“I Need a Christian Counselor”: When Church Isn’t Enough | Part 1

“Where do you go when the church can’t help you?” 

This question haunted Lisa (a composite of many clients, name changed for privacy).

She had been a Christian most of her life. She loved Jesus deeply, was active in her church, and did all the things she believed a faithful woman should do—prayer, devotionals, serving, small group.

But underneath the spiritual disciplines, she silently struggled. Anxiety tightened her chest in the quiet moments. Depression clung to her like a fog she couldn’t shake. And no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t seem to pray her way out of it. 

Like many believers, Lisa assumed her suffering was a spiritual problem. She wondered if she lacked faith, or if some hidden sin was blocking her healing.

She tried all the right things—Bible studies, worship playlists, asking for prayer—but nothing seemed to help. Her pain persisted. Her relationships were fraying. Sleep became elusive, and panic attacks disrupted her days. And she didn’t know where to turn.

In a moment of despair, Lisa whispered the words she never thought she’d say out loud: 

“I need a Christian counselor.” 

That simple admission opened a door to hope—but it also opened a flood of new questions. 

What Does It Mean to Be “In Need of Christian Counseling”? 

Needing Christian counseling doesn’t mean you’ve failed spiritually. It doesn’t mean you’ve disappointed God. It doesn’t mean you aren’t praying hard enough or trusting Him deeply enough. 

It means you’re human. 

And like all humans, you carry wounds—some from childhood, others from relationships, trauma, or seasons of intense stress. Emotional pain isn’t a reflection of weak faith. It’s a signal that your heart is crying out for care, just like a broken arm signals your body needs physical attention. 

The good news? Jesus cares about your whole being—body, mind, soul, and spirit. And Christian counseling can be one of the tools He uses to bring healing. 

But where do you begin? 

Aren’t All Christian Counselors the Same? 

Lisa had no idea that entering the world of Christian counseling would feel like learning a new language. There were so many options: biblical counseling, licensed counseling, pastoral counseling, coaching. She wasn’t sure what any of it meant—or which path would lead to healing. 

Here’s a breakdown of the five main types of Christian counselors she discovered: 

1. Licensed Christian Counselors 

These professionals are licensed mental health clinicians (such as LPCs, LMFTs, LCSWs) with advanced degrees, national certifications, and ongoing continuing education. Many incorporate their Christian faith into their work to varying degrees. If you're looking for someone with clinical expertise and credentials, this can be a solid option. However, because their training often comes from secular institutions, the level of biblical integration may vary—and may not reflect the depth of faith-based counseling you're hoping for. 

2. Nouthetic or Biblical Counselors 

These counselors focus solely on Scripture as the guide for addressing life’s problems. They often receive training through church-based programs or Christian counseling organizations. While their intent is to stay grounded in God’s Word, this approach can sometimes assume that emotional and mental struggles are always the result of personal sin. Healing is often framed as a matter of repentance, obedience, and increased faith. For some, this may feel spiritually grounding. For others, especially those dealing with trauma, grief, or abuse, it can lead to added guilt and shame—much like the counsel Job received from his friends. 

3. Christian Counselors and Mental Health Coaches with Degrees from Accredited Faith-Based Institutions  

These counselors and coaches are academically trained professionals who hold degrees from Christian universities like Liberty University. They’ve studied both theology and psychology and have completed supervised hours in real-world settings. Their faith is not an afterthought—it’s woven into the framework of how they understand healing, growth, and human nature. These counselors often take a holistic approach, respecting the role of Scripture and the Holy Spirit while also using evidence-based therapeutic techniques. If you're looking for someone who sees you as a whole person—body, mind, soul, and spirit—this might be the right fit. 

4. Specialized Christian Counselors and Coaches

These counselors focus on one particular area of expertise, such as trauma, grief, addiction, marriage, or parenting. They may be licensed therapists, pastoral counselors, or coaches with deep training in one niche. This makes them a great option if you already know what kind of help you need. For example, a woman healing from childhood trauma may benefit most from someone who specializes in trauma-informed care from a Christian perspective. Just make sure to ask about their credentials and scope of practice—specialized doesn't always mean qualified. 

5. “Certified” Counselors from Unaccredited or Unknown Programs 

These individuals may call themselves Christian counselors but lack formal training in counseling or mental health. Sometimes their certification comes from a short online course or a weekend seminar. While they may be well-meaning and spiritually sincere, they’re often unequipped to address the complexities of emotional pain, trauma, or mental health crises. Be cautious here. Just because someone uses Christian language doesn’t mean they have the training to walk with you through deep healing. Always ask questions, check references, and don’t be afraid to keep looking if something doesn’t feel right. 

To be continued in Part 2 | How to Find a Christian Counselor You Can Trust