Integrating Faith and Mental Health: Christian Counseling in Spencerport, NY
Early on in my private practice, I was tabling at a street fair in an effort to drum up business. I told a gentleman that I was a counselor as he was passing by. He told me he didn’t need counseling. He had the Lord. I didn’t have time to tell him, “Wait! I also have Jesus, and I offer Christian counseling!” In one way, I get it. I know that God has everything I need and offers me everything I need. In addition, if I were to guess (and I’d feel pretty confident), I’d say 70-80% of mental health therapists not only have quite liberal viewpoints, but also may not support me as a Christian in the way that I’d like. I want a therapist who shares my faith, and like that gentleman, knows that neither she nor I have the answers apart from Christ. Here’s the thing, though…God made us in community to support each other – iron sharpening iron – to help each other, to mentor each other, to teach each other. Just like I might go to my elder/a leader in my church for godly counsel, I could also see a Christian counselor, who is filled with the Holy Spirit AND has mental health training. Both are helpful and good when submitted to the Lordship of Christ.
So do we really need to talk to a mental health counselor as a Christian? The short answer: No. The longer answer – all we NEED is Jesus. But He didn’t put us on this earth to live life and navigate our faith alone. He gave His children a variety of gifts and He wants us to help each other. When I’m struggling, having a hard time hearing from God, or letting go of sin, a godly counselor who is in a healthier place in his/her faith can remind me what the Word says about my situation. S/he can ask me what the Word says, is at this moment more attuned to the Holy Spirit, and can share from his/her experiences in the faith. It’s of course important to make sure the counselor you’re considering seeing is in fact a Christian, filled with the Holy Spirit, and fully believes and lives according to the Word of God. It’s not enough that their profile on Psychology Today says, “Christian.” Just like with any other counselor and client, each person is making sure that the other is a “good fit.” Sometimes a consult call can be helpful. Ask where they go to church, what they believe, when they got saved, how they will conduct sessions. Look up the doctrine of their church or visit it if it will make your more comfortable during the decision process.
When we make important decisions, it is best to not do so flippantly. We want to do some research and ensure that we are being good stewards in how we spend our money, but also – therapy is a place of vulnerability. We are allowing ourselves to be open, exposing our most sensitive selves. In order to not cast our pearls before swine, we need to be certain the person sitting across from us is safe and will treat us and our private issues as precious as God intended them to be treated.
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Clinician Bio
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and owner of Beyond Sessions Mental Health Counseling Services PLLC, I help individuals work to gain the confidence and skills needed to improve their lives. Specializing in Adulting, ADHD, Binge Eating, Self-Esteem/Assertiveness, Tech/Phone Addiction, and Christian Counseling, I partner with adults of all ages who feel overwhelmed and are looking for freedom and empowerment. Whether we meet in person at my Spencerport, NY office or connect online throughout New York State, my goal is to help you gain control of what is yours to steward, to equip you with practical coping skills, and to witness you finally step into your genuine self.