Concerning Christian psychologists and counselors...?

Question

Or any other religion, for that matter. Not to support generalizations, but is there something that definitely separates them from non-religious psychologists and counselors apart from personal beliefs?

Do they try to solve problems by using God? If they need degrees in the subject to have the job, I don't see how this could be... but I might be wrong.

pasdeberet: While I am disgusted with the way your story turned out, you must admit that it was your friend's choice to not only be "Christian" but to take his life. As a larger influence, yes, I agree that these so-called ministries are negative, but your friend's guilt stemmed from his own beliefs. While I might choose your answer for emotional purposes, it does not really address the question.

Answer 1

Let me start by saying their is a difference between a counselor and a psychologist. A counselor takes some classes Biblical or otherwise and a psychologist has a degree.Usually a Biblical counselor will use the Bible as a way to help you solve your problems. Marital,financial so on a wordly one will use diferent budgets and marriage counseling that does not use Biblical references. The psychologist on the other hand will have a degree in either case so that he/she can handle a bigger array og issues but the Biblical psychologist will use alot of references to the bible to help as well.I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Actually there are some basic psychology doctrines that align with the teachings in the Bible. The reason they work and are valid is because it aligns with God's teachings. Christian counselors are some of the best in the field, simply because they subscribe to truth. In the area of psychology, there are lots of weirdos, and as many money grabbers as televangelists. And like the chiropractor, they will keep you coming back for years, especially if the Government is footing the bill. A good psychologist usually has a limited time in which they will treat you and then they let you go unless you're untreatable. They do solve problems by using God, and they do need degrees in the subject. The degree just shows that they honed in on all that there is to offer on the subject of psychology. Without it, no one would know if you're qualified or just know a little bit in the field.

Answer 3

Some of the basic requirements to be a good Christian Counselor are 1) a good knowledge in Christian doctrines 2) a loving heart 3) and a compassionate disposition

Answer 4

I have only one tangential experience with a 'christian' counselor. My best friend from college was a member of a very hard-line anti-gay church. Yet he was gay. He truly did not want to be gay. He prayed and prayed about it all the time. But guess what: he was still gay. He went to a 'christian' counselor for help. This 'counselor' told him that it was good for him (my friend) to not want to be gay. This 'counselor' encouraged him to go to 'ex-gay' meetings that were run by 'christian' people. This 'counselor' did not tell my friend that such groups have pretty much zero success in turning gay people straight. He also did not tell my friend that he was pretty much making stuff up on the spot, going by what 'God' told him to do and say.

My friend, rather than learn to accept that he was gay, took his own life. A day does not go by that I don't miss him.

Whenever I hear about these 'ex gay ministries' I seethe. These are vile institutions run on lies and fear. The only thing they achieve is to more deeply imbed the feelings of self-loathing and shame these people experience.

Perhaps there are Christian counselors who go through medical school and do what they can to learn about human nature, psychology, and how it all may fit in with their beliefs. But the moment anyone puts their belief above someone else's deep pain, we have a recipe for disaster.

Answer 5

They like the others with that title have not advanced in science or knowledge for several hundred years. It worked for the unlearned and paid good profits. Using God or any other is just a means to impress there position and dictates on this subject. If it worked so well why are there still so many out of tune with reality in any of these proffessions????

Answer 6

They generally will direct you to biblical truth as well as listen to your emotional turmoil.Yes they do use Gods Truth to help you in your pain,we believe in the bible why not go to the greatest council God and Gods word.Often when a christian is in emotional pain they are no different then others,it can be a very confusing time.Some Christians may want to take antidepressants if they are suffering with depression.

Answer 7

Psychologists are trained to keep their religious beliefs to themselves! A persons mental state and how to cure them has nothing to do with any religion. Now how they were treated by mother, thats something else!

Answer 8

Well, yes there is a difference. And you are right, they try to solve problems with God (not by using him...what man could use God?). A secular psychologist leaves God out of the picture and a Christian psychologists always includes God. Where is the confusion?

Answer 9

Pasdeberet--brava/o. Never have so many "holy people" led so many "relative innocents" along the "primrose path" in order to feed their own egos and bank accounts.

The level of psychopathy in this culture in every area of human activity is mind boggling. I hope karmic return is swift and unusually painful for "the deserving".

Answer 10

In the Bible we have verses like "The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?" Proverbs 18:14 You may have disease, and you may have pain at this point, but I will tell you that your human spirit is immune to it. Stay in the Spirit, stay before God, and let your heart be complete.