This is such an interesting question, because the human (and the counselor) in me thinks, “Of course. It can be for everyone, no matter their faith background.” And while I firmly believe that’s true, I have heard this question posed many times. 

You might have heard things like this: 

“You don’t need counseling. The Holy Spirit is the only counselor you need.” 

“You are too blessed to be depressed. Be thankful for the good in your life.” 

“If you just had more faith, then you wouldn’t be struggling as much.” 

“Psychology is just full of lies. the Bible is the only Truth.” 

I know I’ve heard these things. 

It is 2023, and counseling is more widely accepted as something valuable and needed by Christians and non-Christians alike. However, there are still many Christians who either believe counseling is not needed because “all a person needs is God, the church, and the Bible as their counsel” or that counseling isn’t for Christians because “it is too secular,” pointing them to what the world believes instead of biblical truth. 

Though, yes, God (in his three persons), the church (ideally), and the Bible are (or can be) excellent “counselors” (Romans 15:14, Psalm 73: 24, Psalm 32:8, Psalm 16:7, Psalm 119: 24, Isaiah 9:6, Hebrews 4:12, John 16:13), it is also considered wise to seek out and receive counsel. Now, sure, the field of professional counseling is newer to the scene in the past century, but the Bible has always considered counsel as something we need (Prov. 15:22, Prov. 11:14, 1 Thess. 5:11-14, Prov. 12:15, Prov. 19:20, Prov. 24:6). As long as the counsel doesn’t become false teaching or unhelpful counsel, it is encouraged. 

In the next blog, we’ll talk more about the distinction between Christian counseling and non faith-based counseling to further address the “it is too secular” argument as well. Many Christians prefer a counselor who is faith-based, but there are others who have found a lot of healing and relief seeing therapists who don’t identify with the Christian faith. There are benefits to both, but regardless, we’ll help you see some of the main differences in that blog post. 

Those two arguments the church uses against counseling can shame and harm people, especially those who are in counseling already or are considering it. They lead them to believe they are wrong for going to therapy. And hear me, it is never wrong.

Leaders need counsel. Lay people need it. And everyone in between. And not only because scripture teaches us that it is wise, but also because there are so many benefits of going to therapy. 

People can experience healing from past trauma and attachment wounds, work through their stories, make important connections, and grow in self and other-awareness. They can experience healing and growth in their mental health, relational health, spiritual health, and even physical health in certain ways. Therapists will help people push past barriers, learn what it means to love self, love others, and love God. They can overcome symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. They can know what it’s like to face their issues instead of avoid them. All so they can be whole, healthy people in their lives today and for years to come. 

Just as modern medicine is a form of God’s grace, something he can use to heal bodies, counseling is a form of his grace, too. Because he can use counselors to heal the soul. 

So yes, to answer simply, counseling is absolutely for Christians.