What is Christian counselling and psychotherapy?
Christian counselling is a varied field. There are different emphases within the various Christian counselling traditions, and some approaches are more at ease than others in drawing on insights from secular theory and practice.
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As an accredited counsellor and psychotherapist, I am qualified and skilled in using the same methods as many counsellors and psychotherapists in the NHS (see My Qualifications).
As a Christian with over a decade of ministry experience in pastoral care, discipleship and cross-cultural missions, I also see faith as a part of my work. I am able to incorporate theology and faith through my many years of experience in working with people's heart wounds.
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At Renewal Christian Counselling and Psychotherapy, my primary goal is to help you be restored to psychological and mental health, whatever that might look like for you. You can always choose whether or not we use particular interventions or approaches in counselling. As an integrative therapist, I tailor my approach to each client.​
What if I'm not a Christian?
As a counsellor, I meet with people from many backgrounds including people with faith and people with none. Although I am a Christian, I do not expect those I meet with to hold the same beliefs. I will only include Christian faith in counselling to the extent to which you feel comfortable. In our first conversation, we will talk about your relationship to faith and agree on an approach that best suits you.
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Why Christian counselling and psychotherapy?
I believe that Christian counselling and psychotherapy can be a rich and powerful way of helping to care for the whole person, rather than just considering thoughts or feelings alone. If faith is a central part of your life, it is really helpful to have a therapist who holds similar values to you and can talk with you about your challenges in life while respecting and encouraging your faith.
Christian counselling and psychotherapy can help you process your trauma and pain while also caring for the impact that your experiences have had on your relationship with God and others. This may be particularly helpful if you have suffered or been harmed by churches or Christian leaders in your past.
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What about an ethical code and statement of faith?
Details about the framework and ethics of Christian counselling as well as a basic statement of faith can be found on the Association of Christian Counsellors website here.
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