What to Expect in a Christian Counseling Session
Are you on the fence about going to a Christian counselor? In the past, you may have spoken with a pastor or other church member, only to feel more alone than before. Maybe you felt misunderstood or weren't taken seriously. Do you wow feel hesitant to even try therapy?
Most people are reluctant to go to a Christian counselor because they don't really know what to expect. Actually, that is the same for any counseling session. There is often a stigma surrounding Christian counseling and what it is and isn't. We want to help you ease the fears you may have and go over what you can expect from any Christian counseling session.
Your Faith Will Be Incorporated
We often hear from clients that their past therapists did not consider the role faith plays in their life.
In Christian counseling, you will never have to worry about that. We will always work with you to tie your faith into sessions. Working with a Christian counselor, you will have a safe place to open up about your personal relationship with God. You can be express your feelings honestly.
Even if you are not sure how you feel, you will never be judged.
There Will Be Some Paperwork
Before your first session, you will typically complete an intake form. This form is to give some details about your background — and why you are choosing Christian counseling. This will help your therapist get a general idea of why you are reaching out for support.
What To Expect In The First Session
If you have never gone to therapy before or had a bad past experience, you may be unsure of what you are walking into.
In the first session, you can go into as much or little detail as you see fit. You may discuss with your therapist anything from how close you feel to God or your family history with religion or spirituality. Understanding this past history can help you see your own journey with your spirituality in a new light. In this way, as sessions go on, you may begin to piece together what has shaped you as a person.
You Won't Be Forced To Talk About Anything You Don't Want To
A common fear most people have is that their therapist will demand they talk about certain things. With Christian counseling, you should never feel as if you absolutely have to discuss something. A good Christian counselor will understand that there are certain boundaries and limitations to what you feel ready to discuss. And, that is completely ok.
When you are ready to talk about something, that is great. You will be supported no matter what you are ready to share with your counselor.
You Can Reflect On What You Have Been Taught
No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, you are likely bringing a past history with you. A past history of teachings that may not have served you well in the long term. These lessons can foster limiting beliefs about who you are, your place alongside God, and more.
In your sessions, you can take time to explore these aspects of yourself and determine whether they are serving you or holding you back. What Christian counseling is not, and should not be, is a place where you are told how to interpret certain aspects of Christianity or any spiritual faith.
You Can Grow In Your Spirituality
With Christian counseling, you will experience spiritual growth in your own way. When you are ready, your counselor may suggest podcasts, resources, or books that you can learn from in your own time. Even when you are not in a session, you can continue to grow, learn about yourself, and connect with the world around you.
--
Maybe you have never gone to therapy or have been hurt in the past. No matter what is prompting you to consider Christian counseling, you now hopefully understand more of what to expect. If you have any questions about Christian counseling with us, please don't hesitate to reach out soon to get started or to schedule your first session. We look forward to speaking with you.