Can I Trust a Therapist With My Faith? What to Look for in a Spiritually Integrated Counselor
Is Therapy Safe for My Faith?
Many Christians hesitate to pursue therapy—not because they don't need help, but because they're unsure if a counselor will respect their beliefs. Everyone has beliefs, you and your therapist. The best fit for you may be a counselor who shares your core beliefs. However, any therapist should respect your beliefs even if they differ from theirs. But if you've ever wondered:
"Will I be pressured to compromise my faith?"
"What if my therapist doesn't understand Christian values?"
"Isn't Scripture supposed to be enough?"
You're not alone—and your concern is valid.
The truth is: not all therapy is spiritually safe. But not all therapy ignores faith, either.
In Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy, your faith is not sidelined—it's central. I hope to answer some of your hard and scary questions about faith in counseling and empower you to find the right therapist for you!
Here's how to find a therapist who can honor your walk with God while guiding your emotional healing.
Look for a Therapist Who Welcomes, Not Tolerates, Faith
Some counselors will say, "I'm open to whatever beliefs you have," but what you really want is someone who says:
"Your faith matters to your healing—and I'm here to support it." There is a difference between someone who will respect your faith and someone who will help your faith grow. If you consider yourself spiritual, religious, or in a relationship with God, and you are looking for a therapist, ask yourself:
Do they explicitly mention working with Christians or integrating spirituality?
Do they share what they believe?
Do they view faith as a strength, not a symptom?
Will prayer, Scripture, or spiritual practices be respected or encouraged in sessions?
A good spiritually integrated therapist sees your relationship with Christ as foundational, not just "cultural context." And sometimes it takes someone who has faith and a personal relationship of their own to help guide you and strengthen your relationship with God.
Ask About Their Training in Spiritually Integrated Therapy
Not all 'Christian therapists' are trained in integration - and not all Spiritually Integrated therapists are grounded in Scripture. Depending on your spiritual beliefs, you may want someone with a degree or certification in Bible, Theology, Spirituality, or from your specific religious group. Or this may look like having experience in:
Christian counseling or pastoral care
Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy (e.g., ACPE, CAPS, or seminary-informed training)
Ethical frameworks for integrating faith in mental health settings
'How do I know?' you ask. First, look at their website, read their about section. See if they share what they believe or what credentials they have. Or ask them directly:
"How do you incorporate Christian beliefs into your therapeutic work?"
As someone who values your faith walk, you deserve a counselor who can fluently speak both psychological language and biblical truth (all the while speaking in normal human terms).
Clarify What "Christian" Means in Their Practice
Not every therapist who says they're Christian integrates faith in the room. Sometimes it's simply marketing, or a culturally acceptable way of saying, "Christian people can come here too!"
How this plays out can be different for each counselor. Some keep it private and choose not to disclose. Others will only address it if you bring it up.
How can you clarify? Ask!
Do they bring a biblical worldview into treatment goals?
Do they pray with clients (if requested)?
Do they have theological literacy or just personal belief?
A Christian therapist should not only believe in Jesus but also know how to honor His presence in your healing process. While they aim to be ethical and responsible to never push their faith on you, they should also respect and lean into your faith as much as you want for your therapeutic treatment.
Watch for Red Flags That Signal Misalignment
'How can I know before spending months in therapy if it's the right fit?" you ask. Here are a few signs a therapist might not be a good fit for spiritually integrated work:
They dismiss prayer or Scripture as "positive thinking"
They redirect conversations about God back to you instead of exploring them
They pressure you toward values that contradict your faith (e.g., relativism, self-idolatry)
They imply your spiritual concerns are pathology (e.g., "Your guilt is just anxiety" without exploring conviction)
Therapy should never lead you away from Christ. It should lead you closer to His healing and truth. Don't shy away from sharing who you are or what you believe in therapy. And find a therapist who supports you and your spiritual convictions.
Remember: Healing and Holiness Go Hand-in-Hand
You don't have to choose between a healthy mind and a holy life. God designed your mind, and he wants what's best for you! Your faith is lived out in your life, every part of it!
A truly integrated counselor will support:
Biblical truth and emotional honesty
Prayer and practical tools
Spiritual growth and soul-level healing
Faith-informed therapy isn't less clinical. It doesn't mean ignoring proven methods in trade for "woo-woo spirituality." Instead, it means sitting with someone who sees and cares for all of you and your values, helping you keep Christ at the center of your life!
Ready to Begin Therapy That Honors Your Beliefs?
If you've been waiting for the "right kind" of therapist—someone who values both emotional wisdom and biblical faith—you're not asking too much. You're asking for alignment.
📅 Book a free 30-minute consultation
Let's explore if CBW Counseling is the right fit for your story, your values, and your healing journey.
Coming Next:
"How Prayer and Psychology Work Together in the Therapy Room" – Discover how spiritual practices and emotional tools can support your healing process.
