Faith-Based Counselling
Has your light become dimmer over the years? Are you struggling to find your true path and calling? Do you wish for guidance from a trained professional who will understand and respect that your number one priority is building a relationship with God?
If so, you are definitely not alone. More and more people are looking for faith-based counseling that can heal the mind and the soul. They want to be able to not only discuss the issues they are having but also openly discuss God, the Bible, and their belief in the power of prayer.
In fact, according to a nationwide survey by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), 83% of Americans believe their spiritual faith and religious beliefs are closely tied to their state of mental and emotional health. The survey stated it’s important for them to work with a therapist who integrates their values and beliefs into the counselling process. And more respondents said they would prefer to see a religious counsellor (29%) than a psychiatrist (27%), psychologist (17%), or family doctor (13%).
Selecting the Right Faith-Based Counsellor to Work With
Just as no two people are alike, no two faith-based counsellors are alike either. They will differ on a few different things:
- How much religious training (if any) they have had.
- The populations they serve.
- Their psychological expertise.
Beyond this, some faith-based therapists aim to holistically integrate the mind, body, and spirit of people of faith, while others focus on applying scripture to mental health challenges.
At the end of the day, you need to decide what is the most important qualification you wish your counsellor to have. It’s a good idea to do some research and find local faith-based counsellors in your area. Get on the phone with them and ask some questions. The most important thing is whether or not you feel comfortable talking with them.
If you or someone you love is interested in exploring faith-based treatment, please be in touch with CedarTree Counselling Centre. We will be happy to serve you.