Article
How is Christian counseling different from regular counseling?
It is a fair question, and the honest answer is less dramatic than people expect.
The short answer
The clinical work is the same: a licensed professional, evidence-based approaches and professional ethics. What differs is that your faith can be spoken about openly as part of your life rather than set aside, if you want it to be.
What stays the same
Licensure, confidentiality, professional ethics and the actual counseling methods. Cognitive behavioral work does not become less rigorous because faith is welcome in the room.
You still get a professional, not a Bible study.
What can be different
- You can talk about prayer, church, Scripture and God without translating.
- Faith questions raised by grief, guilt or anxiety can be addressed directly.
- Your convictions are treated as part of who you are rather than a variable to manage.
- Prayer can be part of a session if you want it, and never if you do not.
- You can also decline all of it and simply do the counseling work.
Choosing what you want
You are allowed to set this and to change it. Some women bring faith into every session, others mention it twice in a year. Both are normal here.
Common questions
Do you pray in sessions?
Only if you want to. It is your call, and the answer can change week to week.
Is this the same as spiritual direction?
No. They are different practices, and Lori offers both.
Will you use Scripture?
Only where you find it helpful and welcome.
Learn more about Christian counseling with Lori with Lori, or browse all articles on Christian counseling.
Written by Lori Rasmussen, LISW, a Licensed Independent Social Worker licensed in the State of Iowa and a Certified Spiritual Director. Lori counsels women and female students in Waterloo, Iowa and online across Iowa. Articles here are meant to help you understand what you may be experiencing; they are not a diagnosis and they do not take the place of care from a professional who knows your story.
Reaching out can be the first step.
You don't need to know exactly what to say, or have anything figured out, before you contact Lori.
Or email rasmussencounselingandsd@gmail.com