Christians and Counselling

[Martin]

It would appear that Church leaders disapprove of Christians resorting to counselling. If the sheep are coming back with their fleeces frizzed, their relationships restored, their love deepened and their joy alight, what's the problem?
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[Francesca]

Reflecting on my experience of so called Christian counselling by my own church fellowship "in house", I wouldn't recommend it. The "counsellors" were not professionally trained and I think they did more harm in my situation than good. It was "marriage counselling": I am now divorced, and am still suffering from the fallout 3 years later, I think that good professional counselling by trained counsellors not necessarily of the Christian faith may have helped. I can't understand why the pastors described in the previous thread would object to any counselling if it does some good. :(

[Peter]

I think counselling can be a really good thing and I certainly don't think Christians need to go to a Christian counsellor. I would say its a bit like saying Christians have to go to a Christian doctor. Any good doctor worth his salt won't treat any of his patients differently and I'd say the same of counsellors. If they are good at their job they'll do it well irrespective of whether they are a Christian or not.

[Michael]

Yes but if it's specifically counselling you need because of matters to do with your faith then surely one can only go to a Christian counsellor. Anyone who isn't a Christian wouldn't understand and that'd just be a waste of money!!!

[Wendy]

I received a tremendous amount of help and support from a trained, qualified and experienced counsellor who is also a Christian. She was recommended by members of my church. I knew she would understand my committment to my marriage vows so when divorce was obviously the only viable option she could sympathetically and positively support me through the trauma that the situation gave me.

[JUNE]

I know of someone who has been with a Christian counsellor for 16 years. Personally speaking, I think this is unethical and unprofessional because the person has got too dependent on the counsellor and would be reluctant to stop seeing them but one day they will have to and how will they manage then without their crutch?