The main difference between secular counseling and Christian counseling is the authority for which the counselor is held accountable. Secular counselors are licensed by the state in which they practice and must strictly adhere to the rules set by the state. These counselors are not allowed to pray or discuss religion with their patients unless the patient requests or takes the initiative. They are not allowed to give advice on issues such as abortion and homosexuality.
In contrast, Christian counselors will be accountable to the church. They are obligated to ask for God’s help, offer religious solutions to their patients and pray with them. This creates a sense of responsibility in the church for the activities these counselors undertake. These are the most obvious differences between the two types of counselors.
Secular counselors normally have a master’s degree. Many of them will also have a PhD. A religious counselor has a degree from a university that specializes in religion, while a secular counselor receives training from one of the state-certified schools.
Secular or non-religious counseling is dyadic in nature. It is based solely on the relationship between the counselor and his or her patient. While it is effective in addressing both emotional and mental issues, it does not take spiritual matters into account. Christian counseling is triadic in that it is not only concerned with the relationship between the therapist and the patient, but also with the spirituality of the patient. That is why Christian counseling is unique.
These therapists not only work to provide guidance in resolving personal and emotional challenges, but are also specifically trained to help the patient see themselves as God sees them and help them learn to accept themselves as they are. They must be able to help their patients live and behave in harmony with what is written in the Bible.
Secular counseling goes under many different designations, including LPC (licensed professional counselor), LMFT (licensed marriage and family therapist), and LMHC (licensed mental health counselor). The same can be said for Christian counseling which also has different names. Some of them are LPC (licensed pastoral counselors), LCPC (licensed clinical pastoral counselors) and CCC (certified Christian counselors) just to name a few.
When seeking advice from a Christian counselor, make sure he or she is trained and licensed by a church or other similar organization that will hold them accountable for their actions. Two of the most reputable associations are the National Christian Counselors Association and the Board of Christian Counselors.
What really matters when selecting a counselor is that you find one who is genuinely motivated to help you. Don’t be afraid to request a conference call first to learn more about the beliefs your therapist holds to make sure you both share the same religious views and morals. Taking this time in the beginning can save you a lot of time and effort in your search for the right therapist.
Christian Counseling vs. Secular Counseling
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