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The Difference Between Secular vs. Christian Counseling

Quick Highlights:

  • Christian counseling and secular counseling are two different approaches to therapy.
  • Both types of counseling require similar educational paths, including a master’s degree and licensure, though some exceptions exist for Christian counselors.
  • Career opportunities vary, with secular counselors working in diverse settings and Christian counselors often focusing on faith-based organizations.
  • Ethical considerations are crucial in both fields, including informed consent, patient autonomy, and maintaining professional boundaries.

Table of contents

Are you curious about the differences between Christian counseling and secular counseling? This article will help you understand what each type of counseling involves and how they can help people. You will learn about the techniques used, the educational requirements, and the career opportunities in both fields. We will also discuss the ethical considerations and challenges counselors face. By the end, you will have a clear idea of which type of counseling might be the best fit for you or someone you know.

As you consider a career as a counselor, it’s important to understand the difference between Christian counseling and secular counseling. Both types of counseling help patients overcome past problems and prevent future ones.

Secular marriage counseling is different because it doesn’t involve a religious view. Christian counseling follows the example of Christ to help patients heal and grow as individuals. Meanwhile, secular counseling will avoid using religion as a part of the counseling sessions. 

Definition of Key Terms

When you compare Christian counseling vs secular counseling, there is no specific definition of each term. However, Christian counseling focuses on the patient’s relationship with Jesus and the example of Christ. As a general rule, secular counseling doesn’t incorporate faith into the counseling sessions. 

Related:

Secular Counseling

A counselor can help someone change how they think about events in their life, like bad childhood experiences and trauma. Secular counseling does not focus on religion, but it also does not reject any religious beliefs. Secular counselors use scientific studies, new therapy ideas, and behavioral tools to help patients deal with mental and emotional challenges. This type of counseling is based on scientific and medical methods.

Christian Counseling

Meanwhile, Christian counselors will place the patient’s faith in Christ at the center of any treatment plan. A pastor may use Biblical teachings to give the patient a deeper understanding of their difficulties. By drawing strength from their faith in God, a patient relies on the spiritual dimension of human life.

Philosophical Differences

Counseling is designed to help individuals through therapy. Mo tradition can claim superiority over the other. Results are what matter more than anything. A Christian might want secular counseling if it works better for them. Meanwhile, a person without faith may consider Christian counseling vs secular counseling and decide that a Biblical perspective may be most useful for their needs. 

What is secular counseling? At its heart, secular counseling takes the following philosophical approach. 

  • A counselor will use evidence-based techniques to treat issues related to mental health and behavioral conditioning.
  • Secular marriage counseling will allow couples to overcome relationship problems by focusing on their relationship with each other.
  • Many forms of treatment in the judicial system, like cognitive behavioral therapy, show a promising efficacy rate of 74%. These treatment programs typically revolve around different forms of secular counseling.
  • The use of relevant religious techniques, social ideologies, and personal insights allows for a dynamic and progressive approach to counseling.

When thinking about the philosophy behind Christian counseling, it’s important to consider the following points.

  • Scripture and doctrine allow a counselor to use religious teachings and Biblical scripture to guide the patient’s behavior.
  • Using Christ as a central point for marriage counseling allows individuals to rely on prayer to overcome inappropriate behaviors.
  • Scripture and doctrine provide the counselor with a traditional tool that is held in reverence by the patients being treated.
  • The use of the Bible as a cornerstone of the counseling program ensures that there is a strong foundation that counselors and patients can rely on.

Educational Pathways

When thinking about Christian counseling vs secular counseling, you should consider the educational pathway involved. Depending on the state or country you live in, different requirements must be met for secular or Christian counseling. In many cases, a pastor may play the role of counselor for members of their congregation without having to get a degree. For instance, many clergy members spend up to 15% of their time on counseling activities.

Secular programs typically require you to get a master’s degree in counseling as well as a license from your state. Christian counseling programs will use doctrinal interpretations of the Bible for their specific techniques. However, Christian counselors also have to get a counseling license and master’s degree if they want to be a licensed counselor. Some states allow Christian counselors to practice without a license, but most areas require Christian counselors to achieve the same licensure standards. 

If you decide to become a Christian counselor, you can find schools that offer programs based on Christ’s role in the patient’s life. For example, Southern Adventist University is a Christian college that offers an accredited master’s in counseling.

Techniques and Methods

There are many techniques associated with counseling and therapy. They often differ based on the program that you would choose to attend. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This technique intends to train people to understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are related.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: This is built upon the four interconnected aspects of mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance.

Psychoanalysis: Popularized by Freud, this tool requires the patient to understand their subconscious motivations and use insights to impact their decision-making process.

Bible Counseling: Using the Bible as the primary tool, a Christian counselor will use Biblical stories and lessons to influence their patient’s actions.

Pastoral Counseling: In this method, the counselor listens to the patient and provides considerate responses grounded in the teachings of Christ.

Career Opportunities and Settings

What is secular counseling’s impact on job opportunities? Does Christian counseling provide the same opportunities? 

Secular and Christian counselors must be licensed by the state for most types of counseling. For example, any licensed counselor can work with a clinic, hospital, or rehab. However, Christian counselors have the option of working with their church or other Christian organizations.

If you choose to be a secular counselor, you will have opportunities to work in:

  • private corporations
  • federal institutions
  • hospitals
  • community centers

Many Christian counselors focus their careers on:

  • faith-based clinics
  • churches
  • religious organizations

No matter what type of counseling you do, you’re unlikely to have a problem finding a job. In 2022, over 55 million adults in the United States received mental health treatment according to Statista. 

Licensing and Certifications

To become a licensed counselor, you must get a master’s degree at an accredited college. After completion, you will need to see if the location of your practice requires additional licensing or certifications. Sometimes these are transferable between states. Most states require an exam and a master’s degree to get licensed as a counselor. 

Christian counseling certification can be done through your church or traditional programs, like graduate studies. Because of the legal requirements associated with being a counselor outside of a church, you will likely be required to meet the same standards for a secular counselor unless you solely work in a church setting. 

Ethical Considerations and Challenges

Regardless of the path you take, you will need to consider questions of morality or faith. You must take certain responsible steps to ensure that you are providing your clients with the best support available.

There are some legal considerations you should keep in mind as a counselor.

  • Any conversation you have with a patient requires informed consent and interpersonal respect.
  • The patient is autonomous, so you can’t control how they use the tools you provide them.
  • To prevent malfeasance, establish firm boundaries between yourself and your client. 
  • You should build the relationship on your intention to help them overcome mental health challenges.
  • Romantic connections with patients are strongly discouraged. 

Making an Informed Decision

As you strive to become a counselor, you have the choice between becoming a secular or Christian counselor. The important thing is finding a path that makes sense for your faith and career goals. 

To figure out what you want to do, use professional workshops and career guidance programs. Speak with individuals in the field who you trust and respect. Read research topics about methodologies that interest you. You can also try interviewing established counselors to get their opinions. 

Finalizing Your Career Path

Weighing the differences between Christian counseling vs secular counseling is necessary for your success. You may find that secular marriage counseling may be your calling. Meanwhile, other people feel drawn to Christian counseling. It doesn’t matter if you decide on Christian counseling vs secular therapy. The important thing is that you pursue a career path that makes sense for your faith, morality, and career goals.