Can Christians go to therapy? Faith and counselling

If you are a Christian, you might wonder whether seeing a counsellor means you do not trust God enough. Perhaps someone has told you to pray more instead.

The short answer is yes, Christians can go to therapy. Prayer and professional help can work together.

What the Bible says about getting help

The Bible puts a high value on wise counsel.

“Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.” (Proverbs 15:22, NKJV)

Proverbs also says that counsel in a person’s heart is like deep water, and someone with understanding will draw it out (Proverbs 20:5). That is a good description of what a skilled listener does.

Jesus said that it is those who are sick who need a doctor (Luke 5:31). Christians are told to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). James links confessing to each other and praying for each other with being healed (James 5:16). In each case, help comes through other people.

What happens in therapy

The NHS describes counselling as talking to a therapist about how you feel and what you have been through. The therapist listens and helps you find your own solutions to problems. Other talking therapies on the NHS include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), where a therapist helps you make changes to how you think and act (NHS).

A good counsellor will respect your faith. The Association of Christians in Counselling and Linked Professions (ACC) says many of its counsellors are skilled in talking about faith and spirituality. Where it is relevant, they can bring a client’s religious worldview into their work (ACC).

Getting therapy on the NHS

If you live in England and are 18 or over (16 or over in some areas), you can refer yourself to NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression without speaking to a GP. You do not need a diagnosis (NHS). These services can help with things like low mood, worry, panic attacks and PTSD.

For some conditions, including eating disorders and bipolar disorder, you will usually need a GP to refer you. If you are not sure what you need, a GP can advise you. The NHS also says talking therapies are sometimes free through an employer or a university (NHS).

Finding a private counsellor

In the UK, anyone can call themselves a counsellor or psychotherapist and set up in private practice (BACP). So check before you book.

The NHS says that if you choose a private therapist, make sure they are registered with a professional organisation accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) (NHS).

BACP

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) runs a Therapist Directory of over 18,000 private therapists. Only registered or accredited BACP members can advertise on it. You search by the reason you want help and where you would like to see someone (BACP). You can also check whether a therapist is on the BACP Register, which is accredited by the PSA (BACP Register).

ACC

If you would like a counsellor who shares your faith, the ACC holds a national register of counsellors who are Christian, and that register is accredited by the PSA. The ACC was founded in 1992 as the Association of Christian Counsellors and changed its name in 2022 (ACC).

ACC counsellors work with people of all faiths and none, and the ACC says they will not impose their own beliefs on anyone (ACC). Its website has a Find a professional search, and a way to check whether a particular counsellor is on its register (ACC). The ACC is clear that neither it nor its members offer crisis services (ACC).

Questions to ask before you start

• Are you on a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority?
• What training and experience do you have? The ACC suggests talking this through with your therapist.
• How do you work with clients who have a faith?
• What do you charge, and is there a charge for missed sessions? The ACC says counsellors in private practice usually charge a fee, and advises checking charges early (ACC).

Faith and healing together

Therapy and faith both ask you to be honest about what is going on inside. For more on where healing starts, read What is emotional healing, and where do you start? and Covering is not healing. Talking with a counsellor can also help you think through healthy boundaries as a Christian.

Thandie’s 2023 YouTube series, The Importance of Emotional Healing, has guests talking about experiences such as foster care and loss. You can find it on the watch page.

If you need help now

• If your life is at risk, or you do not feel you can keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E (NHS).
• For urgent help with your mental health, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or use 111 online.
• Call Samaritans free on 116 123, at any time of day or night.
• Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support by text, 24 hours a day (Shout).

For more honest conversations about faith and healing, listen to Tea Time With Thandie.