How to Integrate Christianity into Counselling?
Christian counselling, as offered by Life to the Full, is fundamentally understood as the integration of evidence-based psychology with a Christian worldview. The core purpose is to help individuals explore their challenges through the lens of faith, fostering a deeper sense of meaning, purpose, and hope in the healing process. This approach aims to cultivate "holistic Christian flourishing".
Here is how Christianity is integrated into counselling:
Integration of Faith and Psychology
Christian counselling at Life to the Full blends professional therapeutic methods with a distinct Christian perspective. While professional counselling relies on specific technical qualifications and precise methods, a good counsellor should also possess a "pastoral heart". The holistic model is vital because it acknowledges that an individual's struggles can stem from spiritual, mental, or emotional issues, often in combination. Life to the Full's team includes psychologists, counsellors, and theologians who are suitably qualified and members of their respective accrediting bodies, ensuring a professional standard.
Role of Scripture and Prayer
In sessions, prayer is welcomed if the client desires it, and this applies to all counsellors, including psychologists, relationship counsellors, and spiritual counsellors. Scripture is used not in a prescriptive or out-of-context manner, but rather to explore theological "paradigms". This involves examining concepts such as a client's identity and the character of God – for example, whether God is perceived as a loving Heavenly Father or a tyrant. The counselling process helps individuals understand their "functional beliefs" (what they genuinely believe in their heart) versus their "confessional theology" (what they outwardly claim to believe). By exploring these beliefs, clients can begin to see their suffering within a "redemptive story," fostering hope grounded in the belief that God is good.
Worldview and Functional Beliefs
A significant aspect of integrating faith is helping clients understand their personal "worldview" – what they believe about the world and how this impacts their interactions and perception of suffering. The aim is to challenge detrimental "functional beliefs" about God that may stem from past experiences, such as believing God is punishing them, and replace them with a more biblical understanding of His character. This can provide a powerful "counter voice" to anxiety and stress.
Application in Marriage Counselling
In Christian marriage counselling, biblical values are explicitly integrated into the therapeutic model, where a worldview "becomes sharpest". Key biblical values include:
◦ Covenant:
Marriage vows are viewed as a "higher call" rooted in biblical theology, emphasising commitment rather than solely compatibility. While grounds for divorce are acknowledged in certain biblically permissible or safety-related situations, the general Christian ethic holds a higher view of the covenant than secular society.
◦ Equal Value:
Christian counselling affirms the equal value of men and women, even if roles might be seen as different, challenging secular notions of gender roles and avoiding interpretations that lead to mistreatment.
◦ God as the Centre:
It challenges the secular idea that all satisfactions can be found through one's spouse, instead encouraging the expectation of occasional disappointment and recognising God as the true head of the marriage. True relational hope is found when God is at the centre, providing grounding through both the "peaks and troughs" of the marital journey.
Addressing Misconceptions and Stigma:
Life to the Full strives to create a non-judgmental space, acknowledging that people may fear condemnation if they reveal their struggles within church communities. Counsellors aim to show "love and dignity" even if they don't endorse every choice. It is emphasised that being a Christian does not prevent marital difficulties; faith provides an anchor, but challenges will still arise. There is also an effort to destigmatise discussions around topics sometimes considered taboo in Christian circles, such as sex, acknowledging God as its creator. Seeking marriage counselling is portrayed not as a sign of failure, but of "true strength" in a relationship, acknowledging that humans are imperfect and marriage is a complex journey.
Support for Pastors and Ministry Leaders:
Life to the Full also serves as a crucial resource for pastors and ministry leaders, offering them a confidential space to seek counsel. Chris Cipollone highlights the importance of leaders recognising their own vulnerability and seeking support from a network of friends and family outside their church community, in addition to professional help, as they are susceptible to the same challenges as anyone else.
Ready to take this important step?
Contact Life to the Full today to learn more and schedule your sessions.