Christian Counseling

Christian Counseling questions and answers

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Q: Christian Counseling...?
I want to become a Christian Counselor and was wondering exactly what educational requirements that you have to fuffil to leagally beable to pursue this profession. Thank you in Advance!

A: Since it's a religious job, not a professional one, you probably just have to go to a seminary or someplace related to a seminary. I doubt there are any regularly accredited programs in christian counseling.

Q: Where can I go for free online Christian counseling on the Internet?
I am going through some tough times in my life and I really don't want to talk to anyone IRL. I have a lot of trust issues and I would feel more comfortable talking to someine online. Also, what qualities should I look for in a Christian counselor?

A: http://www.christian-counseling-online.com/

Q: Have you ever been to Christian marriage counseling?
My husband & have been married for 4 years & we need Christian marriage counseling badly. I'm wondering if it will really help us out, we don't want to divorce but don't want to go on living unhappy lives together either. Have you ever tried marriage counseling? How did it help you out? What should I look out for when selecting a good Christian marriage counselor?

A: Christian marriage counseling, I believe, has greater potential as an active ingredient in the healing process than any other type of therapy. Why? Because marriage between a man and woman is God's plan so it only stands to reason that the repair procedures for an unhealthy marriage could be found in His word. My wife and I went through Christian marriage counseling provided a trained, licensed, minister of the faith who was exceptionally gifted in using the Word of God to help couples in the reconciliation process. These are important credentials in choosing a counselor. What makes Christian marriage counseling effective is the willingness of the couple to truly uncover, forgive, and die-to-self. It has to be understood that none of these things are within our human ability to accomplish alone. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to facilitate the type of radical change that must take place in one’s heart, deep down inside, in order for real change to take place. You’ll know it is happening when your focus is less on what your mate is doing than what you are doing in and with your relationship with God. Fifteen years later, my wife and I are stronger than ever. Has the road been free of bumps? No. But I have heard it said that if the mountain were as smooth as glass, you wouldn’t be able to climb it. We are still living in and by what we learned in Christian marriage counseling. Our marriage is not about determination and resolve to make it work; its about the freedom to love one another and let the other be who they are with full faith and confidence that what holds us together is not our resolve, but trust and assurance in Jesus Christ that He is able to sustain us through any storm that might come our way.

Q: How do you find work in christian counseling?


A: First of all, you have to attend the proper schooling. I would check with a Bible seminary school and talk with one of their counsellors to see what they suggest. When you're done, I would think that the school that you graduate from would have some suggestions on where to go, maybe applying to some of the bigger churches. Or you can open your own office. This can get expensive though, with insurances and such, so going in with another counsellor and sharing the costs are best. If this is the line of work you're thinking of going into, I commend your thinking. There aren't enough Christian counsellors, outside of big cities. My pastor just happens to be a counsellor also, so we're very fortunate to have him with us. <*)))><

Q: Is there free Christian Counseling (Therapy) in the San Jose bay area?
I am looking for someone to talk to regarding some issues in my life affecting my relationships. I would like to see a counselor to get to the bottom of my issues- preferably Christian. Does anyone know a licensed therapist who is willing to talk and help a 25 year old girl who cannot afford therapy?

A: I think Catholic Charities may have sliding scale services. There are a number of agencies that offer low fee services in San Jose like Almaden Counseling Services or Family Service Agency, but you are likely to get an intern.

Q: Has any one got a degree in Christian counseling?
My church is offering anyone to get a degree in Christian couseling through a colledge. Are a big demand in this field?

A: I don't think this a good field to based your future career on. You may check your characteristic. Not everyone is called to preach others. I'd think two times were I you. The ability of giving good counseling comes from God only. Not from a degree in whatever field.

Q: Is Trinity Institute of Christian Counseling a diploma mill?


A: I wish I knew. I've enrolled in this Institute and haven't got the professor to responed to any questions. I've paid for the courses and the professor hasn't graded and of my assignments. Is it a diploma mill? I would like that answer also.

Q: Where can i find christian counseling for eating disorders in Los angeles CA?
I have had a constant struggle with my weight ever since i was 14 yrs old and i need counseling to get rid of abnormal eating habits

A: As a leader at your church. A minister, etc. They can help lead you in the right direction. Also, your doctor, her nurse, or her social worker will definitely be able to hook you up. The social worker may also be able to help with the insurance/funding aspect of it too. Congrats on taking the first step. Remember, YOU are the only one who can help you.

Q: Is it possible to provide genetic counseling as a Christian? How would you help a couple who wanted counseling


A: Find a professional counsellor.

Q: what is the definition of christian counseling for troubled youth?


A: plz don't listen to the previous person forgive him. You do have to chose carefully as to who you go to though. It is equivalent to any counseling. It depends on you church and how they view the world. You don't want any of the 2 extremes not too conservative and not too liberal. The media would have you think that christian counseling is wrong but so are shrinks. It all depends on how you are trying to raise your youth. It is as everything people perceive it all depends on what you want your child to learn.

Q: What can I expect in Christian premarital counseling?
My fiance and I are going to attend premarital counseling at our church so that the pastor will marry us. What exactly are sessions like? What will we talk about? What are some reasons why he would marry or not marry us?

A: Congratulations on the coming nuptials and great/important question. If the pastor is doing the premarital counseling he/she most likely will mainly discuss the format of the wedding (that is – the order, the vows, what you would like here and there, etc.), but every pastor is different. Reasons for not marrying you would totally depend on the pastor. The church where I work will not marry individuals who are living together. Other than that, the church usually does not have a problem with other issues. He/she should be discussing what you can expect from your marriage. There are several areas he/she should address: Because you are a Christian he/she should definitely discuss your spiritual relationship…will you go to church together and how often? How will you exercise your faith together, if at all, etc. Other very important areas: communication, conflict resolution, how close you both feel to each other, how flexible you are in your relationship, and how you both get along in terms of your personality. Other topics might include financial management, how you both will want to spend your time together (leisure activities), children and parenting, family and friends, expectations for marriage, roles in the marriage. Some pastors do not have time, do not have the desire, and/or do not have the education to do premarital counseling. If he/she does not cover the above areas, he/she should have and you should try to find someone who can. Marriage is one of the most important steps you will take. Contact me if you would like some more help.

Q: Have you used Consumer Credit Counseling Service or Christian Crossroads Debt Management program?
If so please give me some feedback on your experience.

A: I used Consumer Credit Counseling Services several years ago and was very happy. They worked with my creditors to lower both my monthly payments and interest rate. I was debt free in 36-months.

Q: which states require licensure for christian counseling or pastoral, or chaplaincy work?
let me know thanks

A: Since State Laws and Agency Policy vary from one to the next you need to start with what kind of Chaplian you would like to be. Chapliancy is a "Compassion" Ministry. You shouldnt go into it for the money. Most agencies only pay small amounts or not at all. You also need to check into how your church can help with training. Most Chaplians need to be non-denominational. You can keep that seperate from your own beliefs. If you want to work with law inforcement/fire dept (first responder type minsitry), you will have to check things out with that Agency. They will vary from state to state and agency to agency. Some states require that you be ordained as a pastor/bishop and provide ID's, certificates of training and pay a fee (some lifetime some by the year). It will take a little investigating in the beginning on your part, but the payoff is wonderful. To be a help for others and a time of trouble/heartache and indicision is an awesome feeling. I have a certificate in the state of Virginia and had my training through a Church of God. I am not an ordained minister or a licensed counselor. I do grief ministry. I had a past experience with child loss and wish that I had someone to visit me. I can use that pain/experience to help someone else through the same thing. "compassion" Start with the basics---your pastor/bishop or another chaplain. Check state and local laws. Good luck and GOD bless.

Q: Anyone know a top Christian school to study Christian counseling (MFT)? ?
Hi Everyone, Quick question, I am interested in becoming a Christian Marriage and Family Therapist. I wondered if anyone knew of a good degree program or a top christian school known for it's achievement in this field? Any help would be great. Thanks

A: Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena has a strong reputation and and a beautiful campus. They have a school of psychology. http://www.fuller.edu/ Pepperdine in Malibu also offers the degree, and is very respected. The following Christian schools may also offer the program: Wheaton College Notre Dame Seattle University California Lutheran University Texas Christian University Southern Methodist University It's a noble field to go into. Good luck! : ) ~ Pax

Q: Christian male addicted to porn. please help. i need a christian counseling number...?
I hate looking at porn, im a christian male and i know that god is not happy. i really want to stop. do you know any christian counseling numbers or something to help me stop?? thanks so much, Thanks for giving me help!!

A: I admire you coming forth and confessing, and you admit it is wrong and hate it. This is the first step to healing. An addiction of any kind is a compulsive Dependant upon a substance, images, individual, or behavior that satisfies the flesh temporarily, never last and can cause many complications for self and all those involved in that individual's life. God loves you very much and He wants to help you be delivered completely from this addictive bondage. We need to learn to have high respect for God's creation of human beings. We also have to ask our self two question's, "what if this was my daughter or son" and "what would Jesus do in this matter?" Read the book of Genesis and meditate upon it with prayer. A female or male was created by God for one another to have a personal relationship with God, between themselves, and with one another to be a partner to build onto God's kingdom. Genesis 2:23-24 tells about the purpose of why He created a wife for a husband come together. I understand, I have compassion and sympathy for you and there is hope. We as Christian's have to be separated and not partakers of this world's negative behaviors and if that takes removing what is causing us to sin then this is what we have to do. We have three gates, eye, ears, and mouth. What we take into these gates is eventually what we become. What if we replaced what we take in with all of God's good stuff (nothing but positive things)? In Matthew 5:29; God tells us if there is something that causes us to form addictive behaviors, remove ourselves or remove what ever it maybe, so that it can not be a daily reminder to us and cause us to keep falling back. We have to have God fearing believers to uplift, encourage and help others to over come these weakness that hinder us from what God intended and truly purposed for our lives. My prayer for you is: Father; this Christian individual needs to know You love them and to be given a huge portion of strength to overcome this addictive bondage in their life, God You are a very merciful, sovereignty , and loving God, I think you with all my heart, soul and mind that You love us so much to guide, heal, and re mold us into the individuals we need to be for you, I ask Lord that You begin to finish the work You have started in this individual's life to restore their faith and mind as the mind of Your son Jesus Christ, I ask all this in Jesus Christ Holy Name, Amen.