What is faith-based counseling?
This question was asked to me by my first supervisor: “How is faith-based counseling different from what you’re currently doing?”
Generically, I responded, “I’ll use different interventions.” Which is true to an extent! As a Christian faith-based practitioner, I have come to realize that faith-based counseling involves much more than incorporating Bible Scripture, prayer, and discussions about one’s purpose (which is usually touched on in non-faith-based counseling as well).
I stumbled upon this article talking about how what Jesus said could sometimes make him seem like a jerk– well, one’s perception of Jesus can be clouded by our own issues which can make Him seem like a jerk. Our perceptions are distorted by perfectionism, resentment, impatience, and stubbornness. I’m not the only one, right?
These moments play out in our own lives too. A snappy comeback to a spouse, a demand for instant obedience from the kids – it all stems from our deep-seated insecurities. Our reactions are molded by past judgments, those moments when we felt unwelcome or looked down upon, leaving us stuck in a loop of anger and sadness, often without even realizing it.
Faith-based counseling, in my understanding, offers a profound opportunity for individuals to redefine their perception of Jesus and others. It provides a safe space where one can build a healthy, unbiased relationship with a counselor who won’t pass judgment but instead welcomes them as they are. In many ways, it mirrors the sentiment of the old hymn “Come, Just as You Are”, a sentiment that, unfortunately, too often leaves people disappointed when unmet expectations permeate their church experiences.
At its core, faith-based counseling entails clinicians allowing themselves to be vessels of God’s unconditional love. It transcends solution-focused therapeutic boundaries, fostering an environment where individuals can rewrite their narratives and break free from the shackles of judgment and condemnation. It walks with individuals through rediscovering their innate identity and restoring their purpose that life experiences might have stolen.