What is Christian Based Therapy?
Christian-based therapy, also known as Christian counselling, is defined as the integration of evidence-based psychology with a Christian worldview. This approach is designed to help individuals explore their challenges through the lens of faith, with the ultimate goal of fostering a deeper sense of meaning, purpose, and hope throughout the healing process, and cultivating "holistic Christian flourishing".
Key aspects and features of Christian-based therapy include:
Integration of Faith and Psychology
Christian therapy blends professional therapeutic methods with a distinct Christian perspective. While professional counselling relies on technical qualifications and precise methods, a good counsellor is also expected to possess a "pastoral heart". This holistic model recognises that an individual's struggles can stem from spiritual, mental, or emotional issues, often in combination, requiring a comprehensive approach. Practitioners, including psychologists, counsellors, and theologians, are suitably qualified and members of their respective accrediting bodies.
Role of Scripture and Prayer
Prayer is welcomed if the client desires it and is a permitted part of sessions, applicable to all counsellors, including psychologists, relationship counsellors, and spiritual counsellors. Scripture is utilised to explore theological "paradigms" rather than being prescribed out of context, to avoid unhelpful applications. This involves examining concepts like a client's identity and the character of God (e.g., God as a loving Heavenly Father versus a tyrant). The process helps individuals understand their "functional beliefs"—what they genuinely believe in their heart—which may differ from their "confessional theology". By bringing these honest questions to the surface, clients can unpick unhelpful beliefs and replace them with a more biblical understanding, viewing suffering within a "redemptive story" to find hope. This exploration can also provide a powerful "counter voice" to anxiety and stress.
Worldview and Functional Beliefs
A significant part of integrating faith is assisting clients in understanding their personal "worldview"—their beliefs about the world and how these impact their interactions and perception of suffering. The aim is to challenge detrimental "functional beliefs" about God that may arise from past experiences (e.g., believing God is punishing them) and replace them with a more biblical understanding of His character.
Holistic Understanding of the Individual
Christian therapy operates on the understanding that individuals are "whole people, heart, soul, mind and strength". This means acknowledging the physiological and physical dimensions of mental and emotional challenges. For instance, anxiety is understood to have a "physiological set of reactions" such as sleep loss, moodiness, jittery hands, and trembling fingers, and prolonged stress can lead to burnout, depression, and "all sorts of physiological symptoms". It is also recognised that "psychological disorders are not just as a result of folly and a lack of wisdom, it can be as a result of genuinely misfiring neural pathways in the brain". Practices like Christian meditation can include "stretching exercises" to "reorient the pathways of our brain through thought," linking physical activity to spiritual and mental well-being.
Application in Specific Contexts
◦ Marriage and Relationship Counselling:
Christian marriage counselling integrates biblical values such as the covenant nature of marriage, emphasising commitment over mere compatibility, and affirming the equal value of men and women, even if roles are perceived differently. It challenges the secular notion 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. Pre-marital counselling, using tools like the "Prepare and Enrich" program, helps couples understand their strengths and weaknesses preventatively.
◦ Addressing Mental Health Issues:
For issues like anxiety, Christian therapy differentiates between clinical anxiety (which can involve chemical imbalances) and worry or fear, advising careful and gracious approaches that may include professional psychological strategies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It offers a "powerful counter voice" to anxiety by grounding clients in who they believe God to be, challenging detrimental functional beliefs.
Addressing Misconceptions and Stigma
Christian therapy strives to provide a non-judgmental space where people can reveal struggles without fear of condemnation from church communities. It actively dispels the myth that being a Christian absolves one from marital or personal difficulties; rather, seeking help is framed as a sign of "true strength" in a a relationship. It encourages acknowledging vulnerabilities and processing them realistically, rather than pretending everything is "put together". It also addresses misconceptions, such as the taboo around discussing sex, affirming God as its creator. There is also an emphasis that going for counselling does not mean a relationship is on the brink of divorce; in fact, those willing to seek help may be in the "safest territory" because they are actively working on their relationship.
Accessibility through Telehealth
Christian therapy services are offered in-person and nationwide via telehealth. Telehealth sessions, primarily conducted via secure video calls (e.g., Zoom embedded in client management software), are proven to be highly effective, nearly as much as in-person sessions. This accessibility is crucial for individuals in remote Australian areas or those seeking niche Christian-focused psychological support that might not be locally available. Clients can book telehealth appointments through a digital portal or by calling the practice manager. Telehealth often shows a bias towards younger clients and those in regional areas.
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