WHAT IS AND IS NOT CHRISTIAN COUNSELING?
Gary Collins, in his book “Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide (1988),” outlines four key points that suggest Christian counseling is different from non-Christian or secular counseling. First, he states that Christian counselors have “unique assumptions,” which means they have particular viewpoints on sin, human nature, God, His interaction with the world and hope for the future, to cite a few examples. Second, Christian counselors have “unique goals.” Their goals include helping others to develop spiritually and not just psychologically as with secular counseling. Third, Christian counselors have “unique methods.” They do not subscribe to techniques or methods that would be Biblically wrong. Further, Christian counseling often includes the use of prayer and Scripture. Finally, Christian counselors have “unique characteristics.” They attempt to be Christ-like in all their ways, both personally and professionally. Christian counselors understand that traits like genuine love, em
