Essentials of Faith-Based Counseling

 

 

    Faith-Based Counseling is an approach to therapy in which the insights of theology and spirituality are integrated with the principles of modern behavioral science to help individuals, couples, families, groups and institutions achieve wholeness and health. Different from other forms of counseling, Faith-Based Counseling is guided by the conviction that emotional illnesses are best healed by taking into consideration both the wisdom of spiritual teachings and the knowledge of human psychology.

 

 

    For a myriad of reasons. They may suffer from a medical illness, such as clinical depression, or they may be experiencing marital difficulties, work related problems, or issues with a family member. Whatever the cause, these problems can be overwhelming; causing anxiety, dysfunction and pain and harming relationships. For those looking for a mental health professional who also is attuned to the faith traditions and spiritual dimensions of life, a properly trained Certified Faith-Based Counselor may be the answer.

    Let me emphasize the importance of "proper training." It is unwise to place your trust in someone to help you with life-changing decisions without ensuring that the person you consult has sufficient and relevant training for the task. Just because a person is called to the ministry doesn’t mean they have the requisite skills to help you solve life-controlling problems. God never intended for it to be that way. Only ministers with the desire and training to perform faith-based counseling should attempt it. Many good pastors are not good counselors. Some know it; others don't. Counseling Ministry can be a part of a pastor's calling, but it is not necessarily so. And those called to Counseling Ministry are not necessarily called to the pastorate.

    It is potentially dangerous for a pastor or minister without the proper training to attempt to provide faith-based counseling. Those who have the proper humility recognize this. With proper training, such as that provided by the Liberty Institute, excellent results can be had. This is especially true for committed Christians who come for help from a Certified Faith-Based Counselor.

 

 

WHAT TYPES OF SERVICES DO CERTIFIED FAITH-BASED COUNSELORS PROVIDE?
 

    Certified Faith-Based Counselors use a variety of ways to address emotional problems which stand as barriers to moving through life's crises and transitions. Based on psychosocial assessments, theological principles, and cultural understandings, the Certified Faith-Based Counselor may recommend one or more of the following ways of helping: individual therapy, group therapy, couples counseling, marriage and family therapy, spiritual guidance and short-term counseling.

    When the Certified Faith-Based Counselor feels that medical treatment is needed in addition to counseling, the assistance of a psychiatric practitioner may be recommended as well. Whether the Certified Faith-Based Counselor provides the complete treatment, or makes a referral to a psychiatric colleague, decisions regarding client care are always made in consultation with the client and in their best interest. The counselor does not make choices for the client, but offers suggestions regarding change or choices.

 

 

ARE THE FEES FOR CERTIFIED FAITH-BASED COUNSELORS COMPARABLE TO THOSE CHARGED BY OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS?
 

    In general, the fees of Certified Faith-Based Counselors are lower than those of other health care professionals. This is due to the not-for-profit status of most Faith-Based Counseling Centers and the willingness of the counselors themselves to work for modest salaries.

    At my church and Counseling Centers, our commitment is to meeting the emotional, spiritual and relational needs of all those seeking our help, regardless of the financial limitations which impact a client's ability to pay. You should discuss this with your church leadership and counseling supervisors. It is very important that you plan your counseling center well prior to offering your services.

    Many faith-based counselors find it uncomfortable, even almost impossible, to charge for their services. After years of counseling, I still have this problem. I do think it gets easier with the passing of time. Being compassionate people, we want to try our new skills and are willing to gain experience in individual, couple, or group therapy, so we are willing to work for nothing at first.  I Timothy 5:18 teaches us that a worker is worthy of his hire. I have also found over the years that the most useless, rejected and dangerous thing in church is unwanted or free advice. Looking back at the many clients I have met with, it strikes me that those who got free counsel, taking up their time as well as mine, with seemingly good intentions, were the very people who failed in their commitment to change, whether in the church, the family or the home. In our society, that which is not paid for is deemed to be lacking in value. Yes, there are many who cannot afford $65.00 for each counseling session, but they can pay $5, $10, or $20. Be flexible and sensitive regarding your client’s finances. Trouble with managing finances may be one reason they are seeking assistance.