Christian Counseling Degree Programs: Are they what you’re looking for?

• Do you want to help other people overcome their emotional or psychological challenges?

• Do you believe that faith is an integral part of the health and well-being of each and every person’s life?

• Do you believe that therapy is most effective when combined with religious counseling?

• Do you want to be a witness to God’s Word while you counsel?

• Do you believe that many of the difficulties and anxieties we face in modern life come from not paying enough attention to what God instructs?

• Do you believe that the Bible is the first and best resource we can turn to in times of difficulty?

If these things are true for you, then Christian counseling degree programs can help you meet your goals. Christian counseling degree programs, which are offered online and on campus at many Christian schools, focus on combining the theories and methods used in traditional psychoanalysis with what the Bible has to teach us about living our lives as God instructs.

Christian counseling degree programs aren’t for everyone. You must be very strong in your own faith-inspired-to take on the responsibility of ministering to others and helping them strengthen their own faith. And Christian counseling degree programs require you to study in-depth material on psychological research and case studies, and apply this learning to your counseling methods.

Consider your career goals carefully when you choose which program to enroll in. Many states have specific guidelines for certifying therapists and counselors, and require special licensing. Some Christian counseling degree programs can help you meet those requirements, either directly or through additional services.

Christian counseling is a powerful way to answer God’s call, and a heavy responsibility-be sure you are ready for what it requires!