Article
What is Christian counseling, really?
Some women hope faith can be part of counseling. Others worry it will mean being handed a verse instead of being heard. Here is what it looks like in practice.
What it is
Christian counseling here means your faith is allowed in the room. If your questions about God, church, guilt, forgiveness or calling are part of what is heavy, you can say so and be taken seriously instead of redirected.
It also means the clinical work stays clinical. You get a licensed counselor, real listening, and practical steps toward what you want to be different.
What it is not
It is not a Bible study, a lecture, or a place where you will be told your struggle is a failure of faith. It is not a substitute for medical care. And it is not a requirement: plenty of clients never bring faith up at all, and counseling still works.
You set the pace. Nothing about your beliefs will be assumed or corrected on your behalf.
Questions women ask about faith and counseling
Will every session include prayer or Scripture?
Only if you want it. Faith is included at the level you choose, and that can change from week to week. Some women want prayer at the end of a session, some want none at all, and both are welcome.
Is Christian counseling still real therapy?
Yes. Lori is a licensed independent social worker and uses evidence-based counseling approaches, including cognitive behavioral work. Faith is part of the conversation, not a replacement for clinical care.
What if my faith feels shaky right now?
That is welcome here. Doubt, anger and distance from God are common in hard seasons and do not need to be tidied up before you come in.
Read more about Christian counseling, or see how it differs from spiritual direction.
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