical counseling may provide biblical encouragement, discernment, wisdom and/or pastoral advice.

Diagnosis Capability

Sometimes obtaining a mental health diagnosis is necessary. This provides answers to the problems you or your child are facing and opens the door toward obtaining proper treatment. If you want to reimburse through your insurance for mental health therapy, a mental health diagnosis is required.

• Christian counselors, who are licensed, may provide a mental health diagnosis and referrals for psychological testing or psychiatric assessment, if medically necessary. 
• Biblical counselors do not provide mental health diagnoses. Rather than diagnosing, they seek to find the root of the heart issue from a biblical perspective.

Ethical Standards

Counseling is a vulnerable experience, so it’s important that you and/or your child teams up with a trustworthy professional. 

• Christian counselors must follow ethical standards as set out by state licensure boards. These guidelines involve issues like confidentiality, maintaining a professional counseling relationship, meeting competency requirements, and more.
• Biblical counselors are not regulated by a state licensure board. They may follow ethical standards set by a certification program or professional organization, if they belong to one. As a result, they may have more freedoms in their counseling approaches.

Benefits of Christian Counseling in Raleigh

Healing is a journey, and it’s great that you are looking for help from someone who will respect and encourage your faith in this process. You may find that a biblical counselor will meet the needs you have for counseling because you may want a caring counseling approach that relies primarily on scripture. Similarly, you may opt for Christian counseling that provides support in a compassionate space tailored to the unique needs of you or your child by incorporating clinical approaches and scripture. If you choose to work with a licensed Christian counselor, here are some additional benefits:

• Expertise in Multiple Fields: There are licensed Christian counselors that specialize in a variety of fields, such as depression and anxiety, trauma and PTSD, child therapy, teen therapy, women’s counseling, and more.
• Holistic Approach to Healing: Christian counselors consider the whole person, offering support for healing psychological, phsyical, emotional, relational, and spiritual issues using an effective combination of proven therapies and Christian practices. 
• Actionable Practices: A licensed therapist can provide you or your child with tools that can be used well into the future to build healthy coping skills, relationship skills, and more. 

Learn More About Christian Counseling in Raleigh, NC

Whether with a biblical counselor or a Christian therapist, you want to be certain that you’re getting the help that you need for yourself or your child. If Christian counseling seems right for you or your child, and you want to learn more about Christian therapists in Raleigh, NC, then contact Sojourner Counseling today. We offer the benefits of faith-based counseling along with clinical support!