3 Differences Between a Secular Therapist and a Christian Therapist

When looking for a counselor, a person may not realize the counselor does not profess to be a Christian and may consider any kind of therapy to be on the table, regardless of how contrary to Christian principles it may be. A practicing Christian will likely find stark differences between a Christian therapist and a secular one.

Ask questions before you seek the therapist’s help to see whether they align with your faith. Some counseling practices are contrary to the teachings of the Bible. Knowing secular and Christian therapists differ is essential to making the right decision for your care.

3 Differences Between a Secular Therapist and a Christian Therapist

Here are three differences between secular and Christian therapists.

Unlike a Christian therapist, secular therapists ignore the soul

Secular therapists often use the theories of secular therapists like Jung, Freud, etcetera. But most of these psychologists were not Christians (such as Jung) and many were professing atheists (such as Freud). Therapies that derive from the work of these men typically ignore the spiritual side of a person.

A person’s spirit or soul is intimately connected to their thoughts and feelings. Therefore, ignoring a person’s soul does not provide complete treatment for a person. Addressing a person’s spiritual health is a controlling factor in addressing their mental and emotional health.

Secular therapists may employ nonspiritual therapies

Secular therapists use secular therapies for treatment. For example, suppose a person is suffering from anxiety. In that case, a secular therapist may prescribe cognitive behavioral therapy, which allows them to be exposed to their worst fear slowly. Over time, a person becomes desensitized to the fear and eventually overcomes it.

However, a person suffering from anxiety will keep having the same issue if they don’t discover a way to keep new anxiety from emerging. A person may be able to stop a particular fear by adopting cognitive behavioral therapy. However, a person who regularly prays to God about their anxiety has an even more powerful weapon to combat any additional anxiety and will have a significant advantage over someone who only prescribes cognitive behavioral therapy.

Furthermore, a person’s heart must change for anxiety to disappear. Christian meditation is an excellent resource for people to meditate on the word of God all day so that they can rest in the promises of God.

These promises alone will help the person feel calmer and more at peace with their situation. At best, a secular therapist will only encourage prayer or meditation from a strictly pragmatic standpoint and choose to focus on what they consider more practical modalities. This may help with existing fear but will not help prevent additional concerns from emerging.

A Christian therapist exudes patience

Christian therapists practice Christianity in their personal lives. Therefore, they know about the healing Christianity provides because they practice it themselves. In their personal life, a Christian knows the power of prayer, seeking accountability and help through community, and understanding the power of the word of God can have on a person’s life.

A Christian therapist may exhibit more fruit of the spirit, like patience and gentleness, when speaking with the patient than someone who does not. Your therapist must practice these things in their personal life so that you can trust the source. A Christian therapist will practice it in their personal life so that they know and can relate to a person’s situation and provide spiritual solutions.

Knowing which therapist will be the best person for your care is essential. Do your research, and discover which therapist will best help you. Make sure the therapist practices their modalities in their personal life to ensure the person is a trustworthy source.

Contact us at Orange County Christian Counseling in California if you would like to learn more or schedule an appointment.