Article
Is it okay for a Christian to go to counseling?
Many women hesitate not because they doubt counseling, but because they wonder what it says about their faith.
The short answer
Seeking counseling is not a failure of faith. Faith and professional care are not competing options, and needing help from another person is an ordinary part of being human rather than evidence of spiritual weakness.
The fear underneath the question
Some women were taught, directly or by implication, that prayer and Scripture should be sufficient and that needing more means something is wrong with their belief.
That framing tends to keep people suffering quietly. Christians see physicians without any sense of betrayal. Care for the mind and the heart is not a different category.
How the two work together
- Counseling addresses patterns, history, skills and the practical work of change.
- Faith addresses who God is and who you are to him.
- Neither replaces the other, and they often reinforce each other.
- You can bring your faith fully into counseling, or keep it out.
- Nothing about your beliefs will be assumed.
How Lori holds this
Lori Rasmussen is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and a certified spiritual director. Faith is an invitation in her office rather than a requirement, and clients of any belief or none are welcome.
Common questions
Will I be told to pray more?
No. You will be listened to first, and faith will be included at whatever level you choose.
Does Lori only see Christians?
No. All women and female students are welcome.
Is counseling biblical?
Christians hold a range of views. Lori works professionally and respects your own convictions rather than arguing them.
Learn more about Christian counseling with Lori with Lori, or browse all articles on Christian counseling.
Written by Lori Rasmussen, LISW, a Licensed Independent Social Worker licensed in the State of Iowa and a Certified Spiritual Director. Lori counsels women and female students in Waterloo, Iowa and online across Iowa. Articles here are meant to help you understand what you may be experiencing; they are not a diagnosis and they do not take the place of care from a professional who knows your story.
Reaching out can be the first step.
You don't need to know exactly what to say, or have anything figured out, before you contact Lori.
Or email rasmussencounselingandsd@gmail.com