The concept of ‘professional counseling’, even ‘professional Christian counseling’, is challenging to many Christians. There is a belief among some Christians that counseling is secular, that all answers to life’s struggles can be found only in scripture, without the use of tools from psychology or psychiatry. This approach, which holds the premise that all our issues come from our sinful state, is called ‘Nouthetic’ counseling. I am not going to argue with the concept that scripture speaks to all our needs! I won’t even argue with the concept that at the base of all our problems is our sinfulness, and that the way to healing is through our repentance and adherence to God’s truth! Absolutely, I agree. But to assume that all of us share a capacity to look at our pain and suffering in accurate and helpful ways, is to assume that we surpass our sinful state in ability to perceive correctly, and to assume we know what to do to make changes in our lives. I think we can use help in doing so, and that there are tools in the profession of counseling which can legitimately aid in reaching God’s truth for our lives.
I see counseling as a form of discipling. In Christian counseling, a therapist seeks the Holy Spirit’s guidance (with use of scripture and prayer) to walk alongside someone who is suffering or struggling in some way, to help comfort (2 Cor. 1:3,4) and help renew the mind (Romans 8:12). Much of counseling is learning right thinking, correcting what Pastor Rock Dillaman (Allegheny Center Alliance Church) refers to as ‘stinkin’ thinkin’’. We often believe lies (without knowing it!) about ourselves, about life, about God, which we learn from our environment, even in some cases, from people who love us. And we know who the source of all lies is. We hear all kinds of ‘scripts’ about life, own them, and then find ourselves in opposition to what God intended for us to feel and believe. Counseling offers a way to learn truth, and to be accountable to that truth.
Some Christians think that going to counseling means you are lacking spiritual fortitude, faithfulness, or closeness to God. None of us has all the answers, and none of us is immune to needing help! That unfortunate (and prideful) mindset prevents many from getting their needs met—whether it’s asking for directions when driving, or asking for guidance in dealing with a struggle. Going to counseling, from my perspective, means you are willing to receive what He has for you—new understanding, and new ways to live. That takes acknowledging a need. It takes vulnerability. It may not be comfortable, but it is worth the risk! If you seek counseling with a heart willing to learn from Him, then God will not disappoint you. I have seen it over and over in my 26 years of counseling others. I have also seen it in my own personal experience getting counseling.
As I move forward in this blog, I hope to address a few more concerns about professional Christian counseling, and eventually talk about some issues which we all struggle with, and some issues specific to certain emotional needs. I hope this is informative, but more, I hope this will be encouraging to anyone who is hurting, and who might consider seeking counseling help. I welcome feedback, opinions, and experiences with counseling (both good and bad). Looking forward to next time!
Priscilla Ortlip
MSW, LCSW, ACS
Founder and Executive Director
The Christian Counselors Collaborative
Disclaimer: I am a professional, licensed clinical therapist in the state of PA, but this blog is not a therapeutic venue—anything I state here is not for treatment or to address anyone’s specific emotional or mental health need. If you are experiencing immediate distress, call 911. If you would like to consider counseling with the CCC, please call Tom Laird at 1.855.222.2575.
