christian marriage counseling
When we are struggling with life, we often look to professionals
for help. When those professionals trained in psychological
counseling also share our faith in God and commitment to Biblical
teachings, there is a common ground established for mutual understanding
and insight. Christian counselors who share our trust and reliance
on God for wisdom, direction, healing and the power to make
positive changes help us by directing us back to our God.
We are also able to more easily build a therapeutic relationship
because we trust in their ability to be used by Him to discern
the truth of difficult situations, guide our personal insights
and choices, and serve as our mediators in relational conflict.
Christian counseling combines professional therapeutic service
with biblically based values and scriptural truths to promote
emotional, mental and spiritual healing.
Understanding
Counselor Distinctions
Professionals can have a variety of educational backgrounds
and practice emphases. Here is a brief synopsis of some the
more common ones:
Education Doctoral Degree —These clinicians have achieved
the most advanced level of education available, which is usually
signified by the initials Ph.D., Ed.D., or PsyD. Master's Degree
—These clinicians have completed a graduate degree, usually
identified as a M.A., M.S., or MFT
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Types of Counselors
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Psychiatrist —This person
is a medical doctor who has completed advanced training
in mental and emotional disorders. This professional may
prescribe medication and typically is more focused on
managing medication than on providing talk therapy. |
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Psychologist —This person
has a doctoral degree but isn't medically trained. He/she
may be specifically trained in testing but will also conduct
traditional therapy. |
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Licensed Professional —
These clinicians have at least a master's degree and have
completed supervision requirements for licensure in their
field. Different types include: |
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Licensed Marriage and
Family Therapist —specifically trained in marriage
and family therapy; views an individual in the context
of his/her relationships |
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Licensed Professional
Counselor |
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Licensed Clinical Social
Worker |
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Licensed
Pastoral Counselor |
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Unlicensed Counselor
—Usually a trained counselor, lay counselor
or minister. Unlicensed does not necessarily indicate
the absence of clinical therapeutic training —the
individual may or may not have some level of training.
Unlicensed means that for whatever reason they have
not completed the licensing process |
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Please Read...
We encourage all potential clients to do their own investigation
regarding a particular referral source. Growthtrac does not
warrant the accuracy of this information and in no way implies
endorsement or certification of any organizations or individual's
qualifications, ability, or proficiency to counsel. The purpose
and objectives of this resource page is strictly informative
and educational. As with any selection of a counselor, please
be sure to consider at least 3-4 professionals in your area.
You should consider; training, areas of expertise, licensure,
commitment to Christ and your personal interactions and preferences.
Additionally, please also see this disclaimer.
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