The DIfference Between Christian and Secular Counseling
Genesis Counseling of Goldsboro believes that Christian counseling recognizes the divine truth of the Word of God. It understands that Scripture is the undeniable truth and that any approach to counseling must be consistent with these truths. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an evidenced based approach to many issues presented in counseling, purports that an individual's thoughts regarding a situation drive their feelings and behavior in response to the situation. Working with an individual to have them become aware of their thoughts and to recognize that they have the ability to change their perception or thoughts regarding a situation would then allow them to change their feelings and subsequent behaviors around the same situation. This is an example of a treatment approach which is consistent with the Word of God and can be seen in these supporting scriptures "As a man thinks so he is" (proverbs 23:7), "... and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5), " ... but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2) and "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy_ think about such things" (Philippians 4:8). Many approaches to counseling are NOT consistent with the Word of God and may even result in growing away from God. Any approach to counseling that recognizes the need for consistency with Scripture will help not only help with the issue that brought you to counseling but will naturally deepen your relationship with Christ. This is just a small sample of what makes Christain Counseling different from secular counseling and maybe even a Christian counselor.