Is Christian Counselling Biblical?

Written By Chris Cipollone

Yes, Christian counselling, as practiced by Life to the Full, is considered biblical, as it integrates evidence-based psychology with a Christian worldview and explicitly incorporates faith and spiritual principles into the healing process.

Here's how Christian counselling is understood and applied within a biblical framework:

  • Integration of Faith and Psychology:

  • Life to the Full defines Christian counselling as the integration of evidence-based psychology with a Christian worldview. This approach helps clients explore their challenges through the lens of faith, aiming to provide a deeper sense of meaning, purpose, and hope in the healing process.

  • The goal is to cultivate "holistic Christian flourishing".

  • While professional counselling involves specific technical qualifications and precise methods, a good counsellor should possess a "pastoral heart".

  • Role of Scripture and Prayer:

  • Prayer is welcomed if the client desires it, across all counsellors, including psychologists, relationship counsellors, and spiritual counsellors.

  • Scripture is not used prescriptively, but to explore "paradigms" such as identity and the character of God (e.g., God as a loving Heavenly Father versus a tyrant). The aim is to help clients understand their "functional beliefs" and view suffering within a "redemptive story" to find hope.

  • The process helps individuals perceive themselves, understand their story, and what they believe about God, which impacts how they view suffering, hardship, and relationship difficulties.

  • Biblical Values in Marriage Counselling:

  • In Christian marriage counselling, the language of covenant in biblical theology is highly important, viewing marriage vows as a "higher call" than secular society might. This does not mean there are never grounds for divorce, but the Christian ethic generally holds a higher view of the covenant.

  • The Christian idea of equal value despite different roles for men and women is affirmed, stressing that difference in roles does not speak to their value to each other or to God.

  • Christian counselling challenges the secular idea that all satisfactions can be found through one's spouse, instead encouraging the expectation of disappointment at times and recognising God as the head of the marriage. True relational hope is found in God being the center of the relationship, providing grounding through peaks and troughs.

  • Addressing Life's Challenges with Faith:

  • Christian counselling acknowledges that being a Christian does not absolve one from having difficulties in marriage; it is not a "ticket to zero challenge". While an anchor in God exists, "the winds and the waves will still hit you within a loving relationship".

  • There is no shame in seeking marriage counselling, as humans are imperfect and marriage is a complex journey. Seeking help can be a sign of "true strength" in a relationship, leading to refinement and becoming "more Christ-like" through shared hardships.

  • Christian counselling also addresses misconceptions like sex being taboo; it is believed that God created sex, and it should not be such a taboo that it cannot be discussed at all.

In essence, Christian counselling at Life to the Full is designed to be a non-judgmental space that integrates professional therapeutic practices with biblical principles, aiming to help individuals and couples navigate life's challenges while deepening their understanding of God and their faith.

Ready to take this important step?

Contact Life to the Full today to learn more and schedule your sessions.

Chris Cipollone