Do you know how to send someone to therapy, but what should Christians and pastors look for while doing so?
The steps below will help you not only choose a qualified counsellor, but also one who will put your spiritual needs at the center of the therapy process. Furthermore, we do not go into detail on the differences between Biblical counseling and having a Christian counselor; however, we will do so in the future.
Locating A Counseling Facility
The first step in seeking Christian counseling is to learn about what is available in general. Before we even consider incorporating Christianity into locating the correct treatment facility or counselor, there may be a number of considerations to consider.
Counselors Can Be Found
It is advisable to use your insurance card if you have insurance. You may usually find a phone number for Member Services on the back of your card. Request that they offer you a list of counselors or counseling facilities that are covered under your policy. Depending on your insurance carrier, you may allow making particular requests at this time.
You can use the SAMSHA Treatment Locator to identify all counseling programs in your region if you don’t have insurance, need financial help, or are prepared to pay out-of-pocket. You may also utilize the “Find A Professional” search engine provided by the Christian Associations for Psychological Studies. There are numerous Christian counselors who do not pay the yearly fee and are thus not included on this list.
Clinically, what to look for
We urge that you seek a counselor who can not only include your Christian faith in counseling sessions, but also has a solid clinical treatment, resources such as case management and medication if necessary, and a complementary approach to the issues you wish to work on with. Eating disorders, trauma, drug abuse, youth, and marriage are not common experiences.
Check out the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ comprehensive information on what goes into a high-quality mental health treatment facility if you want to learn more about this.
5 Questions to Consider When It Comes to Integrating Faith into Counseling
Now that we know the basics of what to look for in a counseling facility, we need to ask very specific questions if we want to send someone or ourselves to therapy. To be clear, wonderful Christian counselors may be found at a secular or community mental health clinic that is not Christian-based as a whole. These counselors may often be just as excellent as Christian therapy centers and provide additional resources.
1. Inquire about their goal and vision.
There are several Christian-based treatment institutions and Christian counselors to choose from. It’s important to locate a center that shares your religious beliefs and ideals. Some regions can put a significant emphasis on family-centered therapy or refuse to allow drugs. Before you sign up for services, get a copy of the counselor’s or agency’s purpose and vision statements.
2. Request a Christian counselor explicitly.
You have various rights that should be provided to you throughout the intake process. Although it is not explicitly stated, consult a Christian counselor if that is what you need. Before you go to the counseling facility, inquire whether they have Christian counselors that can include your religion in the session.
As counselors, it is our goal to find you the ideal match. You may have to wait a little longer for the correct counselor or complete the intake evaluation with someone else before meeting with your main therapist, but you should feel at ease in therapy.
3. Request that spiritual leaders sign releases.
A counselor who wants to help you not just rehabilitate but also achieve long-term success will start with coping skills, self-esteem, and other internal techniques before moving on to external assistance. Our spiritual leaders are a significant source of support for Christians.
We recommend you ask the counselor to sign a release of information for them, whether it is our pastor, an elder, our family, a church volunteer, or a church mentor. You also have the right to request that any of them attend counseling.
4. Request that a holistic method is include in the session.
I want to be clear right away that your counselor may not be an expert in incorporating religion into therapy. Furthermore, they must maintain their position as your counselor rather than your spiritual advisor. Health consultants are bound by specific rules that prohibit them from preaching to consumers, so you don’t have to worry about your religion in treatment. It should also be the counselor’s responsibility to disclose to you what constraints are in place. Although it is not the client’s responsibility to be aware of any of this, you may need to argue for it.
However, it is perfectly acceptable to request that your counselor include Scripture, spiritual teachings, prayer, and other Christian practices into your treatment plan.
5. Request more Christian resources or facilities.
Counseling is sometimes simply one part of the therapy and long-term rehabilitation process. Ask for more, whether it’s adding Christian practices into the after-care plan or something required while in therapy.
Several Christian Counseling in MN may provide extra assistance. Find Christian counselors and caregivers within North Woods Christian Counseling, or grieving groups at your church, whether it’s Christian, evidence-based mental health groups, Christian respite for parents of children with developmental and behavioral difficulties, or bereavement groups at your church.
What Qualities Should a Christian Counselor Have?
When seeking a Christian counselor, your first priority should be that he or she has the appropriate training, license, and experience, just as it would be if you were looking for a secular counselor.
Do you agree with the counselor’s spiritual views (and approach)? Otherwise, the counselor is not right for you. Are the counselor’s attitude, approach, and manner appealing to you? If not, he is not the appropriate person for you. Is the counselor respectful of your religion or spirituality, or do you get the impression that he or she is trying to persuade you to alter your mind? If you get the impression that the counselor is attempting to “convince” you to alter your view about your religion or spirituality, he or she is not the ideal counselor for you.
The reality is that a solid doctor/client connection is critical to the counseling process, therefore if you don’t have one, keep seeking until you find one that will not only support you on your spiritual path but also manage or resolve your troubles using the bible.
Don’t dishearten if finding the proper counselor takes some time. It’s preferable to take your time rather than hurry into choosing a counselor who would exacerbate rather than solve your difficulties. Working with a Christian counselor who puts you at ease can help you get the most out of your therapy sessions.
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