Christian Counseling provides counseling services integrating psychological principles with biblical truths. It can help an individual to address or navigate life s challenges by learning how to apply Christian values and principles from the context of their faith.
The main difference between Therapists and Christian Counselors are their education, licensure, practices approach, this can be discussed during consultation or initial appointment.
As a Christian and a therapist, I understand the importance of faithbased counseling. Integrating Christian principles into therapy can promote deep healing and growth. We are more than just body and mind; our spiritual lives are equally important. The Word of God, the Bible, provides us with guidance on how to live a life full of beautiful memories, but also how to navigate the challenges and trials that inevitably come our way. It can be difficult to face these struggles alone, but with faith based counseling, individuals can find the support and wisdom they need to thrive.
Though the Bible doesn t use the word depression except in a few translations and verses, it s often referenced by other similar words, such as downcast, brokenhearted, troubled, miserable, despairing, and mourning, among others. Throughout the Word, there are several stories about godly, influential men and women of faith, who struggled and battled through dark times of hopelessness and depression. Many of us may find ourselves struggling there today.
In many of the Psalms, he writes of his anguish, loneliness, fear of the enemy, his heart-cry over sin, and the guilt he struggled with because of it. We also see his huge grief in the loss of his sons in 2 Samuel 12:15-23 and 2 Samuel 12:18-33. In other places, David s honesty with his own weaknesses gives hope to us who struggle today:
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Ps. 42:11
After great spiritual victories over the prophets of Baal, this mighty man of God feared and ran for his life, far away from the threats of Jezebel. And there in the desert, he sat down and prayed, defeated and worn:
I have had enough Lord, he said. Take my life, I am not better than my ancestors. 1 Kings 19:4.
After God called Jonah to go to Nineveh to preach to the people, He preached God s message to the people of Nineveh. God s mercy reached out to all people who turned to Him. But instead of rejoicing, Jonah got mad:
Now O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live. Jonah 4: 3
This righteous man of God lost literally everything. Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?” Job 3:11.
He knew what was to come. He knew that God had called him to a journey of great suffering. We can be assured that in whatever we face, Jesus understands our weakness and suffering.
As you can see many characters from the Bible including Jesus did struggle, so as a believer it s time to normalize asking for help, don t let your own doubts get in the way of becoming mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthier.
Ori Hope Counseling is here to help you navigate these difficulties with the guidance of the word of God, the Bible. Christian counseling services are provided in the Houston/Cypress area, In-person or by Telehealth across Texas in English and Spanish.
