What is Christian Counseling? - Dr. Joe Verga

Often during the past year, we’ve referred to ‘Christian counseling’ in this newsletter. . But have you ever stopped to ask yourself exactly what that is? Is it just someone with mental health credentials—PhD, LPC, LMFT—who happens to be a Christian, too?

The word psychology comes from the Greek words psyche (soul) and logos (study of). In simple terms, it is the study of why people behave the way they do. Psychology grew out of the field of philosophy and for many decades was shaped and limited by the prevailing schools of rationalism and positivism. These held that reason and scientific verification were the only valid avenues for knowledge and truth. These philosophic roots dismissed subjective experiences, such as faith, because they couldn’t be demonstrated scientifically. They also dismissed revelation as a source of truth. Modern philosophy continues to take the approach that if something can’t be demonstrated and replicated, we can’t talk about it. Holding to such a view seriously limits how we come to truth and what can be included in our theory and practice.

Christian counseling is not bound by the philosophical blinders that shape much of the discourse in our day and age. Instead, it views man and life from a Biblical perspective. It takes into account objective reality as well as subjective experiences. It acknowledges the truths revealed by God for our benefit and redemption. It recognizes the power and scope of personal faith. Christian counseling takes the best findings and techniques from the fields of science, integrates them with the truth of Scripture and the spiritual resources of the Christian faith, offering the best of both worlds to those in need. “The ultimate goal of Christian counseling is to help others move to personal wholeness, interpersonal competence, mental stability and spiritual maturity.” (www.aacc.net)

Fuller Theological Seminary, where I received my training, established its School of Psychology in early 1960’s with a grant from the Weyerhaeuser foundation. This was a pioneering effort as it was the first program in clinical psychology, outside of a university, to be accredited by the American Psychological Association. Fuller’s motto is “the cross at the heart of psychology.” (www.fuller.edu) Their goal, and that of other similar programs, is to prepare people who are deeply informed by both psychology and the Christian faith, to assist persons on their journey to emotional and spiritual wholeness. Although a person may certainly be helped by any therapist who can provide empathetic listening, a safe environment, and has been trained in basic understanding of the human mind, God may have greater healing and growth in mind for a person that may not be seen or experienced in a secular setting.

Christian counseling is definitely here to stay. It continues to gain respect in the medical community with studies showing the impact of faith on a patient’s recovery. It is also recognized by many insurance panels as a specialty. Graduate programs have proliferated here and abroad. As I worshipped with thousands of Christian counselors at the recent world conference, I could see God’s hand and the movement of His Spirit. I believe that God is doing something on a grand scale to minister to His Body. He is also equipping Christian counselors to minister His grace to anyone who walks through our doors, and if they seek it, help them move closer to the Truth.

For more information on Christian counseling, please visit American Association of Christian Counselors (www.aacc.net), Christian Association for Psychological Studies (www.caps.net), or Fuller Theological Seminary (www.fuller.edu).