Find the Best Christian Marriage Counseling
How to Find the Best Christian Marriage Counseling
The four most critical factors for you to consider in selecting the best Christian Marriage Counselor for you are first, does the counselor profess to be a Christian himself or herself? Second, does she/he have sufficient training, experience, and qualifications in Christian counseling? Third, does the counselor have specific experience working with similar situations, problems, and issues you are facing in your marriage? And fourth, does the counselor counsel from a Christian perspective that is biblically sound?
Simply saying one is a Christian counselor because she or he offers advice at their local church, or is a member of the clergy, does not mean they uphold Christian values and methodology in practice. Many counseling firms offer the services of Licensed Professional Counselors. However, even these credentials should be combined with a practicing faith in Christ and a commitment to biblical Christian values. Otherwise, couples needing effective Christian counseling will be at a loss. It is important when looking for a Christian marriage counselor, the professional should be qualified to counsel. The counselor should also have the faith necessary to offer biblical solutions to the problems married couples face today.
Qualifications to Look For
Overall there are many things you can look for when trying to find the best Christian Marriage Counselors. Here are a few questions to help you determine if the organization you are considering is suitable for your specific needs:
- Is the experience and credentials of the counselors adequate to meet your needs?
- Does the counselor have any affiliations or professional endorsements from accredited Christian associations?
- Has the counselor received degrees from accredited Christian universities?
- Does the counselor have substantial experience related to your specific needs?
- Is the counselor in good standing within their local church?
- Can the counselor tell you they are happily married?
- Is the counseling firm reputable?
- Does the counselor have adequate experience working with couples facing a crisis in their marriages?
- Does the counselor have a proven track record of “success” with married couples?
- Is the counselor recognized as an authority in their field by other professionals?
- Does the counselor frequent public speaking engagements on the issues of marital issues and Christian marriage counseling?
- Has the counselor authored any books or publications supporting Christian marriage counseling?
These questions should be helpful to you in your pursuit to find a qualified Christian marriage counselor professional. Another key point, perhaps the most important thing to consider is whether or not the counselor you are interviewing has a like faith.
The Importance of God in Christian Counseling
Many people who claim to be Christian marriage counselors are not necessarily even Christians. Some practice counseling and have purely academic knowledge of the Bible, yet do not practice their faith. Similarly, they might report to offer Christian Marriage Counseling services and still not have a personal relationship with God, our Creator, the One who designed man and marriage, the Author of the Bible. For this reason, it is essential that when a person is seeking a legitimate Christian marriage counseling service they ask questions regarding the counselors’ faith, church affiliation, and involvement.
God’s Word is sufficient to address the real-life issues we face today. God’s Word is sufficient, necessary, and relevant to equip God’s people to address the complex issues of life in a broken world. Your Christian Counselor should have a working knowledge of the scriptures, principles, and directives of God as recorded in the Scriptures. With this knowledge, he or she may also incorporate any truths they have acquired through Christian training. These truths may be helpful and useful to you or your family by way of therapeutic intervention.
All truth is God’s truth. Although modern psychological concepts and interventions are considered theoretical, we know as a fact that Scripture is inerrant. Scripture is also profitable for correction and instruction. These important tools in the hands of an experienced Christian Counselor or therapist facilitate meeting the needs of any person. What.s more, these tools will help you when seeking guidance and wisdom regarding personal and marital issues.
The Christian Counselor and God's Wisdom
The best Christian counselor commits to providing distinctively Christian Counseling. Experience has shown when a client and his or her Christian Counselor earnestly seek God’s wisdom the counselor is equipped to provide sound biblical counsel for you and your situation. Additionally, if you are willing to receive and follow God’s wisdom the counselor will be equipped to provide you with the best understanding and insights to most effectively deal with your marital issues.
Many Christian marriage counselors will offer valuable resources through their websites. There you can find useful articles ranging from practical marriage advice to Christian marriage living. Cornerstone Marriage & Family Ministries offers Intensive Christian Marriage Retreats. Stay current with the latest articles and updates on their Facebook Page. You can also find reputable counselors in your area through the American Association of Christian Counselors which offers valuable resources as well.
For more information on these resources and more, please feel free to contact us.