How is Christian Counseling different from Secular Counseling?
Christian counseling is faith-based counseling. The counseling process is seen from a biblical point of view. Christian counselors believe that the Bible and a person’s relationship with God has solutions to most of their problems. The goals of Christian counseling are to help you build and trust your relationship with God.
Secular/traditional counseling is science-based. Secular counselors do not normally focus on religious or spiritual healing. Their goal is to provide comfort to their client through scientifically proven techniques.
Which form of therapy is right for me?
The good news is that you don’t really have to choose. If you are seeing a Faith-Based Counselor, they are equipped and trained to provide traditional therapy techniques as you need them. If you are seeing a traditional or secular therapist and decide you need to discuss issues of faith, they will listen and guide you on your journey. At Psych Associates, all of our therapists pride themselves on listening to YOU and meeting YOUR needs rather than pushing any agenda from any particular religion or spiritual tradition.
Christian counseling in Springfield, MO combines professional mental health therapy with a faith-based perspective. Counselors integrate Biblical principles and spiritual values into their sessions while still using evidence-based techniques like CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. The goal is not solely symptom relief, but also spiritual growth and healing in relationship with God.
Christian counseling is a good fit for people in Springfield who want their spiritual beliefs to be part of their healing process—whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflict, marital issues, or purpose questions. It also works well if you’re coming from a Christian background and want a counselor who respects and incorporates your faith into therapy. Psych Associates Springfield emphasizes meeting you “where you are,” whether faith is central or emerging.
Christian counseling in Springfield, MO can help with a wide variety of challenges, including:
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Mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma
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Marriage and family strain or parenting issues
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Grief, loss, and spiritual doubts
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Life transitions—career, identity, purpose
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Forgiveness, self-esteem, and moral or ethical dilemmas
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Support through spiritual growth and aligning life choices with faith values
Yes—at Psych Associates Springfield and similar practices, Christian counselors are also licensed mental health professionals (LPCs, psychologists, etc.). When choosing a Christian counselor in Springfield, check for: proper licensure, experience with issues relevant to you, how they integrate faith into therapy, patient reviews in the Springfield/Ozarks area, and whether they offer flexible formats (in-person, telehealth). It’s important that they not impose faith but support you in a way that complements your beliefs.