Maya
What are the pros and cons of both biblical counseling and secular counseling?
#psychology #biblicalcounseling #counseling
3 answers
Dr. Ray Finn
Dr. Ray’s Answer
Dear Maya,
Your question is an interesting one. I am not a religious person and generally deal with people's problems from a secular point of view. However many of my clients have strong religious beliefs and I am willing to work within these beliefs when possible. Some prospective clients specifically ask for a Christian counselor, and I refer them to other providers. I certainly think there is a need for these counselors; I just do not want to be one of them.
One situation that can present problems is a client's beliefs about the morality of divorce and a wife's duty to "submit" to her husband. I have seen Christian counselors persuade spouses to stay in physically dangerous relationships and I am totally opposed to this. Another problem can be when a woman is dealing with an unwanted pregnancy. In my opinion all counselors have an obligation to help these women make the best choices for themselves, within the framework of their own beliefs.
I hope these brief comments give you something to think about. Good luck in pursuing your career choices.
Ray Finn, Ph.D.
Thank you so much! Your insight is definitely helpful! I agree that regardless of a counselor's religion, they should always encourage the client to choose options that are better for them and keep them safe. Thanks again for answering my questions!
Maya
Vakia Robinson
Vakia’s Answer
This is a great question! I wouldn't necessarily view them as having pros or cons. Instead I would aim for versatility in your practice. You'll have a larger clientele base if you allow clients of different backgrounds. Some people take solace in faith-based counseling while others may find more comfort in practicality. Unless you plan to market yourself as solely a biblical counselor or vice versa, I wouldn't worry so much about the pros and cons of each.
Sikawayi Williams
Sikawayi’s Answer
The biggest con I have found in biblical counseling is with couples who are spritely at different levels, the questions range from if we are engaged is it ok to start sleeping together? The answer is no it is not ok to have per marital sex. I would encourage any couple to seek out the right counselor for both parties I have seen more people lose relationships
because there not truthful with each other or the counselor.
Now I have found that it seems easier to tell a securer counselor about your feelings about things you may view as wrong, but you don't tell the counselor (biblical) about it because you feel you will be judged. So, the largest pro is you feel free to talk openly with the counselor. The con would be the securer counselor will give you the ok no matter what you do.