Are you a Believer who understands there is a difference between a Christian and Biblical counselor?

Question

Belivers should not assume, because someone attends Church and calls themselves a "Christian Counselor", they are filled with the Holy Spirit and counsel according to scripture.

Most Christian counselors, not all, but most, are simply traditional psychologists or counselors who treat clients based on what they've learned from human education about mental illness and psychology, and have attempted to blend those beliefs with their seminary or religous teachings. Also, their clients are based on whom can "afford" to see them.

In contrast, Biblical Counselors, begin each session with prayer, counsel solely from scripture, free of human opinion and interpretation, and rely on prayer and guidance of the Holy Spirit when counseling a Believer.

Also, they are usually non-profit, which means those who can't afford to pay because they lack insurance or income are not turned away. If you're a Christian what are your thoughts on this?

Also, many who call themselves "Christian Counselors", don't even believe God, Satan, or Jesus were real. They believe the Bible is just a symbolic guide book of moral and social codes. So use discernment.

Spiritroaming, as your name and profile convey, you have been floating from religion to religion, and denomination to denomination, which is why you do not understand it's possible to counsel according to the Bible, without adding your own opinions. Religion has nothing to do with being a Christian.

Perdu you need to elaborate on your question. The foundation of most Christian counselors can be confirmed by simply asking what their credentials are, and what type of counseling they provide. A Christian counselor can not be accredited and receiving payment for services, without utilizing the knowledge they've been taught in psychological colleges or training schools. It's really that simple.

NH statistics have shown, that the majority of people go through a handful of therapists before even receiving a correct diagnosis, or they are severely over-medicated. Psychology is very subjective, which means thepersonality and opinion of the therapist is a huge factor in how counseling is provided. I understand that some are in need of meds depending on their illness, but one must be very careful with man-made counseling if you are a Christian.

Mypreshus the majority of your questions, are not posted to receive an answer, but to simply collect a high number of answers, which explains why the link you spammed concerning penguins and possibly others were deleted, or you've voiced your opinion in the majority of your questions before asking "what do you think"?.

Yet you criticize my question? Although I've shared my opinion, my question was posted to find out how many people were aware that Christian and Biblical counseling were different. That is a legitimate question. It was only appropriate that a description of each be provided for clarity in my post, for those who were not aware of the differences.

OutofBlue, Biblical Counseling has existed for over 2000 years. However, many place more importance on psychology, and other practices, so you rarely hear of it. Biblical counseling simply means one allows the Holy spirit to guide the Believer in need. The biblical counselor is only to counsel from God's word, pray with the Believer, and provide encouragment and gentleness. That CAN be done without offering personal advice and suggestions.

OutofBlue, here is an example: If you saw your next door neighbor in tears because her roommate was constantly insulting her. Could you not counsel and encourage her, without expressing personal opinions regarding the roommate? Through your biblical counseling and prayer, the Holy Spirit would direct and guide your neighbor on what choices and decisions to make. That is why the Holy Spirit dwells within us. To teach, correct, advise, and more.

Amen Full Gospel! Without guidance from the Holy Spirit we can all be easily led astray, and I agree, if a counselor is truly led by God, their counsel will be Biblical acording to scripture.

Answer 1

Yes, I found this to be very true and I hear it all the time from those we know. Its like many in church wear the Christian label, but arent followers of Jesus at all. God says by their fruits ACTIONS, we will know them. absolutely.
How to know if that is a true Christian or a true Christian councelor??? not even hard here guys.
If this person follows ALL the teaching of Jesus Christ, speakes them, lives them, and obeys Jesus in all things, then they are christians. ANything less it not.
I had a great Christian councelor that helped me after a divorce, In so many ways, she was Christian, and she did live as she preached. SHe was able to help me a lot , to see the bondage I had been in from such severe abuse. BUt, I checked all she said against the word of God, and there were a few things she was in error about, and I clearly told her so. She had been a pastor before being the Chrisitian councelor I thanked her for the help she gave me, but when she went contrary to the word of God, I spoke up and i no longer went. WE just cant see the christian label and assume it is true, even on the surface if it appears to be so Keep watching, we are watchmen on the wall for God, and when we see that untruth clicking in, we know it false and to flee. I know I really shocked her with my rebue to her, and I think she even felt a little shame. Was not my obection to shame her, that serves no purpose. But, rebuke , true rebuke, is of the Lord, and I wanted her to see that she has allowed the teachings of man to come into her church and her beliefs, that are fully contrary to Gods and that ended the relationship. From then on, God told me He would directly help me and I didnt need that so called Christian councelor any longer. PPl are human, and often they let the lies of the devil sneak into their real beliefs, and soon lies are more there than truth.
I once knew of a psychiatrist that ran so contrary to God but he didnt use the label Christian at all. I had been refeered to this person as one good to help you out of bondage. HE did nothing for me at all. I soon found out the only one to break the bondage is Jesus Christ, and we dont need a councelor to do that, of any kind Pretty exicitng stuff I have been learning, and yet I know I have ony just begun. WE must press on with Jesus. That psychiatrist told me it is ok to hate someone and hold on to it, as I earned that right from severe abuse. Oh man. No hatred leads to more sin and more bondage, and we arent free in Christ, till we let it go. We must forgive like Jesus does. Be careful who you see in a councelor. YOu are correct. I know of ppl who got into councling as they had many years of it, and are still messed up, and here they are out there trying to help other ppl. Its pretty scarrey. USe catuion, even if they wear a Christian label. Jesus can heal us of anything, f we go to Him, stay in His word and love Him enough to Obey Him. Therein lie the key. Jesus heald, JEsus delivers and Jesus saves> Why do we need a councelor?? HE is the mighty councelor. Good thoughts you have given.. Thanks

Answer 2

98% agree. But 2% disagree about free of human opinion and interpretation.
Biblical Counselor is a human with own experience and limited knowledge. How can counselor relate to the person in trouble without Human concern, sympathy and love.
Yes, lead of Holly Spirit is everything during the counseling, but you are human face and body expressions gained during your life, vocabulary and many other things that make you unique.
I think Biblical Counselors Need to know history of psychology, main methods at least. Non of Lord's creations is in vain. As Lord's servant BC must understand human nature and not deliberately blind himself. Pride is a sin.

Answer 3

Even if you believe literally in the Bible, I imagine that you believe that diseases are real and that they should be treated by professionals who know how to diagnose and provide competent care. Even fundamentalists & pre-millenialists usually go to the doctor when they are sick.

While I am not opposed on the surface to "biblical counselors," I am opposed to non-licensed, poorly trained & experienced individuals offering care to people who may be suffering from severe diseases that could better respond to proper counseling and medications.

Answer 4

Training in counseling is important when you deal with psychological matters. There can be emotional problems that need a physician as well as prayer.

Answer 5

A steady and complete AMEN to your question and its wide explanation. I absolutely and perfectly agree!

Answer 6

It is never 'free' from personal opinion and interpretation.


Ahhh, I see - you are an arrogant (fill in the blank) who really had no question to begin with. It is never 'free' from personal opinion and interpretation.


Gee darn, no one agrees with you! Hurry, go look at their profiles so you can think of something insulting to say to them too - quickly!! LOL

Answer 7

This isn't a question in search of an answer. It's an attempt to "educate" others on your opinion, and qualifies as (thinly veiled) spam.

Answer 8

What exactly do you base your evidence on?

FP