“I Need a Christian Counselor”: When Church Isn’t Enough | Part 2
Continued from Part 1 | Where Do You Go When the Church Can’t Help You?
How to Find a Christian Counselor You Can Trust
Lisa knew she needed someone equipped to walk with her through the deeper work of healing. But like many others, she wondered: Who can I trust?
If you’ve ever searched “I need a Christian counselor,” you already know the internet can be overwhelming. With so many titles and styles, how do you narrow it down?
Here are a few things to consider when you’re ready to reach out for help:
✅ Do They Have a Biblical Worldview?
Some counselors use secular techniques with Christian lingo sprinkled in. Others deeply integrate biblical truths into their framework. Read their website, watch their videos, and listen for authenticity. Do their values resonate with your faith?
✅ How Do They Live?
Character matters. The counselor’s personal integrity, spiritual maturity, and self-awareness will shape your counseling experience. You’re not looking for perfection—but you are looking for someone who walks their talk.
✅ What’s Their Theology of Healing?
Do they believe healing always comes through instant miracles? Or that suffering is always the result of sin? Are they open to exploring the complexities of faith, pain, and emotional healing? A nuanced, compassionate theology is essential.
✅ Do They Take a Holistic Approach?
Great Christian counselors honor the full person—body, mind, emotions, and spirit. They understand that healing often involves uncovering trauma, learning new coping skills, and inviting God into every layer of life.
🔗 Explore the Reimagine Life Journey to holistic healing
✅ Are They Trained in the Method You Need?
If you're looking for Brainspotting for trauma, Emmanuel Prayer, or somatic approaches, make sure your counselor is trained in those methods. Don’t hesitate to ask!
✅ Do They Follow a Code of Ethics?
The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) has a clear Code of Ethics you can review here. Any counselor worth their salt will welcome accountability and ethical oversight.
✅ What Do Others Say?
Look at testimonials. Read reviews. A good Christian counselor won’t just sound good—they’ll have a track record of helping others heal.
How to Find a Good Christian Counselor (Without Burning Out in the Process)
As Lisa began exploring her options, she quickly felt overwhelmed. There were so many profiles, credentials, and approaches—how could she know which one was right for her? She didn’t want to spend weeks bouncing from one counselor to the next, explaining her story again and again.
This is a common experience, and it’s one reason many people give up too soon. But there are ways to streamline the process...
1. Ask For Personal Recommendations
Friends, neighbors, and coworkers often know of faith-filled counselors who’ve helped them or others in your community. You can also check local apps like Nextdoor to see if anyone’s recommended a Christian counselor near you—or share your own post to ask.
2. Ask Your Pastor or Trusted Church Leaders
They often know of solid, faith-filled professionals in the area.
3. Search Online with Specific Keywords
Try combinations like “trauma-informed Christian counselor near me,” or “Christian Brainspotting therapist.” Be as specific as possible.
4. Use YouTube or Blogs to Preview a Counselor’s Approach
Watching a few videos, downloading free resources, subscribing to their email list, or reading their articles can give you a sense of their voice, faith, and focus. 🔗 Check out my YouTube playlist: Healing Pathways
5. Schedule a Free Consultation
Many counselors offer a brief phone call or online application. Prepare a few questions and trust your gut. You’ll get a feel for their presence and perspective.
How Do I Know If This Christian Counselor Is Right for Me?
Lisa eventually found someone who seemed like a good fit—but even then, she wondered, What if I’m wrong? What if it’s not the right match after all? She needed reassurance that it was completely normal to feel uncertain when beginning counseling for the first time.
Here are some signs you're with the right person:
You feel seen, safe, and respected.
They ask insightful questions without judgment.
They integrate Scripture and prayer without force or fluff.
They help you connect your story—not just change your behavior.
They honor your story, your tears, and your pace.
They give you meaningful homework and growth tools.
They’re working toward your goals, not their agenda.
They’re not afraid to refer you elsewhere if needed.
They want you to heal so well, you won’t need them forever.
When You’re Ready to Reimagine Life
Lisa’s story isn’t uncommon. Maybe it’s your story, too.
If you’re whispering the words, “I need a Christian counselor,” I want you to know you’re not alone—and you’re not failing. In fact, acknowledging your need for help might be the bravest and most faithful thing you’ve ever done.
Healing is possible. And it starts with taking that next small step.
🔗 Learn more about Christ-centered, whole-person care
🔗 Take the first step in the Reimagine Life Journey
Today, Lisa is living a life she never thought possible. The girl who once woke up dreading each day now opens her eyes with peace in her chest and hope in her heart. The panic attacks are gone. The shame no longer has a voice. Her relationships are healthier, more honest—built on mutual respect instead of fear.
Looking back, she wishes she had reached out sooner. The healing was hard, yes—but it was holy. And now she knows the truth: trauma touches every part of us, but so does healing.
And healing? It’s a continual process. That changes everything.
Final Thoughts
Where do you go when the church can’t help you?
You go to the Body of Christ in all its beautiful forms—including the part that God has equipped and called to walk with you through emotional healing. Counselors, mentors, pastors, friends—they're all part of the tapestry God uses to redeem and restore.
If you’re in need of Christian counseling, don't wait until you're drowning. Let someone walk with you. Let Christ meet you in the counseling room. You don’t have to carry this alone.
