Let’s start with qualifications for counseling. When I received my license in 1986, the only master’s level therapists, generally speaking, were from the discipline of social work. MSW therapists (master’s in social work) were the backbone of providing all kinds of counseling—marital, family, individual, and child. Typically, anyone who became qualified through the discipline of psychology pursued a doctoral degree (PhD) and they counseled as well. But they were more expensive, for insurance companies, agencies and clients.
Then about 10 years ago, a movement began within the discipline of psychology to qualify master’s level psychology majors to counsel just like the MSW therapist. This movement has effectively provided a new group of therapists in the field who are now licensed to counsel, just like the social work counselors. The clinical license (which means someone is trained to do therapy) for the social work discipline is the LCSW (licensed clinical social worker); the clinical license for the psychology discipline is the LPC (licensed professional counselor). In my opinion, counselors with either license are equally qualified professionally.
So what makes a professionally qualified counselor a good Christian counselor? Again, there are varying perspectives on this topic. I have heard from clients that some therapists advertise themselves as Christian therapists, but never use scripture, prayer, or a discussion of walking in the Spirit as part of the counseling process It was a mere title, but not indicative of the therapeutic approach. I think a client seeking Christian counseling is generally looking for understanding of his problems within the context of Christian faith. That means, understanding behavior in terms of God’s truth. If you are looking for a Christian counselor, it is advisable to ask for whatever you want in the counseling as you are ‘shopping’. It is reasonable to search for the best ‘fit’ for you. It is important to speak to this, because, ethically speaking, a therapist cannot assume you want counseling which applies your faith—you need to express that you want it.
As I have mentioned before, some Christian therapists shun use of tools from the field of psychology, believing they distract from the truth of scripture. I do not share this perspective, although as Christians, we should always be discerning the Holy Spirit’s leading in any situation. There are probably some ‘Christian’ therapists who may talk about ‘poor self esteem’, for example, without speaking to God’s view of us as his beloved, which gives us the real esteem we need!
A large part of counseling is learning to frame problems in a way which helps to bring understanding and hope to the issue. Some approaches to do this include looking at environment, what has been reinforced in one’s life, and how someone may have tried to run from or react to situations. Most of our reactions to problems involve avoiding them, one way or the other. We distract ourselves, trying to bury the hurts, with work, food, drugs, alcohol, etc., and avoid facing the pain we must address. We let the hurt separate us from the One who can show us His healing. We are desperate, in need of hope, so we can finally face the work ahead. And often, the Lord allows crisis to push us to that point!
Whatever the specific approach, the undergirding framework should be the relationship we have with God. We are made in his image. He wants us to know his love, his grace, his forgiveness, his truth. Getting to that point of understanding takes some work. We usually want instant relief, but that does not typically happen, because our feelings usually block us from application of God’s truth. Because we are human, and our nature is sinful (it is ‘about’ us) we usually need to travel down a path of grief, anger, or fear, before we are ready to receive God’s healing.
There is so much to share, and I could go on and on, because I rejoice in the fact that God is always ready for us to find Him! I have seen such wonderful ‘reunions’ with clients once they have let go of their hurt and distress! My main point is that a Christian therapist will help walk you through these steps, bringing you to the threshold which you must cross, to enter into God’s healing.
And finally, a plug: the Christian Counselors Collaborative (CCC), the counseling program born out of Allegheny Center Alliance Church’s counseling department, has such therapists you might consider. All it takes is a phone call to our intake coordinator, Tom Laird (1.855.222.2575) to find out if there is a counselor to help you walk through whatever struggles you have.
Blessings,
Priscilla
Priscilla Ortlip,MSW, LCSW, ACS
Founder and Executive DirectorThe Christian Counselors Collaborative
www.cccpgh.org
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 here at ACAC, please call Tom Laird at 1.855.222.2575.
