Find a Christian Therapist

What Christian counselling is and how it can affect people

Christian counselling brings together professional psychological care and an awareness of Christian faith, belief and practice. For many people faith is central to identity, relationships and meaning, while for others it may be a source of struggle or doubt. Counselling that considers faith can help you explore how beliefs shape emotions, choices and relationships without assuming a particular outcome. Issues people bring to Christian counsellors often include spiritual doubt, painful experiences within a church community, grief, moral uncertainty, relational conflict and the impact of trauma on belief. These concerns can affect daily life, making it harder to cope with stress, maintain relationships or feel at peace with yourself and your faith.

Signs you might benefit from faith-informed therapy

You might consider looking for a Christian counsellor if you notice ongoing feelings of guilt or shame related to your faith, or if you are wrestling with doubts that interfere with daily routines and relationships. If a change in belief or a crisis of faith has left you feeling isolated or disconnected from your usual supports, therapy can provide a space to make sense of that experience. You may also find it useful if you are recovering from harm experienced in a religious setting, navigating questions about sexuality or identity in relation to belief, or trying to reconcile professional or family expectations with personal convictions. Persistent low mood, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or repeated conflict with people close to you that seems tied to spiritual issues are common reasons people seek faith-informed help. It is also appropriate to seek counselling when you face major life transitions and want to explore them in the context of Christian values and community.

What to expect in Christian-focused therapy sessions

In an initial session you can expect the counsellor to ask about your current concerns, personal history and what role faith plays in your life. This first meeting is usually an opportunity to decide whether the therapist's style and values are a good fit for you. Subsequent sessions often involve exploring thoughts and feelings connected to your faith, identifying patterns that contribute to distress, and finding ways to move forward that honour your beliefs. A faith-informed counsellor will typically invite you to bring your own spiritual resources into the work if you wish, such as prayer, scripture reflection or community practices, while also using established psychological methods to address symptoms and behaviours. You should be told about the counsellor's professional registration and training, their therapeutic approach and the practical details of sessions including length, fees and cancellation policies. If you have safeguarding concerns or immediate risk, the counsellor will follow professional procedures and discuss appropriate support options with you.

The role of faith in sessions

Your faith might be central to what you talk about, or it may be one of several factors influencing your experience. A Christian counsellor can help you explore theological questions and spiritual struggles alongside emotional ones, paying attention to how beliefs shape your sense of meaning and moral decision-making. That can include examining how congregational relationships affect your wellbeing and thinking through the interplay between faith practices and mental health. Whether you want a counsellor who shares your denomination or someone with a more general faith-sensitive approach, it is useful to be clear at the outset about how you would like faith to be integrated into therapy.

Common therapeutic approaches used in Christian counselling

Faith-informed therapists often draw on a range of evidence-based approaches to suit the needs of the person in front of them. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical tools to manage anxiety or low mood, while acceptance and commitment therapy may be used to explore values and purposeful living in a faith context. Person-centred work prioritises your experience and autonomy, creating a space where your spiritual life is heard without judgement. Narrative therapy can be particularly helpful when faith-related stories - about sin, forgiveness or identity - need re-examining so that they no longer limit your life. Trauma-focused therapies provide structured ways to work with painful experiences that may have occurred inside or outside religious settings. Some counsellors practise an integrative model, combining theological reflection with psychological techniques to help you align spiritual convictions with emotional wellbeing. It is common for therapists to explain the rationale for their chosen approach and to adapt methods to fit your cultural and denominational background.

How online faith-informed therapy works

Online counselling offers an accessible way to connect with a therapist who understands Christian perspectives, especially if specialist practitioners are not available locally. Sessions typically take place by video call, telephone or secure messaging, and they follow the same professional standards as face-to-face work. When you choose online therapy you will want to consider practical matters such as the technology required, a private place to meet and a reliable internet connection. Many people find online sessions easier to fit around work and family life, and they can allow you to see a therapist from a different region who has relevant experience with faith issues. If you are arranging online therapy, check how the counsellor manages safety, confidentiality of records and emergency contact procedures within the UK context, and discuss what will happen if a session needs to be rescheduled or ended early due to technical difficulties. You can also ask how spiritual practices might be adapted for online work, for example by using reflective texts or structured exercises between sessions.

Tips for choosing the right Christian counsellor

Start by thinking about what matters most to you - whether you prefer a counsellor who shares your Christian tradition, or someone who is faith-sensitive without belonging to the same denomination. Look for practitioners who are registered with recognised UK bodies such as BACP, HCPC or NCPS and who are transparent about their training and areas of specialism. Read practitioner profiles to learn about their therapeutic approach, experience with faith-related issues and how they work with matters like confidentiality, safeguarding and data protection. Consider practical factors like session format, fees, availability and whether you want short-term or longer-term work. It is appropriate to ask for an initial consultation to meet the counsellor and discuss your expectations; this conversation will give you a sense of rapport and whether their values and methods feel right for you. Trust your judgement - the relationship with your counsellor is a key part of the work, and feeling comfortable to explore faith and feelings together is important for progress.

Questions to ask during an initial conversation

When you contact a counsellor, it can be helpful to ask about their experience with the particular issues you face, how they integrate faith into therapy, and whether they have worked with people from your cultural or denominational background. You may also want to clarify practicalities such as session length, cancellation policy and the process for escalating concerns. If you have specific pastoral needs or are engaged with a church community, discuss how the counsellor views collaboration with pastoral figures and whether they are willing to work alongside other supports while maintaining professional boundaries. Asking these questions early helps set clear expectations and ensures that the therapeutic relationship begins with mutual understanding.

Finding the right Christian counsellor is a personal process. By reflecting on your priorities, checking professional registration and arranging an initial conversation you can choose a practitioner who honours your faith while offering skilled psychological support. Therapy can be a place to explore belief, heal from spiritual harm and develop ways of living that reflect both psychological health and spiritual conviction.