Christian Counseling: Benefits and Goals

There is no doubt that all of us have been through a lot of upheaval in the past couple of years with things like a pandemic, difficult elections, and a challenging economic environment. No matter where you find yourself settling in, a deep dive into your mental health through Christian counseling is most likely long overdue.

You can choose to care for your mental health, starting today. Time working with a counselor has many benefits. Whether you are new to counseling or have spent time with a counselor in the past, having a counselor may be the push to help you overcome some of the challenges and struggles you are living through.

What could Christian counseling do for you?

There are many ways that you could be supported by and benefit from having a counselor in your life.

If you have ever been diagnosed with anxiety or depression counseling could be a major benefit in overcoming those mental health issues. If you have had a loss of a relationship or community, counseling can help you grieve and heal. Perhaps you have had a major change in your life or have one coming: job, baby, empty nester, etc. Any of these can have a significant impact on your mental health.

There are many ways that counseling could be beneficial in your life such as:

• Improve focus.
• Help you set boundaries.
• Give you skills and tools for managing stress.
• Make difficult decisions.
• Relieve some tension.
• Plan ahead.
• Allow you to achieve personal and professional goals.
• Growth in relationships.

Specific areas of Christian counseling.

Depending on your personality and life experiences you may want to explore counseling for specific goals. Talk about these with our counselors to find the counselor who is the best fit for you.

Physical goals.

Perhaps you have struggled with body image issues in the past and you want to take better care of your physical health. Body dysmorphia, yo-yo diets, and many other issues may have affected your health goals in the past. We have counselors who can help with anorexia, bulimia, or other body dysmorphia concerns.

Working with a counselor could help you develop a healthy relationship with your body. You and your counselor can make a plan for diet, exercise, and mental health practices to help you overcome past struggles.

Personal development goals.

When the new year rolls around do you make a goal to journal more, learn a new hobby or craft, or read a pile of books? Then 3 months later you find yourself staring at a pile of unused notebooks and craft supplies.

Working with a counselor could help you develop the skills to follow through with the goals you have for yourself and you can start at any time of the year. A counselor will give you insight into your personality and the ways you may be able to see success in your endeavors.

Relationship goals.

You don’t have to be on the brink of divorce or tragedy to have your relationships benefit from counseling. And you don’t have to go as a couple. Focusing on your mental health will bring new insights into all your relationships. From couples to parents, coworkers to friends, talking through the ups and downs with a counselor will give you tools and skills to navigate the ups and downs of your different relationships.

Why Christian counseling?

When Christians are trying to walk faithfully in a world fraught with pain and heartache, there is a need for encouragement. Your Christian counselor can guide you with tools rooted in God’s Truth amid turmoil and difficulty.

Being a Christian does not free you from anxiety, stress, depression, grief, or major mental health challenges. It is helpful to have a Christian counselor to point you to God in the middle of the challenges of life. Adding to the important knowledge of psychology, the tools of faith can be instrumental in dealing with the challenges of life. Tools such as prayer and meditation may become crucial in achieving your personal goals.

What does the Bible say about counseling?

From the outset of Creation God encourages people to live in relationships and communities. Wise counsel is praised, and foolish counsel is condemned.

Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. – Psalm 119:24, NIV

The Bible is the source of much wisdom for any seeking to understand truth. Learning to go to the Bible for counsel is an excellent practice. It is also a wildly complex book that does not give direct answers. Having a Christian counselor in your life will help you to avoid misinterpreting what the Bible says.

But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.” – 1 Kings 22:5, NIV

Seeking the counsel of the Lord is best done with the help of mature Christians, pastors, and Christian counselors. Such men and women place priority on spiritual understanding and mental well-being.

Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, a man of insight, and a scribe. – 1 Chronicles 27:32, NIV

Christian counselors will seek out wisdom from God, and knowledge from professional resources, to give the best insights they can do their clients.

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed. – Proverbs 15:22, NIV

Achieving your goals on your own is much more difficult. By being open to support and counsel from others, you will be able to achieve the things you set out to accomplish.

God as a counselor.

For to us, a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6, NIV

God plays many roles in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit is given to be a helper, or counselor, to you in your Christian walk. In the poetic prophesying of Isaiah, Jesus is given the title Wonderful Counselor. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is seen to engage with the questions, doubts, and fears of all. He is willing to listen to your work through all the ups and downs of your life and challenges.

To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. – Job 12:13, NIV

Prayer is the practice of telling God things, and also the practice of listening to God. With the help of a Christian counselor, you may be able to discern what it is that God is telling you. Believe in the greatness and compassion of God to counsel you.

Counseling is good, but not easy.

Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power. – Proverbs 8:14, NIV

It is important to remember not to place your agenda on God. He will give wise counsel even if you may not always want to hear it. Your counselor may give you advice or direction that feels unpleasant or difficult.

Going to counseling requires commitment and effort. You may spend more time in tears than you think. The issue you want to address may uncover deeper issues. All of this growth and maturing are important and valuable.

Sometimes the first counselor you have may not be the right fit. It is okay to tell your counselor if you want to try something or someone different. Be honest about your goals and commitment to the process and your counselor will be able to help you discern how to meet these goals and move forward. Finding the right fit with a counselor will ensure you the best success in your journey.

Let’s get started.

Contact our office today to set an appointment with one of our counselors. Your initial visit will establish the goals you have for counseling, and make a plan for caring for your mental health starting today.