Has your light become dimmer over the years?
Are you struggling to find your true path and calling?
Maybe you are feeling guilty because of spiritual doubts and questions that may interfere with your ability to attain your goals and purpose?
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 of my clients 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. God reveals himself through the Bible, but also through many other sources that he provides for those who seek him. Even though we rely on his Word for guidance, not everything is spelled out for us in the Bible. Mutual understanding, listening and empathy are actions to express the power of God as well.
You may have tried several different ways to find answers to your confusing and overwhelming thoughts, but an obvious direction or a clear voice from God seems so far away.
Often, this journey cannot be accomplished by just merely quoting Bible verses, but by an empathic and understanding believer, who can walk this journey with you without criticism or judgment. You may have a very solid relationship with God, but are dealing with anxiety, depression or relationship issues and therefore you are seeking a faith-based therapist, who understands and has the training to integrate theology with practical applications from a psychological perspective.
I am not the only counselor who has noticed that people prefer to seek guidance from those who support, rather than challenge, their faith. 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. Three-quarters have stated it is important for them to work with a therapist who integrates their values and beliefs into the counseling process. Selecting the right faith-based counselor, one who can answer difficult spiritual questions without being intimidated by those who are angry at God, is vital. Just as no two people are alike, no two faith-based counselors are alike.
They will differ in ways such as:
Beyond this, some faith-based therapists aim to holistically integrate the mind, body and spirit for people of all faiths, while others focus solely on applying scripture to modern day problems instead of social sciences.
A Christian faith-based counselor is free to speak openly and candidly about his or her faith with the client. And, while state-licensed mental health professionals are well trained in emotional counseling, they aren’t necessarily trained to help heal on a spiritual level.
At the end of the day, you need to decide what is the most important qualification you wish your counselor to have. It’s a good idea to do some research and find local faith-based counselors in your area. Contact the therapist and ask questions to determine whether or not they fit your needs.
The goal of Balance, Harmony & Restoration Counseling is for you to be cared for with the understanding that we respect you and honor your beliefs. This means that we incorporate what is important to you by exploring your concerns and your relationship with God without imposing our personal stand on this matter. It would be an honor for us to assist you or someone you love who finds a need to explore faith-based treatment. We would be happy to discuss how we may be able to help. In our practice, all faiths are welcome.
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