Christian Counseling
Are You Seeking Guidance That Aligns With Your Faith?
Are you struggling with cycles of stress, anxiety, and mental roadblocks? Do you find yourself struggling to connect to the Bible’s teachings due to your own cognitive distortions? Are you looking for counsel from people who understand firsthand the importance of faith and mental wellness?
There is a disconnect in people’s minds between modern psychotherapy and faith-based counseling from a spiritual leader. There are people in the church who believe that you are able to achieve full healing from just the church, but that is not the case. One path of healing does not negate the other; in fact, combining the two creates a synergy of full understanding and compassion from your therapist.
Therapy Does Not Have To Clash With Your Faith
Whether you are a practicing Christian or not, one thing rings true: we all have to take care of our mental health. Even if you’re not familiar with the scientific terms and treatments for mental illness, you have definitely experienced challenges and changes to your mental health. This can look like increased and lasting stress from a big life transition, or decreased enjoyment in life after a traumatic event. Therapy is a tool for understanding yourself, working through your relationships with others, and discovering what you need to do to become the best version of yourself. If Christianity and God is essential to your identity and aspirations, then therapy can uplift that part of you as well.
Have any questions? Send us a message!
It Is Not Shameful To Need Therapy
Therapy is not for “crazy” people, or for someone who’s beyond helping. Therapy isn’t this dirty, hush-hush secret you need to keep from others. Just like seeing your doctor whenever you feel physically unwell, you can go to a therapist when you’re feeling emotionally and mentally strained. You don’t have to be mentally ill to go to therapy. Or, if you are struggling with mental illness, you should not feel shame for it. Invisible pains are still painful, and they can affect your day-to-day life. Like any other person, you deserve dignity in vulnerability with others.
Your Therapy Journey Does Not Lessen Your Faith
In looking to improve your mental state, you may have pursued counseling through a spiritual leader, or sought guidance through your church’s community. These avenues may work for some people, but maybe they haven’t worked for you. That does not mean you are less connected with God, or that you’re less of a Christian than others. Different treatments and types of advice are needed for different people.
Going to therapy does not mean you have given up on your faith. And, if you are requesting Christian therapy, you will actually be able to strengthen your understanding of yourself and how your faith is meant to work with your goals. Therapy would not be a replacement for spiritual guidance; it’s supplementary counseling that would give you new perspectives and scientifically-proven interventions that you only access in sessions.
In Therapy, You Can Reframe Your Thinking Through Scripture
Here at Bloom Therapy, we are proud to offer Christian Counseling as an option to our community. Therapy is beautiful in how unique it is for every person. Thus, we are honored to be able to cater even more to those who desire to put their faith at the forefront of their healing journey.
We understand that for whatever reason, be it commute time or work schedules, some people may not be able go to a therapist’s office every week. That’s why we offer flexible telehealth appointments with all of our counselors who offer Christian Counseling.
What To Expect With Christian Counseling
With Christian Counseling, you’ll start off by letting the therapist know about yourself, what brought you to counseling, and what you’d like to address. Depending on whether you’d like to tackle anxiety, depression, trauma, or something else that’s ailing you, your therapist will be able to propose a treatment plan moving forward. While making this plan, your therapist will be able to holistically determine what course of action would align most with your faith and personal creed. During your sessions, your therapist will be equipped to refer to scripture that may pertain to your current situation and offer prayer as a source of strength.
Treatment Approaches For Christian Counseling
Many existing treatment approaches in psychotherapy are able to blend seamlessly within the context of Christianity. These methodologies are just a small peek into the services our therapists provide.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): CBT is one of the most widespread forms of psychotherapy. This form of therapy is focused on one’s cognitive distortions, or thinking patterns that become detrimental overtime. Common cognitive distortions include black-and-white thinking, where someone thinks in absolute “good” or “bad” values, or catastrophizing, where someone always assumes the worst possible outcome will occur. These distortions can become ingrained in your head, enforcing negative behaviors. With CBT, therapists challenge these distortions plainly and propose challenges to the distortions. They can do so by calling back to the Bible’s teachings and interpretations, asking, “What does Scripture say about this?” Therapy and the truth from the Word of God work hand-in-hand looking to negate cognitive distortions because they both enforce your value as a human being and one of God’s children. CBT in tandem with Christian Counseling works to reassure you in all facets of your life, you have the capacity to feel and be better.
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): ACT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on your initial reaction and response to negative thinking. This type of therapy is for people who often find themselves overwhelmed and drowned by their negative predispositions. In life, it’s inevitable to come across negative situations, but some people take these things to heart in a way that seriously hinders them or their self-image. In ACT, therapists work with their clients to accepting these negative situations, assess their emotions, and figure out the next best course of action. In turn, the philosophy of ACT coincides with the Christian values of acceptance in God’s plan, finding appreciation in the present, and taking action to live by your values.
But You May Still Have Questions About Christian Counseling…
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While we pride ourselves on our faith and our faith-based offerings, we will not force you into any modality you are not interested in. If you are not a Christian, or if you are Christian but want to focus on a different area of your life, we will ensure the best quality of care possible regardless. Above all, your healing is about you. As therapists and counselors, our main goal is to assist you in a way that you would find the most helpful, encouraging, and welcoming.
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Research demonstrates that attending in-person or online therapy sessions can be highly effective for people, regardless of modality. The consistency of appointments and connection with your therapist is what’s key when it comes to your healing journey.
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When using a faith-based approach, the goal of therapy is not to be the only source of support and guidance. Our hopes when offering therapy is that it strengthens your relationship with God and the community. Working on yourself and your progress will only increase your ability to be an active and loving community member under Christ.
Nurture yourself and your faith through therapy.
At Bloom, you’ll be able to be seen and understood by compassionate individuals who are committed to faith and your improvement. If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, we invite you to call our office at 619-292-8260 or fill out the contact form on our website to book a free 15-minute consultation or schedule your first session.
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