Christian Counseling vs. Pastoral Counseling: Which one do I need?
How are Pastoral Counseling and Christian Counseling different?
Pastoral counseling can be counseling from a pastor, a chaplain, a Christian counselor or a counselor who has had biblical studies in their undergrad, grad or post-grad work. Pastoral Counseling classes at the master’s level (MDiv) for a pastor often have classes that teach therapeutic communication, grief and loss counseling, Brief Counseling, crisis and disaster counseling and counseling skills in pastoral care.
Ask your pastoral counselor directly about their credentials; they usually love to talk about what they studied. The church website, Sunday morning bulletin or membership classes all may have a faith statement. If in doubt listen to a few sermons, meet with the pastor or church leaders, and join a small group. Pastoral counselors do not need a counseling license to practice in Colorado.
Requirements for an M.A. in chaplaincy or in a Christian ministry may include classes such as human development, therapeutic communication, Brief Counseling, crisis counseling, grief and loss counseling, marriage and family counseling, addictions counseling, counseling responses for crisis and disasters, and social and cultural foundations. Some pastoral counselors will become a licensed counselor.
Christian Counselors (MA) generally have a broader range of clinical mental health coursework than pastoral counselors. This is counseling that is biblically based by someone with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree that requires biblical studies and psychology. The counselor may have an overt faith statement in the website content and/or what they believe and practice becomes evident in their blogs. Your counselor may have a certificate and/or be a licensed counselor.
Who do I trust to align with my Christianity?
Take responsibility for what you believe by doing the following:
Be informed. Study the Bible and learn from reliable sources (Christian books and writings that have stood the test of time.
Ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit who often works through your intuition and the Scriptures - Old and New Testament. When you ask God, expect that He will guide and help you.
Bible or Bible Gateway are excellent apps for doing a word or phrase search to learn more about what you are studying. They also have daily devotionals, study plans and more.
Be like the Bereans Paul mentions - listen and then check what you hear/read against the Scriptures.
Ask safe Church (Christians all over the world) leaders and members clarifying questions.
Trust God, then learn to trust your own judgment.
I hope this is helpful in your journey to find some advice that will help you grow in your faith and also attend to your mental health needs. You can contact me at 720-577-5985 for a free 15-minute consult or schedule a consult online.
