Find Christian Counselors Near You

Both types of therapists are designed to help the person improve their overall well-being, and each therapist is educated within the field of therapy. Both Christian and secular therapists may use similar techniques and therapies in their therapy sessions.

However, when it comes to the differences, Christian therapists look at many of an individual’s issues through the Bible's lens. They believe that the Bible has the answers to many of life's problems. From wisdom offered in Proverbs to relating the individual's difficulties to the characters in the Bible, it puts life into perspective through a Christian point of view.

There is no right choice when it comes to which type of therapist you pick, and both secular and Christian therapy may be able to help you overcome any issues you may be facing. Some individuals may find value in both Christian and secular therapy. For the spiritual side, you may like what the Christian therapist teaches you, and for the more scientific side of you, you may enjoy hearing about the psychology of the brain and how you can change your thinking. 

Other differences between religious therapy and secular therapy

Let's discuss other differences between Christian and secular counseling, starting with education.

For both Christian and secular therapists, a master's degree is typically required. For a secular therapist, social work or psychology classes and certifications are also needed. For a Christian counselor or therapist, they also need to have Biblical and Christian knowledge to be an effective therapist, as well as roots in psychological principles and knowledge.

Near and far, different licenses are required to be either a Christian or secular therapist depending on the state that one reside in. Christian therapist-specific licenses are available in six states. Arkansas, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Tennessee allow you to get a unique license. Every other state requires you to get the same license as any other mental health therapist, but many do offer Christian-focused therapy degrees. To get a license to become a therapist, an individual needs to take an exam after obtaining the necessary degree(s), and it can vary depending on which state you choose to practice in.

The salary for counseling will vary depending on where you practice, among other factors. This depends on the location that the therapist is practicing in, whether they own their own practice or operate out of an existing office near you, their experience level, and other factors.

Christian therapists near you

Both sectors of counseling often have different venues of operation.A Christian therapist may also operate in churches, Christian schools, funeral homes, homeless shelters, and adoption agencies. A secular therapist may operate in nursing homes, outpatient care, or government offices. 

Both forms of therapists may offer similar therapies such as relationship therapy, therapies for mental health concerns, and substance misuse, among other things. Christian therapy may often offer more family-based therapy and premarital counseling, while secular therapy may also offer deeper psychiatric counseling. These kinds of treatment are likely available near you.

When it comes to how each therapist treats concerns, a Christian therapist may look to the Bible for answers and may work on improving the individual relationship with God, if that is desired by the client and the agreed-upon treatment plan.

For secular counseling, there is often more concentration on the individual. While many problems have similar roots, each situation and individual are different, and the therapist may have to try many different techniques to find the solution that best fits them.

Meanwhile, Christian therapists may be more monolithic. While individualism is still a factor, some therapists of the Christian faith believe that all our problems come from sin or the lack of belief in God. The solution can be to put more faith in your life and live for God. Some Christian therapists may place emphasis on both the science of psychology as well as faith in God; again, this depends on both the individual therapist and client.

Christian counseling

One theme of Christian counseling vs. secular counseling is that of man and God. Christian counseling believes that God is the final authority and that humans trying to resolve their issues will need the help of God. Christian therapists often believe you need to submit yourself to God, and He can help guide you to wherever you need to go. A Christian therapist may believe that your problems are due to sin and/or not being connected with God, and their teachings will likely be based on this premise.

Secular counseling

Secular therapists tend to believe that every individual has a will and responsibility to overcome any challenges they may face. If you do have a particular faith, a secular therapist will typically respect that; however, they won’t typically make their counseling advice based on faith unless they feel comfortable with doing so, have experience, and it is agreed upon by both of you. 

What does christian therapy involve?

However, it’s important not to judge someone based on what type of therapist they use. Every individual in different, has different needs, and may find different forms of therapy effective for them.

Seek support

If you're experiencing any difficulties or mental health concerns, it may be beneficial to seek support from a licensed therapist near you or online. They can provide tools and strategies to help you overcome any concerns you may have and improve your overall well-being. Sometimes, therapy comes in the form of a Christian therapist or a secular therapist. If you’re unsure of which type of therapist near you to choose, a convenient and affordable solution may be online counseling. 

If you’re still wondering if Christian therapy is right for you, and how much therapy costs, get answers with BetterHelp.